As part of its Healthy Hays Forum series, the Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) will host a Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Health Disparities Forum on October 20 at Moe & Gene Johnson High School, located at 4260 FM 967 in Buda. 
Experts will discuss disparities in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community as well as how Adverse Childhood Communication Experiences (ACCE) can lead to an increased risk of chronic disease in adults.
“We know many community residents aren’t aware of the health disparities in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community,” said Health Equity and Community Engagement Program Manager Matthew Gonzales. “With this forum, we hope to provide information and resources to help Hays County learn more about this issue.”
The hour-long presentations will run from 6:15 -7:15 p.m. Several deaf and hard-of-hearing organizations will be present to chat with attendees.
Future forum topics include a New Parents Preparedness Forum on October 27 in Dripping Springs. The HCLHD is also holding its first Fall Community Health Fair on October 22 at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center in Kyle. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information about future events, visit the Hays County Local Health Department’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HaysCountyLocalHealthDepartment/ or contact Community Outreach Specialist Austin Baier at austin.baier@co.hays.tx.us.
Please note that .1 CEUs will be provided for BEI-certified interpreters at no cost.
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