JULY 2025 NEWSLETTER

Fall 2025 R6-PHLI Cohort Selected

We are pleased to announce 35 public health professionals have been selected for the third cohort of the Region 6 Public Health Leadership Institute (R6-PHLI)! Amidst a competitive pool of applicants, we have assembled a strong cohort representing members from all Region 6 states as well as federal partners stationed in and supporting Region 6.


Members of the Fall 2025 R6-PHLI cohort reflect the dedication, expertise and commitment to advancing public health initiatives across our region. The cohort's diverse perspectives and backgrounds promise a wealth of innovative approaches to the challenges faced in public health. The R6-PHLI Leadership Team is excited to see the impact each member's journey will have on the health and well-being of their communities. As the cohort embarks on this experience, it is our hope that their growth will inspire us all while showcasing the future of public health leadership.


Congratulations to the Fall 2025 cohort of the R6-PHLI!

We look forward to witnessing your growth and success this year.

Supporting Those Affected by Central Texas Flooding

The Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center extends our deepest condolences to the individuals and families impacted by the recent flash flooding in Central Texas and the Hill Country. The devastation caused by this disaster—particularly the tragic loss of life and displacement of residents—has deeply affected communities across the region.

 

In response to this ongoing crisis, the Austin American-Statesman has compiled guidance on how to best support those in need. Monetary donations remain the most effective form of assistance. Organizations such as the Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) are working directly with impacted families by providing gift cards for essential needs like housing, groceries, and medical supplies. Additional local organizations, including the Central Texas Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, have established targeted relief funds to support recovery efforts in affected counties.


Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR), an Austin-based nonprofit specializing in emergency response, has deployed swiftwater rescue teams, boats, drones and search dogs to aid in the search for the missing. The group was aiming to raise $100,000 to sustain its efforts. Donations can be made online. 

 

We support the people of Central Texas

as they work to recover and restore their communities.

July is UV Awareness Month

July is UV Safety Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness about the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and to encourage everyone to take simple steps to protect their skin and eyes from sun damage.


We’ve compiled several resources below to help you understand UV exposure and learn how to protect yourself from its harmful effects.

CDC: Skin Cancer Awareness

Summer is full of outdoor activities. You probably put sunscreen on yourself and your kids when you go to the pool or the beach. But do you know you should protect your skin with more than just sunscreen anytime you're outside?

Skin And Cancer Institute:

July is UV Safety Month

Sun safety is important all year, but this month, we’re strengthening our commitment to keep you safe from UV radiation. July is UV Safety Awareness Month, a time we encourage everyone to take steps to protect themselves from the dangers of UV radiation. 

American Academy of Dermatology Association:

What To Wear to Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Seeking shade, applying sunscreen and wearing sun-protective clothing go a long way in protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Dermatologists recommend dressing to protect yourself from the sun by wearing specific clothes and accessories.

NEWS AROUND THE REGION

Texas

Webinar: West Texas Measles Outbreak:

A Local Public Health Perspective

Thursday, July 17, 2025, 3 p.m. CDT

In this upcoming Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI) Grand Rounds webinar, Katherine Wells, DrPH, MPH, will share insights from the 2025 West Texas measles outbreak — the largest U.S. measles outbreak in over two decades. Wells will walk us through the key elements of the local public health response, including case investigation, vaccination campaigns, and media engagement. She will also discuss the challenges local health departments faced, such as funding disruptions, misinformation, political pressure, and multi-jurisdictional coordination and highlight lessons learned for future outbreaks.

Public Health Training Center Network (PHTCN)

Preparedness Trainings

Is your community ready? This course collection features a variety of free, self-paced courses — all developed to ensure that public health professionals and their partners are ready to handle a wide range of emergency situations. These are just a few of the valuable courses available through the Public Health Training Center Network and the Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center.


Courses in PHTCN's Preparedness collection:











For more information, click the "Learn More" button below.

Course Spotlight:

Risk Communication: Best Practices for Communicating Effectively in High Stress Situations

Course Description:


Risk communication is an interactive process of exchange of information and involves multiple messages about the nature of the risk. During high stress, emotionally charged situations, communication requirements change dramatically. This course provides practical, applicable, and effective communication solutions. This course uses a number of case studies to illustrate risk communication strategies.


Learning Objectives:


  • Recognize how high stress situations change the rules of communication


  • Develop strategies to enhance trust and credibility


  • Formulate risk communication messages responsive to stakeholder concerns


For more info about this training,

please click here.

Featured Course Bundle:

Bioterrorism Preparedness

Course Bundle Description:


The Bioterrorism Preparedness course bundle provides training in bioterrorism preparedness and understanding the public health threat. Emergency providers responding to bioterrorism events are one of the focuses of this course bundle.


Trainings in the Bioterrorism Preparedness course bundle include:


  • Bioterrorism


  • Biological Response Preparedness for Emergency Medical Services


  • Bioterrorism: The Public Health Threat


  • Bioterrorism: The Agents


  • Mass Casualty Incident Triage


For more info about the BP

course bundle, please click here.

Looking for more training on a specific topic in public health? Need additional training on a current public health hot topic? We want to help you address these needs.


Please fill out this brief survey. The survey is three questions long and takes fewer than 3 minutes to complete, on average.


We look forward to your feedback!

Follow the Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center on social media!

Facebook  X  

Visit the Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center website!