Center for Health Communication - UT Austin

The concept of the “Turn To” campaign conveys the idea of turning to healthy coping strategies (eg, family, friends, and activities) during difficult times, especially given the increased loneliness and isolation many are experiencing compared to pre-pandemic levels.

One of the largest public health interventions in Texas, it demonstrates a promising approach for fostering social connection through more open conversations about mental health challenges. Read our latest publication "Exposure to and Impact of a Mass Media Campaign Promoting Healthy Coping Strategies With Mental Health Challenges" in the American Journal of Health Promotion: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/08901171261452422

Congrats to Dr. Sophia Dove! While working on her Ph.D. at Moody College of Communication - UT Austin she has also been such a great contributor to our team for almost 4 years now.

We've been lucky to benefit from her theoretical perspective and hands-on approach to research across a variety of projects focused on cancer prevention, student health, and infectious disease communication. Her rigor and empathy translates to materials people want and need to make decisions about their health 🤘 🧡

📣 LAST CALL: Registration for 2026 closes on May 29.

✨ Our team is excited to host colleagues from around the world in Austin on June 10-12. Don't miss your chance to join us at the 12th annual Health Communication Leadership Institute! ✨

➡️ https://uthealthcomm.org/education/hcli

At , you're more than just a face in the crowd. Learn practical ways to apply best practices to your work and create community with other professionals who get it.

Don't miss this opportunity to find your people and reinvigorate your purpose. Register by May 29 to join us in Austin on June 10-12 for the 2026 Health Communication Leadership Institute: https://uthealthcomm.org/education/hcli

Need more time to get your travel approved? We’re extending the 2026 registration deadline to May 29th, so you can still join us in Austin on June 10-12! 🥳

🎤 📢 We’re also excited to announce some new health comm rockstars that have been added to the lineup. Emerging leaders Brooke Thadeus, MHA (healthadminlife) and Jordann Thomas, MBA, MPH (President, National Health Administration Fellowship Network) will be joining us on Day 2 to discuss how organizations can engage and build trust with new audiences on digital platforms.

➡️ Register for the Health Communication Leadership Institute today: https://uthealthcomm.org/education/hcli

🎤 isn't the only one with a great lineup this year. We’re very excited to announce Emily Ramshaw, Co-founder and CEO of The 19th News, as our 2026 closing keynote speaker!

⏰ Secure your spot before registration closes on May 15th. Check out some of the other sessions we have on the agenda for the Health Communication Leadership Institute on June 10-12: https://uthealthcomm.org/education/hcli

Moody College of Communication - UT Austin Dell Medical School - UT Austin

2026 Speaker Spotlight: Meet Dr. Grace Farris – mom, physician, and illustrator.

🎨 Dr. Farris shares her passion for art and medicine through fun, educational cartoons, and her work has been featured in top publications and international exhibits.

📚 She’s the author of several books, including Mom Milestones, More Than a Million, and a medical school graphic memoir – See One, Do One, Teach One.

🩺 An Associate Professor and hospitalist at Dell Medical School - UT Austin, she also completed a bioethics fellowship at Harvard Medical School and guest lectures in their Media and Medicine programs.

⏰ Early bird pricing ends May 14! Secure your spot today and join us in Austin on June 10-12 for the Health Communication Leadership Institute (HCLI): https://healthcomm.utexas.edu/education/hcli

We're excited to see our Center Director speak at this People's Community Clinic event! He'll join Emily Ramshaw, co-founder and CEO of The 19th News in discussing important health and policy topics with local leaders.

While there’s no such thing as a free lunch, there are people working every day to make sure health care isn’t out of reach.
Meet Michael Mackert, this year’s keynote speaker.

Mackert is a PHD, Director of the Center for Health Communication and professor at The University of Texas at Austin. He is dedicated to helping people better understand and act on health information, especially those facing significant barriers to accessing health care.

His work develops evidence-based communication strategies around issues like to***co cessation, opioid overdose prevention, and prenatal health.

Join People’s Community Clinic at their 30th annual There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch on May 11, to protect Central Texas access to high quality, affordable care for the community.

Because while lunch may not be free, compassionate care should never be out of reach. 💙

🎟️ Purchase tickets and sponsorships: https://bit.ly/4t0nUw5

Four Seasons Hotel Austin
May 11, 2026
11AM - 1PM

Featured 2026 Speaker: Workforce wellness expert Bryan Sexton, Ph.D.

🔎 Dr. Sexton’s work inspires and informs doctors and healthcare leaders who are passionate about fostering employee engagement, retention, and success.

📚 You may recognize his research cited in our two popular courses below taught by Dell Medical School - UT Austin doctors who are making major impacts on professional fulfillment.

🤘We’re excited to welcome this Longhorn alum back to campus as Moody College of Communication - UT Austin's annual John P. McGovern Lecture speaker during HCLI. (📌 Don’t forget: UT System faculty/staff get a discounted rate!)

🎤 Hear insights from his role as Director of the Duke Center for the Advancement of Well-being Science. What starts here, really does change the world.

⏰ Early bird pricing ends May 14! Secure your spot today and join us in Austin on June 10-12 for the Health Communication Leadership Institute (HCLI): https://healthcomm.utexas.edu/education/hcli

➡️ Browse our Health Communication Training Series (HCTS) courses: https://uthealthcomm.org/education/hcts

Duke Health Duke Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Duke University Hospital Duke University School of Medicine

We're honored to be part of this cross-disciplinary cohort!