Transforming Lubbock: City Council Approves Bold New Plan to Boost Public Health

Lubbock, Texas has a new plan to boost public health in the city. The city council recently approved the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which aims to address key health issues.

All council members, except for District 3’s David Glasheen, voted in favor of the plan. This decision follows a thorough Community Health Needs Assessment, which identified crucial areas to focus on. These areas include healthcare access, mental health, substance use, chronic diseases, sexually transmitted infections, and the coordination of health resources.

Mayor Mark McBrayer emphasized that while the report isn’t flawless, it provides a valuable guide for the health department. He stated, “Accepting this report doesn’t impose any obligations on us. It’s up to us to decide what public health initiatives we want to pursue.”

Initium Health was hired to develop the CHIP. They gathered insights through interviews with public health experts, surveys of the community, and listening sessions. This comprehensive approach helped define the city’s top health priorities.

“This is just the beginning for public health,” said Councilwoman Christy Martinez-Garcia. She believes the plan will help address existing gaps and improve health services in Lubbock.

However, Councilman Glasheen voiced concerns about the report’s methodology and its potential impact on future city budgets. He cautioned against duplicating services already provided by local hospitals like UMC. “It would cost Lubbock millions to replicate what they already do well,” he noted.

Supporting the report, Dr. Doug Klepper, a pediatrician at UMC, urged the council to consider the community’s broader needs. “We need more resources outside of what hospitals can provide,” he explained.

The Public Health Director, Katherine Wells, pointed out that the CHIP will assist in pursuing national accreditation for the health department. Currently, the city contributes $1.8 million to the department’s budget, while grant funding covers an additional $7 to $9 million. She believes accreditation could attract even more funding.

“This plan outlines our long-term goals as a community,” Wells added.

While Councilwoman Dr. Jennifer Wilson supported the plan, she raised concerns about the feasibility of its goals. She worried that citizens might question why certain targets aren’t met after the plan is approved.

Councilman Tim Collins highlighted the importance of setting ambitious goals for city initiatives. “Reaching every goal isn’t the main concern; it’s about the progress we make along the way,” he said.

Mayor McBrayer assured that any decisions made about the health department will align with the city’s objectives. “Accepting this report doesn’t mean we will implement everything in it,” he said.

Martinez-Garcia added a requirement that the council must meet by the end of March to discuss the report and its health priorities.