When emergencies strike—whether it’s a tornado, flood, or prolonged power outage—preparedness can make all the difference. In this episode of Casting the NET, we sit down with Brandon Moore, Smith County’s Emergency Management Coordinator, and Russell Hopkins, Director of Public Health Emergency Preparedness at NET Health.

Together, we explore the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR), a vital tool that helps emergency planners identify residents who may need extra help during a disaster. We also highlight local programs that empower residents to get involved, including the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

From seasonal weather threats to county-wide response plans, this conversation breaks down how Smith County and NET Health are working together to build a more resilient and better-prepared East Texas.

• NET Health's Public Health Emergency Preparedness

• Smith County Emergency Management Office

• State of Texas' Emergency Preparedness Website

• City and/or County Signup for the Free 'Smart 911' Notification System in East Texas

• S.T.E.A.R. Enrollment page for the General Public to Sign Up

In this episode, we sit down with representatives from the Sustainable Food Center (SFC) to explore the Double Up Food Bucks program — a powerful initiative that helps SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) participants stretch their food dollars while supporting local farmers. This episode unpacks how the program works, where it’s available in East Texas, and how it brings healthier choices to more tables by doubling the value of fruits and vegetables at participating markets.

We also discuss the importance of food equity, the role of community partnerships, and how this program empowers both shoppers and growers alike.

Topics Covered:

🍎 What is the Double Up Food Bucks program?

🌽 How SNAP recipients can benefit from the dollar-for-dollar match

🛒 Participating farmers markets and retailers in our region

🌱 Why local food access matters for public health

🤝 How NET Health and SFC are partnering to promote food equity

Resources & Links:

🔗 Sustainable Food Center — https://sustainablefoodcenter.org/

🔗 Double Up Food Bucks Texas — https://doubleuptexas.org/

📸 Follow SFC on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/sfclocal/

📘 Like SFC on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/SustainableFoodCenter/

In this episode, hosts Thomas Alford and Terrence Ates unpack how employers across East Texas can create healthier, more supportive workplaces. From Mother-Friendly Worksite certification to better food options in the breakroom, we spotlight how these simple steps can lead to lasting health impacts—and even statewide recognition.

Topics covered:

• What makes a workplace “Mother-Friendly”
• How food culture affects employee health
• The Worksite Wellness Awards: who qualifies and how to apply
• Why NET Health is spotlighting these efforts through grant funding

🔗 Learn more at: https://www.mynethealth.org/departments/community-wellness/net-health-awards/

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

In this episode of Casting the NET, we sit down with two very special guests—twin sisters who both serve as Nutritionists in our WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) department here at NET Health.

Together, they share their journey into public health, what it’s like working side by side as twins, and how their work helps shape healthier futures for families across East Texas. From supporting new moms with nutrition education to ensuring children get the best nutritional start in life, their passion and teamwork are front and center.

This episode is a celebration of collaboration, family, and the power of nutrition to change lives.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Their path to becoming WIC Nutritionists
• What a day in the life of a WIC Nutritionist looks like
• How they support the health of moms, infants, and children in our community
• Favorite tips for healthy eating on a budget
• Real stories of impact and why WIC matters

For more information about our WIC Department visit here

Listen now on Spotify or watch on our YouTube channel!

In the season finale of Casting the NET, we’re honored to sit down with George T., Roberts Jr, CEO of NET Health for an inspiring and insightful conversation. Throughout this season, we’ve explored the incredible work of department directors who drive the public health mission forward. Now, we’re closing the season by going straight to the top.

In this episode, our CEO reflects on NET Health’s recent accomplishments, shares how the organization has navigated challenges and provides a visionary outlook for the future. From the vital role of collaboration across departments to the exciting initiatives on the horizon, this discussion ties together the season's themes while offering fresh perspectives on leadership and innovation in public health.

Whether you’re a public health enthusiast, a NET Health team member, or someone curious about the behind-the-scenes efforts of improving community health, this episode delivers valuable insights and inspiration.

Highlights of the Episode:

• The CEO’s journey to leading NET Health
• Reflections on the successes and challenges of recent years
• The importance of teamwork and interdepartmental collaboration
• A sneak peek at NET Health’s strategic goals and future initiatives

Tune in for an engaging wrap-up to the season and discover how NET Health’s mission continues to evolve under visionary leadership.

In this powerful follow-up episode of Casting the NET, we sit down with Tecora Smith, the inspiring Director of WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) at NET Health. As a former WIC mom who worked her way up to lead the program, Tecora’s passion for supporting families and improving maternal and infant health in East Texas shines through in every word.

In Part One, we explored the services and mission of WIC. Now, in Part Two, Tecora shares her personal journey and dives deeper into the challenges and disparities faced by families in our region. From addressing high infant mortality rates to improving birth outcomes, Tecora’s perspective offers a heartfelt and insightful look at the obstacles WIC works tirelessly to overcome.

Highlights of the Episode:

• Tecora’s inspiring journey from WIC mom to Director of 21 WIC clinics in East Texas
• A closer look at disparities affecting birth outcomes and maternal health
• Challenges and solutions in combating infant mortality in our region
• How WIC continues to support and uplift families in the community

Join us for an engaging and candid conversation that underscores the vital role of WIC in improving lives and fostering healthier communities.

https://texaswic.org

We sit down with Russell Hopkins, Director of Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP), to explore the vital role of emergency readiness in public health. This conversation offers a high-level, “30,000-foot view” of PHEP, highlighting the essential strategies and frameworks that help us stay prepared for the unforeseen.

Join us as we dive into a variety of topics, including:

• The fundamentals of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and its role within NET Health.
• How PHEP collaborates across departments to ensure community safety.
• Insights into Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology.
• Key challenges and learnings from recent public health events.

Whether you’re curious about emergency preparedness or interested in how public health adapts to new challenges, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

We’re back with Part 2 of our Environmental Health series. This time, we sit down with Ginger Points, Director of our Environmental Health Department at NET Health.

In this episode, Ginger shares her journey to becoming the director of the Environmental Health Department, what her role entails, and dives deep into the crucial services her team provides to protect public health in Northeast Texas.

If you enjoyed Part 1 with our Registered Sanitarian, you won’t want to miss this insightful follow-up!

MyNETHealth.org