Pathway
The cost of staying well
Healthcare in Houston is a policy story, not just a personal one.
Texas chose not to expand Medicaid. That single decision left over a million Texans without coverage. In Houston, the safety net exists but knowing how to access it is half the battle.
2Resources
8Organizations
20Services
10Policies
6Opportunities
The Journey
Your Journey in Health
115 resources across 5 levels of engagement
ArticleGood News Stories About Mental Health ProgressGood Good Good is a website that shares positive stories about mental health to fight stigma and highlight progress. The site features inspiring articles like how Harry Styles unknowingly paid for hundreds of therapy sessions, a man whose life was saved by a Stephen Colbert joke, and new research showing better mental health representation in movies. Other stories include successful treatments using psychedelic mushrooms for depression, hospitals reducing suicide attempts with new models, and creative solutions like 'stim hoodies' for people with autism and ADHD. The site also covers research on how aunts support LGBTQ+ youth and how leisure activities improve wellbeing. This collection of positive mental health news helps combat negative stigma by showing real progress, innovative treatments, and community support. The stories demonstrate that mental health awareness is growing, treatments are improving, and people are finding creative ways to support each other's mental wellness.
ArticleScience-Based Ways to Improve Mental Health and Well-BeingGreater Good Magazine from UC Berkeley shares research on mental health and happiness. The site covers topics like how psychedelic therapy might help depression, why donating a kidney can improve your own health, and simple ways to feel more loved. Articles explore practices like qigong meditation, self-compassion, and forgiveness that science shows can reduce stress and improve well-being. The magazine translates complex research into practical tips anyone can use. Topics include managing anxiety, finding life purpose, building better relationships, and aging well. All content is based on scientific studies from universities and research centers. The goal is helping people live more meaningful, happier lives using proven strategies from psychology and neuroscience research.
ArticleKeys to Well-Being: Learn About Happiness and ConnectionThe Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley offers a comprehensive guide to well-being through science-based research. This resource explores 14 key areas that help people live happier, more meaningful lives. Each area includes detailed explanations and interactive quizzes to help you understand yourself better. The topics cover altruism (helping others), awe (feeling wonder), bridging differences (connecting across divides), compassion, diversity, empathy, forgiveness, gratitude, happiness, intellectual humility, love, mindfulness, purpose, and social connection. Each section explains what research shows about these qualities and how they benefit both individuals and communities. The quizzes help you reflect on your own experiences and identify areas where you might want to grow. This is an excellent educational resource for anyone interested in personal development, mental health, or understanding what makes life meaningful. The content is based on scientific research but presented in an accessible way for general audiences.
ArticleScience-Based Podcasts About Happiness and Well-BeingUC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center offers two research-based podcasts about living a happier, more meaningful life. 'The Science of Happiness' is hosted by psychologist Dacher Keltner and teaches practical strategies you can use today to feel better. 'Happiness Break' offers short episodes with compassion and stress relief practices. Both shows share the latest research on topics like gratitude, empathy, mindfulness, social connection, and bridging differences. The podcasts turn scientific studies into easy-to-understand advice for building resilience, finding joy, and creating stronger relationships. Episodes cover everything from managing stress to developing compassion for others. You can listen on any podcast app like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. The content is free and designed to help anyone create more happiness and meaning in their daily life through proven techniques.
ArticleFree Mental Health Support App with Trained ListenersHearMe is a paid app ($7.99/month) that connects people with trained listeners for emotional support. The app lets you chat anonymously about anything on your mind - like work stress, health, parenting, or identity issues. Listeners are trained volunteers and social work students who provide judgment-free support. Your conversations are private and encrypted. You must be 18 or older to use HearMe. The app is not for crisis situations - if you're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call 988 instead. The FAQ page also lists many other mental health resources like the 988 Crisis Lifeline, therapy directories, LGBTQ+ support groups, and hotlines for different needs. HearMe offers internships and is looking for new volunteer listeners who complete their training program. Technical support is available through the app.
