Page last reviewed: May 9, 2025
Houston HealthScope - May 9, 2025
Houston Health Department conference gathers care providers to address social isolation and loneliness epidemic
The Bridges Conference is an annual event coordinated by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) within the Houston Health Department (HHD) to discuss new developments in the aging, disability and veteran communities from their perspectives. Now in its seventh iteration, the Bridges Conference expects over 200 participants on May 15, 2025, at the United Way – 50 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX 77007 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s conference theme is Building Bridges through Community to help address social isolation and loneliness in older adults and people with disabilities.
According to a 2023 report by the Office of the Surgeon General, approximately half of US adults experience loneliness. Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of premature death by 26% and 29% respectively and poor or insufficient connection is associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and 32% increased risk of stroke.
“We are gathering partners who work to serve older adults and people with disabilities, caregivers and veterans throughout Harris County,” Dr. Carmen Castro, division manager for HCAAA/ADRC, said. “These partners help to connect vulnerable populations to services that help them live longer in the community and maintain their independence by connecting them to needed services and providing them with the support and social connections they need.”
As such, the conference will gather professionals with the Harris County Area Agency on Aging (HCAAA) and ADRC local networks along with local, state and national policy makers and community stakeholders, such as the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, Houston Police Department, Amazing Place, The Archdioceses of Galveston Houston, Mayor’s Office of Veterans and Military Affairs, The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and the Latino Commission on AIDS.
Topics for sessions and panels at the Bridges Conference include: creating awareness of the challenges of management of older adults living with HIV; how the faith-based community helps older adults and people with disabilities; fostering social connections in the deaf community; and many more. This year will also feature breakout sessions in Spanish and a keynote speech from Dr. Jason Burnett of the UT Houston McGovern Medical School.
The Bridges Conference is open to anyone and everyone working in human services and healthcare with a focus on older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, veterans and others. People can email adrc@houstontx.gov to register.
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MBK Houston teen member honored as Controller for a Day
My Brother’s Keeper – Houston is making sure young men and women of color can envision a brighter future for themselves. This means providing opportunities to meet with inspiring leaders to uplift them and introduce a better world achievable through hard work and sacrifice. Kashmere High School student Jamal Burnett got the chance to do just that on April 29, 2025 when he became the first ever Controller for a Day in Houston history. Burnett was given an immersive experience in public service when he met Houston City Controller Chris Hollins, toured the Controller’s Office and City Hall and learned how the office contributes to city government.
Burnett said he was honored to spend the day with Hollins and expand his knowledge of public service. He said the experience gave him real insight into how financial decisions are made for the city and the importance of transparency.
“I truly appreciated how open and welcoming everyone was, especially the great conversations and thoughtful advice,” Burnett wrote in a thank you letter. “You all made me feel like part of the team and took the time to answer my questions thoughtfully. As a student leader and aspiring business professional, I left the experience more motivated than ever to pursue my goals and work to make the City of Houston the best it can be. Also, learning directly from a Black male who has accomplished so many great things was a surreal and inspiring experience. I’m excited to stay connected, share my journey with you, and hopefully give back to the office that has already poured so much inspiration into me.”
Controller for a Day was born from the Controller’s Office Deputy Chief Policy Officer Aubrey Hooper, who says it was modeled after the Mayor for a Day program she developed while she was on the DeSoto ISD School Board.