Tarrant County Public Health is opening its doors to residents this month with a series of fourteen free listening sessions. The goal is simple: hear directly from families, seniors, faith communities and business owners about what health means to them and what barriers they face.
Why the sessions matter
These meetings are a core part of the county’s community health assessment, a data‑driven process that shapes future health‑improvement plans. The most recent assessment, based on sessions held from July 2022 to January 2023, attracted 183 participants who shared insights on everything from preventive care to housing, transportation and education.
Officials say the feedback highlighted three recurring themes: a desire for more preventive health resources, the need for better city services, and the impact of high costs, distance and limited access on residents’ ability to stay healthy. By asking about these social determinants of health, the department can better target non‑medical factors that affect wellbeing.
When and where to attend
All sessions are free. Online meetings require an RSVP to receive the link, while in‑person gatherings encourage RSVPs but also welcome walk‑ins.
- Sept. 21, 10 a.m.–noon – Saginaw Senior Center, 300 W. McLeroy Blvd., Saginaw
- Sept. 21, 5–7 p.m. – UNT Health Medical Education & Training Building, 1000 Montgomery St., Fort Worth (park in Lot 19)
- Sept. 22, 2–4 p.m. – Alzheimer’s Association North Central Texas Chapter, 2630 West Freeway, Suite 100, Fort Worth
- Sept. 22, 6–8 p.m. – Iglesia Bautista Victoria En Cristo (Spanish), 3812 Galvez Ave., Fort Worth
- Sept. 23, 10 a.m.–noon – Northside Community Center, 1100 NW 18th St., Fort Worth
- Sept. 24, 6–8 p.m. – Tarrant County Public Health, John Snow Classroom, 1101 S. Main St., Fort Worth
- Sept. 25, noon–2 p.m. – Fort Worth VA Clinic, 2201 SE Loop 820, Fort Worth
- Sept. 26, 10 a.m.–noon – North YMCA, 1005 Skyline Drive, Arlington
- Sept. 29, 10 a.m.–noon – The Institute at United Way Tarrant County, 201 N. Rupert St., Suite 107, Fort Worth
- Sept. 29, 1–3 p.m. – Ryan Family YMCA, 8250 McCart Ave., Fort Worth
- Sept. 30, 10 a.m.–noon – Hope Farm Inc. gymnasium, 865 E. Ramsey Ave., Fort Worth
- Sept. 30, 6–8 p.m. – Diamond Hill Community Center, 1700 NE 37th St., Fort Worth
Virtual options
For those who prefer to join online, two virtual sessions are scheduled: 10–11:30 a.m. on Sept. 24 and 6–7:30 p.m. on Sept. 28. RSVPs are required to receive the meeting link.
What participants can expect
Each session will feature a brief overview of the health assessment process, followed by open‑ended questions about personal health definitions, obstacles to staying healthy, and desired resources. Topics such as housing stability, reliable transportation, criminal‑justice interactions, communication channels and educational opportunities will also be discussed.
County health officials will take notes, identify common concerns and use the findings to guide future programs—ranging from mobile clinics and preventive screenings to partnerships with local faith groups and schools.
How to get involved
Residents can register by calling the Tarrant County Public Health office or visiting the department’s website. Community leaders, pastors, teachers and business owners are especially encouraged to attend, as their perspectives help ensure that health initiatives reflect the values and needs of traditional families across the county.
By actively listening to the voices of Tarrant County’s neighborhoods, the health department aims to build a healthier, more resilient community grounded in faith, family and personal liberty.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