ArticleCommunity Action Model for Building Healthier CommunitiesHealthy Places by Design created a Community Action Model to help communities work together to improve health and well-being. The model has three main parts: understanding your community's unique background and challenges, following six essential practices for success, and using a 3-step cycle called Partner-Prepare-Progress. The Partner step builds relationships between different groups. The Prepare step helps communities plan and set priorities. The Progress step puts plans into action through new programs, policies, and changes to neighborhoods. The model shows how communities can create lasting change by working together over time. Early impacts include new programs and stronger relationships. Intermediate impacts include policy changes and new community spaces like gardens and farmers markets. Long-term impacts create a 'culture of health' where healthy living becomes part of how the community works. The model has been successfully used in cities like Buffalo, New York and Denver, Colorado. This guide helps community leaders, coalitions, and funders understand how to create comprehensive approaches for community health improvements that last.
+41 moreOn the couch
What's Happening
The latest news and stories in health
More Resources
Getting off the couch
Who's Involved
The elected leaders, organizations, and funders working on health
Organizations Doing This Work
A Better Way
A Better Way helps people who struggle with drugs or alcohol get better and live healthier lives. They provide counseling, support groups, and treatment programs to help people recover and stay clean.
UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley pushes the boundaries of knowledge, challenges convention and expands opportunity to create the leaders of tomorrow.
Berkeley Free Clinic
Berkeley Free Clinic gives free doctor visits and medical care to people who need it. Anyone can come get help with their health, even if they don't have insurance or money to pay.
Center on Health Insurance Reforms (CHIR) - Georgetown University
Ford Foundation
Works to reduce poverty, injustice, and inequality with active grantmaking in Texas.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Nation's largest philanthropy dedicated to health equity.
Off the couch
What You Can Do
Volunteer, access services, and track the policies that affect you
Get Involved
Crisis Line Volunteer
Answer calls from people who need support
Feb 1Virtual
Meals on Wheels Driver
Deliver meals to seniors who cant leave home
Feb 1Virtual
Community Garden Helper
Help maintain a community garden
Mar 1Virtual
Hospital Volunteer
Help patients and visitors at the hospital
Feb 1Virtual
Senior Companion
Visit and spend time with isolated seniors
Feb 1Virtual
Youth Sports Coach
Coach a youth sports team
Feb 1Virtual
Available Services
Star of Hope Mission
Star of Hope gives people who don't have homes a safe place to sleep, hot m...
HIV Discrimination Legal Help
The ACLU gives free legal help to people who are treated unfairly because t...
Mental Health Counseling Services
You can talk to trained counselors who help people feel better and solve pr...
Houston 211 Helpline
Call or text 211 to get free help finding food, housing, jobs, healthcare, ...
Policies & Legislation
Active
Complete Communities: Building Better Neighborhoods
Houston is investing in neighborhoods to make them great places to live. Th...
HR 1521Introduced
Easier Access to Doctors
This federal bill would make it easier for you to see a doctor, especially ...
HR 1523Introduced
PREVENT DIABETES Act
The PREVENT DIABETES Act is a federal bill that would help more people get ...
HR 6572Introduced
New Science Labs for Breakthroughs
This federal bill creates new science labs called X-Labs where researchers ...
HR 6580Introduced
Better Medicine Access for Veterans
This federal bill improves how the VA chooses and provides medicines to vet...
HR 6858Introduced
Veteran Suicide Prevention Act
This federal bill strengthens suicide prevention programs for veterans, expanding mental health resources and crisis support services.
Topics in Health
Specific focus areas where you can dig in
Mental HealthSubstance AbuseHealthcare AccessPreventive CareMaternal HealthChronic DiseaseNutrition & DietPhysical FitnessAging & LongevityDisability ServicesHealth InsuranceReproductive HealthDental HealthVision CareEmergency ServicesHealth LiteracyAlternative MedicinePublic HealthInfectious DiseaseCancerHeart HealthDiabetesTrauma & PTSDSuicide PreventionTelehealthPediatric CareGeriatric CarePalliative CareGrief & BereavementSleep HealthOccupational HealthHealth DisparitiesCommunity Health WorkersPharmacy AccessPain ManagementAllergies & AsthmaAutism ServicesBrain HealthSTI PreventionHIV/AIDS ServicesEating DisordersGambling AddictionHearing HealthOrgan DonationMedical Research