Minority Health Initiative of East Texas

At the Minority Health Initiative of East Texas (MHIET), we deliver education, outreach, and resources to support mental health and chronic disease awareness—including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and sickle cell disease—within minority communities across East Texas.📞 903-630-4896 | 📧 [email protected]Quick HighlightsSupport for individuals, families & caregivers
Health education, workshops & screenings
Culturally responsive services & outreach
Local partnerships for lasting community impactWhy We’re HereAcross East Texas, minority communities face greater barriers to health care, mental health support, and disease prevention. MHIET works to bridge those gaps through culturally competent programs, community collaboration, and trusted education.Featured Events Teaser
Next Event: Mental Health Awareness Day — October (Annual) in Tyler, TX
Visit our Events page for a full calendar of community health fairs, screenings, workshops, and support-group launches.

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Get InvolvedWant to make a difference?
Volunteer with us, partner your organization, or make a donation to empower health equity in East Texas.

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resources

Resources📞 Emergency & Crisis Hotlines988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line - Text HELLO to 741741
Andrews Center Crisis Hotline - (877) 934-2131
Burke Mental Health Services Crisis Line - (800) 392-8343
National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)Local Mental Health PartnersCommunity Healthcore – Behavioral health & IDD services in Northeast Texas
Andrews Center Behavioral Healthcare – Mental health services across Smith, Henderson, Van Zandt, Rains & Wood counties
Burke – Mental health & developmental services in 11 Deep East TX counties
East Texas Behavioral Health Network (ETBHN) – Crisis stabilization & coordination among providers
Mental Health America of Deep East Texas (MHAF) – Education & accessibility supportChronic Disease & Wellness ResourcesAmerican Diabetes Association – Diabetes Support & Info
American Heart Association – Heart Disease Prevention
American Cancer Society – Cancer Awareness & Support
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America – Sickle Cell Disease Resources
MyPlate by USDA – Nutrition & Healthy Eating
AARP Family Caregiving – Caregiver SupportEducational Handouts & Tools (Downloadable)Depression, anxiety, trauma fact sheets
Stress management + coping strategies
Minority mental health awareness guide
Diabetes & blood pressure tracking sheets
Cancer screening checklist (breast, colon, prostate)
Sickle cell care information*(PDFs & downloads coming soon — each will be linked when ready.)FAQ ExamplesHow do I know if I need counseling?If you're feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, constantly anxious, or unable to handle daily life, it may be time to speak with a mental health professional. Start by calling your doctor or one of the hotlines above.Is MHIET a free service?MHIET provides education, referrals, outreach programs, and community events at no cost. We do not provide direct medical treatment or billing.What languages are services available in?Most partner services are available in English and Spanish. Contact us for assistance connecting with translation or culturally specific providers.

get involved

VolunteerHelp us deliver workshops, staff health fairs, lead support groups, or provide behind-the-scenes help with administration and outreach.Partnerships
Schools, churches, nonprofits, and health systems—we invite you to partner with MHIET to expand mental health awareness and access.Donate
Your support allows us to provide low-cost or free services, fund outreach into underserved communities, and create culturally relevant educational materials.[Make a Donation Today →]

events

Stay connected with our upcoming events, workshops, and outreach initiatives.

Latest News & UpdatesMHIET received a $40,000 grant from an anonymous donor to support community health initiatives.Office headquarters officially opened at 3334 S. SW Loop 323, Suite 120 & 123, Tyler, TX.MHIET partnered with Sickle Cell Warriors of Texas Corp. and other local health groups.Planning underway for a blog and podcast to share health education and community stories.Want Updates? Join Our Email List.
Stay informed about upcoming events, health resources, and community opportunities.

About

Mission
To educate, support, and improve health and wellness in minority communities of East Texas through culturally responsive services, outreach, advocacy, and education.Vision
A community where health is valued, accessible, and equitable—where every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, or income, has the resources and support needed to live well.ValuesCompassion & Respect
Equity & Inclusion
Cultural Competence
Integrity & Transparency
CollaborationHistory
MHIET began in 2023, founded by members of the NBLIC Board, to address rising health disparities in East Texas. Since its formation, MHIET has:Opened its first office in Tyler, TexasReceived a $40,000 grant from an anonymous donorExpanded efforts to include mental health, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, sickle cell disease, and other chronic illnessesWho We Serve
We proudly serve individuals, caregivers, families, and communities across East Texas—especially African American, Hispanic, and other minority populations who often face greater barriers to healthcare, mental health services, and disease prevention resources.What We DoHost community health fairs, screenings, and educational workshops
Provide mental health and chronic disease resources
Partner with churches, healthcare providers, schools, and civic groups
Offer referrals and support for individuals and caregivers
Promote advocacy and community engagement across East TexasLeadership & BoardChair: Gwen Williams
Co-Chair: Rosia HarmonMembersVeronica Johnigan
Rev. Larry Johnigan
Rev. Steven Cooper
Quinette Cooper
Samantha McGraw

Contact

Minority Health Initiative of East Texas (MHIET)📞 903-630-4896
📧 [email protected]📍 Address: 3334 S. SW Loop 323, Suite 120 & 123, Tyler, TX 75702🕘 Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM