A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
In Summer 2024, the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health formally became part of the UT Social Work, further solidifying the work of both institutions.
As a part of Texas Social Work, the Foundation and its $230 million endowment continue to advance social work education and practice to improve mental and behavioral health for all Texans. Closer collaboration will give Texas Social Work students a deeper understanding of the interaction of public policy and social work while providing the Foundation an informed perspective on the practical applications of social work.
Mission-Oriented From the Beginning
During the early 1900s, the mental hygiene movement advanced a public health perspective on mental well-being. The Hogg Foundation emerged as a key leader in Texas when a small but dedicated group of mental health experts traveled to all the state’s 254 counties lecturing and advising groups in large cities as well as unincorporated rural areas. These speakers came to view themselves, half-jokingly, as “circuit riders,” evoking the itinerant ministers of earlier periods in American history. Dr. William Bush’s book, “Circuit Riders for Mental Health: The Hogg Foundation in Twentieth Century Texas,” provides a closer look at these efforts to combat stigma, enhance mental health awareness, reform the state hospital system and promote community-based mental health services.
In the early years, the Foundation focused on improving mental health facilities and promoting better standards of care across the state. The Shame of Texas campaign was a concerted push by the foundation to draw attention to the state’s underfunded and inhumane state psychiatric hospitals. Those efforts led to significant reform measures, including the landmark Texas Mental Health Code that established basic rights and protections for state hospital patients.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges
Today, the Hogg Foundation continues to focus on public health while addressing contemporary challenges in mental health and with new alignment under Texas Social Work, the Foundation is stronger than ever as it leads on tackling these opportunities.
The Foundation is led by Dr. Octavio N. Martinez Jr., MD, MPH, who became the Foundation’s fifth executive director in 2008. Under his leadership, the Foundation has made considerable strides in advancing mental health concepts and support systems, specifically in recovery and upstream community-led solutions. Examples include the Foundation’s involvement in the recent Austin State Hospital redesign, and the Reliable Flexible Funding initiative.
“Our goal is to not only address immediate needs but also pave the way for long-term systemic changes,” said Dr. Martinez. “By working closely with community partners and leveraging new research, we can create a more integrated and responsive mental health system.”
2025 and Beyond
The Hogg Foundation’s commitment to mental health continues to drive its mission. With ongoing projects and new initiatives on the horizon, the Foundation remains dedicated to fostering an environment where mental health is prioritized and integrated into all aspects of community life. Near-term initiatives and goals include the full integration of the Texas Grants Resource Center into the Foundation’s strategic plan and the relaunch of the Foundation’s signature event, the Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar, in September of 2025.
The integration of Texas Social Work and the Hogg Foundation also is a fundamental part of its new mission. In support of the new partnership, Stacey Jordan was named assistant vice president for interdepartmental affairs, effective Nov. 1, 2024. In this role, Jordan will lead efforts to ensure alignment and integration of the Hogg Foundation and Texas Social Work’s projects, work, and mission. She will also continue serving the school as assistant dean for administration and planning, and as a clinical assistant professor.
“Our work is far from finished,” Dr. Martinez said. “We are committed to continuing our efforts to innovate, collaborate, and advocate for mental health. The challenges may evolve, but our dedication to creating a more equitable and effective mental health system will remain steadfast. We look forward to working with Texas Social Work to nurture a new generation of social workers equipped to lead with compassion, advocate for justice, and enhance the mental and behavioral health of our communities.”
“Our work is far from finished,” Dr. Martinez said. “We are committed to continuing our efforts to innovate, collaborate, and advocate for mental health. The challenges may evolve, but our dedication to creating a more equitable and effective mental health system will remain steadfast. We look forward to working with Texas Social Work to nurture a new generation of social workers equipped to lead with compassion, advocate for justice, and enhance the mental and behavioral health of our communities.”