Center for
Transformative Health (CTH)
Research that moves. Communities that lead
Our Approach
The Center for Transformative Health works to transform health outcomes for communities the public health system has not adequately served. Anchored at Texas Southern University, we conduct community-engaged epidemiological and translational research that produces the evidence, frameworks, and infrastructure Houston's communities need to understand and respond to the conditions shaping their health. Our work spans infectious disease, chronic disease, and the structural systems that connect them — and through our translational arm, the Institute of Urban Public Health, we partner with communities to turn research into action.
VITAL SIGNS BLOG
Third Ward State of Health 2026
The Third Ward State of Health 2026 is the Center for Transformative Health’s annual look at the health of our community, ZIP code 77004. Drawing on local, state, and national data across seven areas, from chronic disease and maternal health to housing, food access, and the environment, the report tells the story the averages hide: that the heaviest burden falls on specific blocks, with Census Tracts 3122 and 3124 carrying the highest concentration of risk across nearly every measure. Grounded in resident opinion and a community working group, this report is both a mirror and a call to action. It is meant to be used, by neighbors, advocates, clinicians, and decision-makers working to make Third Ward a place where everyone can be healthy.
Our Objectives
Measure
Establish and operate community governed measurement of structural health conditions in Third Ward and Sunnyside that no federal, state, or county system currently captures.
Deliver
Deliver chronic disease screening, education, and support services in the neighborhoods we measure, and build the qualifications to compete for public health contracts as those programs mature
Transfer
Transfer measurement capacity, data ownership, and interpretive authority to community institutions so that they persist beyond any single award
Upcoming events.
Please join us at anyone of our upcoming events.
Our Research
Driving innovation in public health through cutting-edge research and impactful initiatives. Explore our projects and learn how we are transforming health outcomes for diverse populations.