A Message from Our Executive Director
Dr. Octavio N. Martinez, Jr.
We are now two years into the COVID-pandemic. Our work over the past year has been strongly devoted to charting emerging trends as we look ahead to a world permanently changed by the pandemic.
This is especially true for our children and youth. A recent advisory by the U.S. Surgeon General found that youth mental health has suffered across a range of indicators during the pandemic, including rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts. This gives added urgency to the work of grant partners such as Children’s Grief Center of El Paso; or the grant partners that make up our Communities for Children initiative; or the energy of the extraordinary young people we met during the last Young Minds Matter conference. Children’s mental health isn’t a new concern for us, but the pandemic leaves in its wake a changed environment that we aim to be responsive to.
The Surgeon General’s report is a sign that the struggle for good mental health is being sorely tested by the pandemic. Our mission to understand the underlying conditions that shape mental health at the community level, and to leverage our influence to transform these conditions for the better, has never been more critical. Given this new urgency, it is even more inspiring that our grant partners and staff have stepped up as never before.
This Engagement Report is a high-level snapshot of our many successes from Fiscal Year 2020-2021. As such, it can only serve as a high-level summary of our accomplishments over the past year. As you read through this report, I want you to remember what our communities and grant partners have had to overcome, and the steadfast people behind the scenes who make it all happen.
Farewell to a Friend
Stephany J. Bryan (1956-2021)
Stephany J. Bryan (October 31, 1956 – February 14, 2021) dedicated her life to supporting and strengthening the lives of individuals with lived mental health experience, their families and communities through advocacy, education, peer support, and collaboration. During her 13-year tenure as Senior Program Officer and Consumer & Family Liaison at the Hogg Foundation, Stephany touched the lives of colleagues and consumers, both personally and professionally, across many areas of mental health and recovery.
Her Impact
Learn how Stephany Bryan impacted the lives of colleagues at the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and consumers across many areas of mental health and recovery.
Scholarship
These scholarships provide financial support to persons of color with a mental health challenge currently pursuing advanced education or training.
Podcast: Remembering Stephany
On this episode of our Into the Fold podcast, we celebrate our friend, her life, and legacy of this rare and unique voice for mental health.
Language Matters in Mental Health
The power of the language we choose
Language matters in mental health. Words we use shape how we see the world–and ourselves. We have a choice in the words we use to describe ourselves, others, and the world around us.
The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health recommends we start by talking with others about the words they prefer. Affirming the preferences of the person you are referring to is always going to be the best way to go.
This one-pager contains practical advice for a challenging topic.
Language Matters
Communities for Children
Supporting Schools During COVID
In December 2020, the Hogg Foundation received $1.1 million through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). The goal of the initiative is to help advance racial equity and support student mental wellness in communities significantly impacted by COVID-19. Using the CZI funds, the Hogg Foundation designed the Communities for Children initiative.
The COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, and the economic recession have hit communities of color the hardest. This has presented new and unexpected challenges for schools, and these challenges are likely to continue and evolve throughout the current school year and beyond. Communities for Children supports schools and organizations working against the tide of poor mental health resulting from systemic inequities and the pandemic.”
Funds Awarded
Active Grants
New Grantees
Funds Awarded
Awardees
Milestones
As we look back at the recent history of the foundation, we shouldn’t overlook our established programs and activities. Some of these reached important milestones over the past year, which are worth celebrating.
COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force
In early 2021, Hogg Foundation executive director Dr. Octavio N. Martinez, Jr. was appointed to President Biden’s new COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force.
Well-being in Rural Communities Completes Planning Phase
A cornerstone initiative, Collaborative Approaches to Well-being in Rural Communities, completed its three-year planning phase.
Integrating Mental Health Care in the Medical Setting
The Integrated Behavioral Health Scholars Program at Dell Medical School transforms the medical school experience.
Policy Engagement
The Hogg Foundation informs state-level policies that include funding and support for mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention in a variety of settings and populations. Our goal is to effect systemic change to improve the mental health and well-being of people across Texas.
A Retrospective on a Decade of Investment
We look back at our decade of investment in the Mental Health Policy Academy and Policy Fellow Initiative.
Understanding Mental Health Systems and Services in Texas
Podcast: Lessons Learned on Public Policy
Learn how our Mental Health Policy Academy and Fellows initiative is transforming public policy in Texas.
Young Minds Matter
In October 2021, the Hogg Foundation held a free virtual event for people who care about children, youth, families, and caregivers. The theme for the event was, “Healing, Justice and Connection for Mental Wellbeing.”
Young Minds Matter 2021 Sessions Resources
In case you missed Young Minds Matter 2021, recordings of all the sessions.
Young Minds Matter: The Healing Future
A guest blog post by Marissa Howdershelt, who presented at Young Minds Matter 2021.
