The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health officially joined UT Social Work in July 2024. As a part of the School, the foundation will continue to advance social work education and practice to promote mental health and behavioral health for all Texans.
This partnership will also expand UT Social Work’s ability to work in policy spaces and macro social work (like grant initiatives), further improving health and behavioral health in our state.
Mission-oriented from the beginning
Ima Hogg and her siblings created the foundation in 1940 with the stated aim of supporting mental health services and initiatives in Texas. That mission remains central today as the Hogg Foundation has a proven track record of working toward improvements in mental health funding, education, and public policy.
Today, the Hogg Foundation continues to focus on public health while addressing contemporary challenges in mental health. Dr. Octavio N. Martinez Jr., MD, MPH, 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.
“Our goal is to not only address immediate needs but to 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.”
Leveraging policy
Through its policy unit, the Hogg Foundation works to positively impact mental health policy in Texas by providing education on a broad range of issues. In this area, the Foundation’s work includes policy and education programs that are also supported by UT Social Work, such as safe and supportive schools, Medicaid, rural communities, and enhancing the mental health workforce.
“We are a proud part of The University of Texas at Austin and actively work on policies and initiatives that can change the world,” said Alison Mohr Boleware, Hogg Foundation director of policy. “We’re out there with advocates, policymakers, other funders, coalitions and workgroups who are all trying to leverage policy for the benefit of mental health in Texas.”
The foundation’s investment in policy reached a new level in 2010 with the launch of the Hogg Policy Academy and Policy Fellows initiative. Organizations receive two-year grants to hire an in-house policy fellow or peer policy fellow, who receives training and immersion in policymaking, systems-change, and mental health. Peer policy fellows bring their lived experience to the advocacy and policy sphere, ensuring more voices are at the table.
2025 and beyond
In support of the new partnership between UT Social Work and the Hogg Foundation, Stacey Jordan was named assistant vice president for interdepartmental affairs, effective Nov. 1, 2024. In this role, Stacey will lead efforts to ensure alignment and integration of the Hogg Foundation and UT Social Work’s projects, work, and mission. Stacey will also continue serving UT Social Work as assistant dean for administration & planning, chief of staff, and clinical assistant professor.
The Hogg Foundation’s commitment to mental health continues to drive its mission. With ongoing projects and new initiatives on the horizon, the Hogg Foundation remains dedicated to fostering an environment where mental health is prioritized and integrated into all aspects of community life.
“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 UT 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.”