Texas State Health Plan: 1987-88, Appendix A Page: 8
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CHAPTER V - HEALTH PROMOTION/HEALTH EDUCATION
SUBJECT AREA BACKGROUND
The goal of health promotion is to establish society - wide norms that
apply to decreasing specific illness problems and furthering health
objectives. Health education, a component of health promotion, is defined
as any combination of learning experiences designed to facilitate
voluntary adaptions of behavior conducive to health.
While health promotion efforts are increasing in Texas, the state lacks a
comprehensive approach towards identifying needs, planning, and
implementing health promotion programs. Currently, an interim study by
the Senate Subcommittee on Health Services under Senator Carlos Truan, is
addressing health promotion efforts in Texas. The subcommittee, working
closely with the Center for Health Promotion, U.T. Health Science Center
at Houston, is examining and assessing health promotion efforts in the
state. The Subcommittee will make recommendations to the 70th Legislature
on ways to improve the health promotion system in Texas.
Barriers to health promotion and health education efforts do exist. Since
the benefits of healthy lifestyles may not be apparent for many years, the
cost savings of effective health promotion programs are difficult to
demonstrate. Because these benefits of health promotion activities are
not well recognized by policy makers and legislators, appropriations for
health promotion and disease prevention activities have been minimal in
the past.
Current funding for preventive health programs is a small portion of total
health expenditures. Scarce resources are available for aiding
communities to establish health promotion programs. The interim study on
health promotion by the Senate Subcommittee on Health Services is
attempting to identify where funding might be redirected to health
promotion efforts. The present fiscal climate in the state, with state
oil revenues falling and federal dollars decreasing due to the Gramm-
Rudman-Hollings bill, presents an even bleaker future outlook for health
promotion appropriations.
Resolution of this issue, however, could potentially determine
appropriations and support for health promotion activities statewide. It
could initiate a shift in funding and emphasis from secondary and tertiary
care programs to preventive programs.
Another barrier to generalized acceptance of health promotion activities,
is the common perception that health promotion is aimed at the affluent.
Special efforts must be made by public institutions and private entities
to provide appropriate health promotion services to special populations,
such as low income, minority, and elderly Texans. This is particularly
true in Texas, with its tri-ethnic population, wide range of socioeconomic
classes, and large elderly population.
Additionally, the current structure of the health insurance system lacks
incentives for companies and individuals to invest time and money in8
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Texas. Statewide Health Coordinating Council. Texas State Health Plan: 1987-88, Appendix A, report, 1986; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1586698/m1/14/: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.