¿Qué es SDOH?
(Or in plain terms: What the Heck is Social Determinants of Health?)
Most of what affects our health doesn’t happen in a hospital—it happens in our everyday lives. Where we live, what we eat, how we get to work or school, whether we feel safe, supported, and seen… these things shape our health long before a doctor ever gets involved.
That’s what Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are: the real-world conditions that impact how long—and how well—we live.
strategic partnership
Powered by VelocityTX & Methodist Healthcare Ministries
In partnership with VelocityTX and Methodist Healthcare Ministries, the Community Health Accelerator program connects education, entrepreneurship, and innovation through three core components.
➊ Seminar + Speaker Series
¿Qué es SDOH? is a program designed to break down this big, often misunderstood topic into everyday language—and show how local leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs can turn awareness into action.
We believe that by understanding the root causes of health outcomes—la causa principal—we can inspire more people to build the future of health right here in our communities.
The series features live events and panels designed to spark conversation, raise awareness, and make complex health topics feel approachable and relevant—especially for aspiring founders, healthcare workers, educators, and community changemakers.
¿Que es SDOH?
And What It Means to Y-O-U!
This panel brought together healthcare innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to discuss how we can address SDOH in the Rio Grande Valley.
We’ll explore how technology, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration can create sustainable solutions to improve health outcomes for all residents.
Featured Session
Panel Speakers
Marcos Resendez
Dr. Lyssa Ochoa
Daniyal Liaqat
Lina Rugova
Market Analysis and Value Delivery
Understanding Needs and Quality Solutions presented by Shireen Abdullah, Founder, Yumlish, 2024 MHM Accelerator Champion
Legal Considerations for Raising Capital
Understanding the Process presented by Jose Padilla, Founder, Padilla Law, LLC and LegalmenteAI
The Perfect Pitch: Captivating Investors and Closing Deals
Captivating Investors and Closing Deals presented by Luis Martinez, PhD, Sr. Venture Assoc., Capital Factory
Building a Strategy for Success
By establishing shared values, a clear mission, and an inspiring vision, leaders create a strong foundation for building.
Ways to Collaborate with the Militry
Understanding the money, aligning interest and establishing partnerships with Dr. Jeremy Nelson.
Angel Investing 101 with Lara August
Learn the ins and outs of angel investing at the seventh session in our Community Health Innovation Seminar Series.
Building a Pitch with Alfred Mesquiti
Learn how to avoid common mistakes when building a pitch deck, and take home practical tips for leaving a lasting impression.
Operational Risks Every Startup Should Understand
Learn effective strategies for identifying potential risks, conducting risk assessments, and implementing mitigation plans.
Commercializing Innovation for Community Wellness
This seminar explores the societal factors that impact community wellness and how innovation can improve health outcomes.
➋ Startup Bootcamp
A hands-on, early-stage program that helps local entrepreneurs turn ideas into action. Participants receive guidance on business models, impact measurement, funding strategies, and how to build solutions that address real community needs.
Key Focus: Participants received hands-on mentorship, networking opportunities, and practical tools to build solutions addressing real community health needs.
➌ Community Health Accelerator
Growth Stage Program
For startups ready to scale, this accelerator provides deeper support—from mentoring and expert workshops to connections with healthcare systems, investors, and ecosystem partners focused on sustainable health innovation.
This program exists to answer big questions in a practical way—and to make sure the people closest to the issues have the tools, resources, and support to solve them.
If you've ever asked, "What can I do to make a difference?" — this is where you start.
