Austin Public Health Considers Collaboration with UT Students on Opioid Crisis and Budget Impact

The Austin Public Health Commission convened on September 3, 2025, to discuss various pressing public health issues affecting the community. The meeting focused on budget considerations, potential collaborations with the University of Texas (UT), and the implications of recent economic changes on public health.

The first topic addressed was the need to reassess the current budget, with a suggestion to explore past instances where budget cuts were implemented and their subsequent effects on public health services. This discussion aimed to provide a clearer understanding of the potential consequences of financial decisions on the community's health.

Commission members expressed interest in collaborating with UT's policy school, particularly regarding ongoing research into the opioid crisis. One member noted a lack of communication with a specific professor who had been working on initiatives to decriminalize fentanyl testing strips, which are crucial for harm reduction strategies. The commission agreed to reach out again to explore potential partnerships and gather insights from other public health experts at the university.

Additionally, the commission discussed the possibility of engaging data science students from UT to analyze the economic impacts of recent layoffs and population shifts in Austin and Travis County. Members highlighted the importance of understanding how these changes could affect public health and the overall well-being of the community. They expressed a willingness to support students in finding relevant projects that could contribute to this analysis.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further investigate these collaborative opportunities and to keep the dialogue open with UT. The commission aims to leverage academic resources to better address the public health challenges facing Austin and Travis County.