Addressing critical vaccination needs in remote East Texas, the Titus Regional Medical Foundation had tremendous success at a regional health fair last October, fueled by a grant from the Vaccines Defend What Matters (VDWM) program.
Titus Regional, led by Texas Medical Association members William W. Hooks Jr., MD, and Milan Sekulic, MD, delivered 130 flu vaccinations along with lab screenings, cardiovascular risk assessments, and personalized health education at the Tennison Methodist Health Fair.
The bilingual community event generated buzz on social media, too, according to program leader Yanet Sekulic. From its location in Mount Pleasant, Titus Regional was able to reach rural communities like Titus, Talco, Winfield, and Pittsburg by generating 14,000 combined social media views.
“Although vaccination numbers fell short of the 200-vaccine goal, feedback showed high satisfaction, smooth operations, and effective partnerships with local and statewide organizations,” event organizers surmised in their final report. “Overall, the project strengthened community relationships, highlighted the value of bilingual outreach, and provided clear insights to improve participation and health equity in future events.”
Titus Regional’s success is just one example of how to maximize a $3,500 VDWM grant. The program is made possible with a grant from the TMA Foundation (TMAF). The first of three grant windows for 2026 is now open through Feb. 13.
Grant applications will be accepted for the second window starting March 18, and a third window opens June 24. In 2025, more than $70,000 was awarded in total through the VDWM program. More than $500,000 over 200 grants have been distributed since 2012.
Applicants who focus on areas with the strongest need will receive priority funding. These grants are a direct benefit of TMA membership. County medical societies, TMA Alliance chapters, and medical student chapters can also apply.
Vaccination events can “help physicians be stronger health advocates for their community,” said Lisa Stark Walsh, TMAF executive director. VDWM grants can fund events that serve a wider audience than just a physician’s clinic or patient base.
“Whether they’re doing it in their clinic or out in the community, collaborating or not, we’re helping them fulfill an urgent need that they have identified,” she said.
Other grantees have similar success stories, including repeat recipients. One such repeat partner, Conroe-based Lone Star Family Health Center delivered back-to-school well-child visits and immunizations during its 2024 program. It was a huge success, serving 297 children and 176 uninsured patients who received free care.
In 2025, the center used a VDWM grant for its Don’t Miss The Bus! campaign to address various community needs, with strong support from Children’s Books on Wheels, Community Assist Center, the Conroe school district, Texas A&M AgriLife, and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
More information about 2025 grant recipients can be found on the VDWM webpage. Information about the application process, budget examples, and final grant report examples can also be found on the site.
For more questions, prospective applicants can email or call the TMA Foundation at (512) 370-1412.