When you hear the word “crisis,” your mind probably goes to national security concerns. But there’s a quieter, insidious crisis looming—and it’s threatening the future of Texas: the health of our people. Chronic disease, preventable illnesses, and poor nutrition are claiming lives, driving up costs, and preventing individuals from living up to their full potential.
The statistics are staggering. Chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes account for 90% of the $4.1 trillion in annual healthcare costs nationwide (1). Obesity rates have skyrocketed from 14.5% in 1971 to over 42% today (2). In Texas alone, healthcare spending has ballooned to unsustainable levels, with total Medicaid spending growing by just over 300 percent from 2002 to 2022 (3)—a trend that shows no signs of slowing.
The system wasn’t built to handle this. We excel in acute care but when it comes to long-term prevention and chronic disease management, we’re failing. And Texans are paying the price with their health, their wallets, and their futures.
This isn’t just a policy issue for me; it’s personal. My family has experienced the toll of a reactive healthcare system. Just two years ago, my father’s life was cut short by a late-diagnosed illness. My mother suffered a debilitating stroke in 2012 at just 49, leaving her with lifelong disabilities and countless subsequent hospitalizations. To this day, she cannot drive and relies on countless medications to manage her conditions.
My wife and I also endured the pain of multiple miscarriages. It was only when she sought functional medical care and addressed underlying issues that we were finally able to welcome our healthy daughter into the world.
My own health journey further underscored this truth. At 27, I weighed over 260 pounds, constantly fatigued and trapped in a cycle of brain fog and depression. In 2017, I made a commitment to change. Through exercise and incremental improvements to my diet and lifestyle, I lost 80 pounds and have kept it off ever since. The transformation was more than physical—it was mental and emotional. For the first time, I felt clear-headed, energized, and capable of living up to my potential.
The difference was so profound that I can only describe it as going from living in a black-and-white box to a full-color, widescreen world. That’s the opportunity I want to give every Texan.
I recently founded Make Texans Healthy Again (MTHA) to address the health crisis in our state. This non-partisan initiative is dedicated to empowering Texans with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to take control of their health.
We’re starting small, but we’re ambitious. This legislative session, we’ll analyze and support bills that align with our mission—promoting preventative care, better nutrition, and holistic wellness. We’ll also build relationships with legislators, stakeholders, and health advocates to lay the groundwork for long-term change in future sessions.
We’re not just about policy. During COVID, I saw firsthand how powerful community action can be. When gyms closed, I hosted daily workouts in my driveway and garage. At its peak, 10-15 people would gather—not just to exercise but to connect, support one another, and share ideas about improving health and well-being. That’s the kind of grassroots movement I want to cultivate statewide, both in local communities and at the Capitol.
Here’s where you come in. I’m not a doctor or a nutritionist, and I don’t claim to have all the answers. What I do have is a deep passion for this cause, backed by years of experience in government relations, communications, and grassroots organizing. I’ve spent my career building coalitions and finding solutions, and now I’m ready to apply that expertise to tackle this critical issue. But I can’t do it alone.
We need your voice, your story, and your support. Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s future, a professional with expertise to share, or just someone fed up with the status quo, there’s a role for you in this fight. Together, we can advocate for smarter policies, build healthier communities, and give every Texan the opportunity to thrive.
Visit MakeTexansHealthyAgain.com to learn more, get involved, and help us turn the tide. This is our moment to step up, take action, and ensure a brighter, healthier future for the Lone Star State.
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2024/23_0267.htm#:~:text=Besides%20the%20personal%20impact%2C%20chronic,mental%20health%20conditions%20(6).
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity-adult-17-18/obesity-adult.htm#1
- https://tahp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/TCCRI-Medicaid-White-Paper-2023.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/
