The Greater Houston Partnership’s Health Care Advisory Committee, chaired by Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, is taking significant steps to address challenges and opportunities facing the Houston health care sector.
At a recent meeting, the committee engaged in a fireside chat led by Dr. Porsa, the President and CEO of Harris Health System, highlighting critical trends that will shape the future of health care in the region.
The committee has identified key areas of focus for 2025, emphasizing the need to protect and expand health care coverage.
Dr. Porsa stressed the urgency of advocating for equitable health care access, especially for Houston’s large uninsured and underinsured populations.
He voiced concerns about potential rollbacks of Medicaid and ACA coverage, noting that more than 50% of children in Texas rely on Medicaid.
“Policy changes that reduce access would add to the uninsured population and severely impact vulnerable communities and the institutions that serve them,” Dr. Porsa warned.
In addition to coverage, mental and behavioral health emerged as another priority for the committee.
Dr. Porsa highlighted the growing need for mental health services, pointing to alarming increases in behavioral health issues across all age groups.
He emphasized the importance of initiatives such as the Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), advocating for early intervention to address these challenges.
“If we don’t invest in early intervention, we’re just chasing symptoms, not solving root problems,” Dr. Porsa explained.
Encouragement was expressed regarding the Partnership’s commitment to make mental health a priority, recognizing the role that the business community can play in fostering improvements in this area.
Another key focus of the committee is workforce development.
Dr. Porsa pointed out the critical need to support training and retention programs for primary care and behavioral health professionals, particularly in underserved areas throughout Texas.
“Workforce shortages are one of our greatest challenges. Without sustained investments in training and retention, we won’t have the people we need to meet future demand,” he emphasized.
The committee is also focusing on health care financing reform, advocating for transparency and updated systems that address the social determinants of health.
Dr. Porsa stated, “We need to educate lawmakers on the complexity of health care financing. Strategic conversations about innovation and accountability are critical for smarter policy decisions.”
Protecting research and innovation remains a cornerstone of the committee’s mission.
Dr. Porsa underscored the importance of maintaining robust research funding to secure the U.S.’s global leadership in medical advancements.
He warned, “If we lose research funding and leadership, it will take years to rebuild, and the impact on jobs, innovation, and competitiveness will be severe.”
Recognizing the intersection of health care and business, Dr. Porsa remarked on the necessity for business leaders to voice the data that informs health policies.
“Lawmakers want to do the right thing, but they aren’t always fully informed. That’s where we come in. It’s our responsibility to share the data and help shape better policy,” he stated.
He also expressed optimism about changing cultural attitudes towards health and wellness, noting the increasing awareness around tracking well-being and the use of technology for health monitoring.
However, he stressed that this awareness must lead to equitable access to care for all.
Looking ahead, the Partnership continues to solicit input and form working groups to navigate advocacy on these pressing issues.
With the involvement of engaged business and health leaders, Houston is positioning itself to spearhead solutions that enhance health care access, affordability, and innovation.
Dr. Porsa concluded by emphasizing the committee’s proactive approach, saying, “This committee is about action. It’s about asking how we, as leaders, can contribute not just within our organizations but across the community.”
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