Virtual Panel: The Power of Education and Employment in Improving Overall Health

Education and employment opportunities are inextricably linked to health and overall quality of life. According to the National Institutes of Health, employment can increase life expectancy up to 10 additional years, while unemployment is associated with a 63% increase in the risk of mortality.

Join us for a free virtual panel discussion with Texas nonprofit and state government leaders on how education and employment opportunities have an impact on health, giving Texans the tools to thrive in their communities and secure healthier outcomes for themselves and their families.

Discussion topics include:

• Breaking the generational cycle of poverty with quality education
• Opening employment opportunities for people with disabilities
• Correlation between graduation rates and life expectancy
• Building healthy foundations for future generations

Panel speakers include:

• Dr. Naomi Alvarez, associate vice president of behavioral health, Molina Healthcare of Texas
• Kerry Ballast, deputy division director of workforce education, Texas Workforce Commission
• Dr. Ann Barnes, president and CEO, Episcopal Health Foundation
• Joy Burress, BA, CESP, program specialist, Project SEARCH
• Cathe Dykstra, chief possibility officer, president and CEO, Family Scholar House
• Mariza Mendoza, reporter for News 4 San Antonio

State Representative John H. Bucy III will provide opening remarks to kickoff the discussion. Representative Bucy is a small business owner serving District 136 in the Texas House of Representatives, which includes Northwest Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, and the Brushy Creek area. He is the Vice Chair of the House Elections Committee and serves on the House Select Committee on Health Care Reform and the House Committee on Higher Education. Rep. Bucy was honored by his peers as the House Democratic Caucus Freshman of the Year in 2019 and by the Hill Country News as Best Elected Official in 2019 and 2020.