STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Healthcare professionals and caregivers in Erath, Johnson, Hood, Parker and McLennan counties are invited to two fall virtual health summits — 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept 27 and Nov. 15 — held by Erath Engaged and Cross Timbers Connections at Tarleton State University. 

The Zoom sessions will focus on resources and emergency preparedness for patients and family members, and highlight data on COVID-19, the flu, monkeypox and other current health topics. Expect presentations on emergency management and preparing patients for crisis situations.

Participants will receive a list of free and low-cost health resources in their communities. 

“Rural residents often encounter barriers in accessing health and wellness services, compromising their overall quality of life,” said Dr. Subi Gandhi, Assistant Director of Tarleton’s Rural Communication Institute. “Through the initiatives launched via Erath Engaged and Cross Timbers Connections, two grant-funded projects, we aim to empower the residents of multiple counties with education to navigate rural health deserts.”

Led by Dr. Gandhi, Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards and Dr. Misty Smith, this month’s summits are supported by the Texas Department of State Health Services – Pubic Health Region 2/3 and Texas A&M Health. They’re two in a series of sessions to be held throughout the Cross Timbers region, featuring speakers from Texas Agrilife Extension, the Alzheimer’s Association and Erath County Community Bridges. 

To register for the caregiver summit, visit https://tarletonstate.us/caregiver; to register for the healthcare professionals summit, visit https://tarletonstate.us/healthcare.

For more information, contact Dr. Gandhi ([email protected]), Dr. Edwards ([email protected]) or Dr. Smith ([email protected]). 

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.