Podcast: A New Deal for Youth
We explore the connection between healing and justice as it relates to youth mental health and well-being.
Joining the Conversation
The Hogg Foundation doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Here is recent commentary on some of the most important issues of the day.
Vaccine Equity, Not Hesitancy
Although the term “vaccine hesitancy” has gained momentum in recent months, it fails to capture the systemic nature of the greater problem of vaccine access. We should rephrase it to “vaccine equity.”
Texas health organizations must promote vaccines
Every day, we see ordinary people innovate approaches to getting more shots into more arms. What does it say to them that there are health care workers who would sooner quit than get vaccinated?
Uproar over critical race theory should not threaten mental health in schools
Why is the controversy surrounding critical race theory leading some to cast suspicion on mental health programs in schools?
Year in Review
A Timeline of Highlights
September 2020
Grantees Dig Deep in Response to COVID
We are immensely proud of the work of our grant partners and their efforts to fulfill their missions in spite of how much the world has changed because of COVID. In this grantee story we focus on Texas CASA and Galveston County Food Bank. Learn more
Declaration of Racism as a Mental Health Crisis
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is one of the core values of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. In September 2021 we released a statement about the mental health impact of racism and racial inequality. Learn more
October 2020
Hogg Foundation policy priorities for 2022 and beyond
We share our policy priorities for the next biennium. These priorities represent mental health and substance use issues that we believe deserve the attention of policymakers and advocates. Learn more.
November 2020
Sustainable Support for Grieving Students
The Children’s Grief Center of El Paso received funding from the Hogg Foundation to implement a school-based peer support program for students experiencing grief. Learn more
Frances Fowler Wallace Awards
The foundation gives the Frances Fowler Wallace Memorial Award for Mental Health Dissertation Research to eligible doctoral candidates at institutions of higher education in Texas. Learn more about recipients Ijeoma Madubata and Kate Magnuson.
Hogg Foundation receives first advocacy for archives award
The foundation is awarded the inaugural Advocacy for Archives award by the Texas Historical Records Advisory Board. The Advocacy for Archives Award recognizes significant contributions made by individuals or organizations toward ensuring the preservation and availability of Texas’s historical records. Learn more
December 2020
Mental Health Guide, 5th ed.
We prepare a new edition of A Guide to Understanding Mental Health Systems and Services in Texas, our comprehensive guide to the Texas mental health system. Learn more
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative launches
The foundation announces its partnership with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. The goal is to help advance racial equity and support student mental wellness in communities most impacted by COVID-19. Learn more
February 2021
Mourning Stephany J. Bryan
In February 2021, we suffered the loss of Stephany J. Bryan to COVID-19. A tribute video is made to honor her memory. Watch
Healthy Minds Grants, 2021
The foundation awards $42,500 for the Central Texas African American Healthy Minds grants. Ten organizations are chosen to support mental health and wellness among African Americans in the Central Texas area. Learn more
March 2021
Hogg History: Ima Hogg Scholarships
We explore the history of the Ima Hogg Scholarships, one of our oldest initiatives. Learn more
Hogg Launches Instagram account
To reach more about mental health and well-being awareness, we launched our official Instagram account. If you haven’t already, follow us.
May 2021
“Into the Fold” joins the Texas Podcast Network
Our biweekly podcast, Into the Fold, joins the newly launched Texas Podcast Network. Learn moreAustin Area African American Behavioral Health Network meeting
Pastor Kyev Tatum of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth delivers a presentation: “Don’t Let Nothing Stop You: Fighting Fair for Health Justice and Change.” Pastor Tatum uses his experience as a collegiate wide receiver and civil rights activist to lead change and demand equity. Watch
June 2021
Hogg Foundation joins Texas Equitable Vaccine Uptake Fund
We contributed $100,000 to the Texas Equitable Vaccine Uptake Fund. The Fund supports efforts across Texas to address vaccine equity and barriers to access among historically excluded groups. Learn more
Wallace Award: Danielle Lauricella-Ketring
Danielle Lauricella-Ketring is awarded a 2021 Frances Fowler Wallace award for her dissertation about the effectiveness of mindfulness for women survivors of intimate partner violence. Learn more
July 2021
2021 Ima Hogg Scholars
Twenty Ima Hogg Scholarships are awarded to graduate social work students who have committed to joining the mental health workforce. Learn more
August 2021
Well-being in Rural Communities enters second phase
The foundation awards $3.75 million in grants to five organizations for the second phase: implementation of the Collaborative Approaches to Well-being in Rural Communities initiative. Learn more
Learn More
The Hogg Foundation isn’t just a funder. We are tirelessly committed to influencing the broader conversation around mental health and well-being. Stay up-to-date with these resources.