Press Release: Texas Health Care Heroes Celebrated in Virtual Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11,2020

Texas Health Care Heroes Celebrated in Virtual Event 
Capital Factory and Health Tech Austin honor health care workers and innovators 

AUSTIN, TX—Dec. 11, 2020—Members of the Texas health care community and their supporters gathered virtually this week to celebrate the exceptional work of seven Health Care Heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The honorees were announced at the Wednesday event by the sponsors, the Capital Factory and Health Tech Austin.  

The winners are:  

• Health Care Business Innovator | Patrick Brandt, President of Shiftsmart; GetShiftDone 
• Long Term Care Provider | Katie Blalock, Family Physician at Texas A&M Health 
• Public Health Leader | Venus Gines, President of Dia de la Mujer Latina 
• Behavioral Health Worker | Travis Patterson, Founder of Mental Health for Heroes 
• Direct Patient Care Provider Jeff Hutchinson, Physician at People’s Community Clinic 
• Individual Health Care Innovator | Jeff Yorio, Physician at Texas Oncology 
• Health Care Executive | Gwen Sims, Interim Executive Director of Harris County Public Health 

Proceeds from the event benefit Feeding Texas, the largest hunger-relief organization in the state, reaching over 4 million Texans experiencing food insecurity in all 254 counties. 

“I humbly share this honor with all the promotoras and community health workers in Texas, who truly are the unsung public health leaders and heroes,” said Venus Gines, president of Dia de la Mujer Latina in Houston. “They're the ones that have helped me develop ways to engage our at-risk community, to make healthier lifestyle choices. … Their labor of love is incredible, and together we're going to navigate our vulnerable populations through this turbulent time.” 

Dr. Jeff Hutchinson from People’s Community Clinic in Austin thanked the sponsors for the award and his family for supporting his work. “I also want to put out the call to action that we don't forget our front staff, the people who check patients and the people who clean up after us,” he said. “Without them we couldn't do what we do. So please remember all the heroes, all the people who during this pandemic risk their lives so that we can go on.” 

Feeding Texas CEO Celia Cole said she was thankful the Capital Factory and Health Tech Austin selected her organization as the event’s beneficiary at a time when 31% of Texans are food-insecure, more than double the pre-pandemic rate. “Generous support from the business and philanthropic communities has made it possible for us to help hungry individuals and families during this time of tremendous need,” she said.  

You can still donate to Feeding Texas in support of these Texas Health Care Heroes by clicking HERE 

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Capital Factory is the center of gravity for entrepreneurs in Texas.  For more information go to the website or contact us at press@capitalfactory.com  

Health Tech Austin is a gathering of thought leaders and innovators from Texas and beyond. For more information go to the website or contact us at hello@healthtechaustin.com 

Feeding Texas leverages statewide resources to mitigate and prevent hunger in Texas. For more information go to the website or contact Dawn at dstarostka@feedingtexas.org