UT Southwestern is committed to promoting health and a healthy society that enables the achievement of full human potential. Our collective work is guided by this mission across the three institutional pillars of an academic medical center – education, discovery, and healing.
Our Approach
UT Southwestern's Office of Community Health and Research Engagement aims to enhance health and wellness for all by:
- Bridging the gap between community members and resources available to them, including medical and social services and opportunities to participate in research that is relevant to their health concerns and conditions
- Creating and sustaining effective community-academic partnerships that foster trust.
Community Engagement Initiatives
HealthStreet
HealthStreet is a community outreach program that provides free health screenings, linkage to care and resources, and opportunities to participate in research.
North Texas Community Health Coalition
The North Texas Community Health Coalition is a network of multisector community organization leaders committed to improving the health and wellness of the North Texas community.
On the Horizon: Community Engagement Directory
Our Community Engagement Directory (CED) is an interactive database made up researchers and community organizations engaged in community-academic partnerships.
Our Team
Associate Professor, Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health
Director, Office of Community Health and Research Engagement
Farra Kahalnik, MPH, MSSW
Manager of Research Programs, Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health
Saundra Pennington, CHW
Program Manager of Public Education and Community Outreach, Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health
Libby Gracia, CHW
Community Outreach Coordinator, Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health
Carmen De Gonzalez, CHW
Community Outreach Specialist, Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health
April Parker, CHW
Community Outreach Specialist, Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health
