Texas A&M Research Scientist Appointed To Texas Diabetes Council By Gov. Greg Abbott

Ninfa Peña-Purcell, a research scientist at the Texas A&M Health Center for Population Health and Aging, has been appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to a six-year term on the Texas Diabetes Council.

As a member of the council, Peña-Purcell will work with colleagues to address issues affecting Texans with diabetes. In addition, the council advises the Texas lawmakers on potential legislation to develop and maintain statewide education services for those with diabetes and for health professionals who offer treatment and education.

“It is a tremendous privilege to be appointed by Gov. Abbott to serve on the Texas Diabetes Council,” Peña-Purcell said. “Serving on the board will give me an opportunity to make meaningful contributions in the fight against the Texas diabetes epidemic. The council has played a vital role in responding to this problem and helping improve the lives of Texans impacted by diabetes.”

Since 2013, Peña-Purcell has served on the Texas Diabetes Council outcomes subcommittee. She serves on the Division Board for Certification of Health Education Specialists and is a board member for the National Commission for Health Education Specialists. In January 2021, she was elected to the Society for Public Health Education Board as a trustee of Professional Development and Continuing Education.

Peña-Purcell is a certified community health worker instructor, allowing her to train community health workers and/or promotoras to implement ¡Sí, Yo Puedo Controlar Mí Diabetes! and Wisdom, Power, Control. Her research interests include minority health disparities, especially among Hispanics and Latinos, culture competency, cancer prevention, chronic disease prevention and management, and worksite health promotion.

Marcia G. Ory, founding director of the Center for Population Health and Aging, notes the importance of this appointment for bringing important research and practice perspectives to the state level, and the ability of Peña-Purcell to transverse academic, clinical and community sectors in addressing the diabetes epidemic in Texas.