2026 Community Health Summit
About this Event
Come join us at the TIPHER Community Health Summit to connect, learn, and help improve health in our community!
Theme: Moving in a Healthier Direction!
When: Friday, October 30th, 2026.
Where: McKenna Event Center, 801 W. San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX
The TIPHER Community Health Summit is a free, one-day event showcasing local projects that advance community health in Guadalupe and Comal County. Attendees will learn about work on depression and mental health, culinary medicine, transportation and access to services, community health worker training and integration, and other community-based initiatives. Join us to hear project presentations, explore academic and community posters, and connect with organizations working to improve health in our region!
Who Should Attend: All healthcare providers, including Physicians (Family Practice, Preventive Medicine, Pediatricians, Internal Medicine), Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Nurse leaders, Community Health Workers, college students and educators, community members, and the general public.
General Usage Disclaimer:
By attending this event, you consent to photography and the use of your image in promotional materials. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform the photographer.
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:45 AM
Attendee Check-In and Networking Breakfast
🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:00 AM
Opening Remarks
Host: Dr. Awilda I. Ramos, Co- Chair
Info: Dr. Awilda I. Ramos shares the key challenges and priorities identified in the 2025 Community Health Improvement Plan shaping Comal and Guadalupe County, Texas. She will cover the evolving healthcare landscape, the challenges and opportunities facing community leaders and residents.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
Improving the Health of the Community: TIPHER Initiatives
Info: This session will highlight TIPHERs Internship Program internees research and program proposals in leveraging community health workers in increasing capacity access to care and addressing barriers to comprehensive community mental health services. This session will explore culturally-tailored prevention programs and health literacy initiatives.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Tackling Access to Transportation: The Effects of Ride the Rio, a Micro-Transi
Info: Transportation plays a crucial role in determining the quality of health and overall well-being. This session will focus on enhancing our understanding of how Ride the Rio, a Microtransit improves access to transportation, thereby facilitating access to healthcare and community resources to address health disparities. Additionally, the panel will explore how Ride the Rio services contribute to better health outcomes and strengthen connections between residents and healthcare, community services, and the social fabric of the community.
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Tackling Access to Transportation: A Fireside Chat
Info: Join TIPHER CEO Albert Ruiz for a fireside chat further exploring how transportation shapes opportunity, health and the quality of life across Comal and Guadalupe Counties. Leaders will discuss local efforts to improve mobility, and the collaboration needed top connect residents with essential health and community resources. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how coordinated action can help move Comal and Guadalupe communities in a healthier direction.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:45 PM
Advancing Health Through Culinary Medicine
Info: This session will focus on how Culinary Medicine bridges nutritional science and practical cooking skills to improve individual and community health. Participants will learn how this initiative approach uses food as a tool to prevent and manage chronic diseases while gaining strategies for making healthier food choices. Topics will include foundational principles of culinary medicine, common nutrition misconceptions, and approaches to build nutritious meals and confidence. This session will combine a live culinary demonstration and discussion that translate evidence-based nutrition concepts into real-world applications, giving attendees practical skills to support lifelong health and wellness.
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: Albert Ruiz, CEO TIPHER
Info: Albert Ruiz, CEO TIPHER presents a call to action in "Moving Comal and Guadalupe Counties in a Healthier Direction" through engagement of community members and leaders, including local and surrounding stakeholders to embrace collaboration to multiply the potential in improving heath outcomes.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
