Charles Mathias
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About Charles
Mathias researches how policy shapes health outcomes, with a focus on the intersection of healthcare and non-medical drivers of health. As Director of the Texas Consortium for the Non-Medical Drivers of Health, he analyzes polices that influence how healthcare systems identify and address critical needs like housing instability, food insecurity, and transportation barriers. These factors often determine whether medical care succeeds or fails in producing positive health outcomes. Healthcare delivery is adapting to address these risks, but policy has not always kept pace. His work centers on bridging that gap, educating lawmakers on solutions that improve health outcomes, while containing costs.
Contributions
Publications
Builds on earlier work by reviewing evaluation materials from 42 non-medical drivers of health (NMDOH) programs in Texas by considering aspects of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2024 “Program Evaluation Framework.” Finds that most evaluations focus on process improvement and NMDOH outcomes, while assessments of health outcomes and cost-effectiveness are less common. As organizations gain more experience integrating NMDOH into care, evaluating health impact and financial sustainability will become increasingly important.
Highlights opportunities for Texas policymakers to support the integration of non-medical services into health care delivery, which can improve health outcomes and enhance the value of the state’s spending.
Describes the options available to Texas for supporting services that address health-related, non-medical needs.
Describes development of an contingency management intervention for alcohol impaired drivers.
Demands in implementing statewide Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment for alcohol impaired drivers.