Community Health Worker Advisory Committee

The committee is composed of nine members appointed by the DSHS Commissioner from the following categories:

1. Five promotores or CHWs currently certified by DSHS;
2. One  public member, which may include a consumer of CHW services or a person with paid or volunteer experience in community health care or social services;
3. One member from the Higher Education Coordinating Board, or a higher education faculty member who has teaching experience in community health, public health or adult education and has trained promotores or CHWs; and
4. Two professionals who work with promotores or CHWs in a community setting, including employers and representatives of non-profit community-based organizations or faith-based organizations.

Members must regularly participate in committee meetings. They should also participate in subcommittee meetings, projects, and presentations.  

Committee meetings are conducted in Austin, Texas. Committee members may attend in person or virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Promotores or CHWs and public members may be reimbursed for travel to and from meetings if funds are available. Committee members representing higher education, members employed by state agencies, or professionals working with CHWs are responsible for their travel expenses.  

View the current Advisory Committee Roster or view the current Advisory Committee Bylaws. 

When DSHS opens the solicitation process for new vacancies, Applications for committee membership will be posted for members of the public to apply.

Committee meetings are open to the public. There is no cost to attend, and you do not need a reservation. You may also observe the meeting via the meeting webcast. 

How to Make a Public Comment to the Committee 

DSHS welcomes public comments on topics related to promotores or CHW training and certification. Members of the public who would like to provide public comment may choose from the following options:

1. Oral comments provided virtually: Members of the public must pre-register to provide oral comments virtually during the meeting by completing a Public Comment Registration form linked on the meeting agenda no later than 5:00 p.m. five days before the meeting. If you submit a Public Comment Registration form, you will receive an email the day before the meeting with instructions for providing virtual public comment.

2. Written comments: Members of the public may provide written public comments by completing a Public Comment Registration form linked to the meeting agenda. A member of the public who wishes to provide written public comments must email the comments to Frank Luera at Frank.Luera@dshs.texas.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. five days before the meeting. The DSHS staff will not read written comments aloud during the meeting, but comments will be provided to committee members and staff.

3. Oral comments provided in-person at the meeting location: Members of the public may provide oral public comments during the meeting in person at the meeting location either by pre-registering using the form above or without pre-registering by completing a form at the entrance to the meeting room.

Note: Do not include health or other confidential information in your comments.

Public Comment Limitations 

Please follow these guidelines for your public comment conduct: 

• Public comment is limited to three minutes.
• You cannot interject or ask questions of committee members during the rest of the meeting.  

Follow these rules if you have a handout with your public comment: 

• Provide an electronic PDF copy if you use a handout.  
• Do not provide a written comment that is more than two pages (paper size, 8.5”x11”, one side only).  
• Email your handout to Frank Luera at Frank.Luera@dshs.texas.gov immediately after registering.  

Need Help or Have Questions about a Meeting? 

The DSHS committee liaison can help you with many things, including:  

• Assistive technology or services for meeting attendance, and
• Questions about:  
  • Agenda items
  • Content
  • Meeting arrangements
  • Public comment requirements

Email the DSHS Committee Liaison Frank Luera at Frank.Luera@dshs.texas.gov or call 512-776-2777 for questions or concerns.