83R18859 BPG-F
By: Coleman H.C.R. No. 103
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Access to affordable health care is one of the most
critical issues facing our state and nation, and health care is the
largest and fastest growing industry in Texas, employing 1.3
million workers in more than 200 careers; and
WHEREAS, The University of Houston enrolls 11,000 students
and confers 1,800 degrees in 97 health-related degree programs
annually; the health sciences represent 27 percent of its
enrollment, 24 percent of its degrees awarded, and 23 percent of the
health degrees awarded in the region; and
WHEREAS, The university's annual research awards in the
health sciences total $40.5 million, or 38 percent of total UH
research, and its annual royalty income from commercialized drugs
totals $12 million; while treating over 30,000 patients, including
many who are indigent and uninsured, UH clinical programs in such
fields as optometry, pharmacy, clinical psychology, and social work
generate over $3 million in revenue each year; and
WHEREAS, The university further distinguishes itself as a
member of the Texas Medical Center and has built numerous
productive collaborations with other member institutions; and
WHEREAS, Through its educational, research, clinical, and
community outreach programs, UH contributes to the advancement of
health care and the health sciences in the region and state; the
board of regents seeks to make an even greater positive impact, and
to this end, it has approved the creation of a health science center
at the university; and
WHEREAS, Organizing the university's health-related programs
as part of a health science center will improve its ability to
address regional and state health care needs and will spur
innovation in the delivery of health care and reduce disparity in
access to care; and
WHEREAS, Such a center will elevate the university's
visibility as a leader in the health sciences and further its Tier
One goals, and its creation will promote more efficient use of state
resources by maximizing opportunities for collaboration across the
entire university; and
WHEREAS, A University of Houston health science center will
offer significant benefits to the institution, the community, and
the state by enhancing the breadth, quality, and potential of
health-related programs; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby express its support for the creation of a University of
Houston health science center by the UH System Board of Regents;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward an
official copy of this resolution to the University of Houston
System Board of Regents.