Denise Adame Hernandez

Dr. Denise Adame Hernandez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Her research focuses on health inequities, community health workers (CHWs), and community-based participatory research. She holds a PhD in Public and Urban Administration from UTA (2020), an MPH from Texas A&M (2013), and a BS in Allied Health from Texas A&M (2010). She has over a decade of experience working with CHWs and is a certified CHW instructor in Texas. She founded the DFW Community Health Worker Association and serves on the Texas Association of CHWs Board. Dr. Hernandez teaches courses in public health, health disparities, and community health at UTA.

Research Highlights: Her work emphasizes strengthening CHW workforce development, policy advocacy, and disaster resilience through initiatives like the CAssI Dashboard. Recent grants include studies on Texas CHW workforce sustainability (Episcopal Health Foundation), rural age-friendly initiatives (National Rural Health Association), and health IT workforce development (ONC).

• Grants/Projects:
  • Mobilizing Communities with CAssI Dashboard (2024-2025)
  • Texas CHW Workforce Study (2023-2024)
  • National Rural Age-Friendly Initiative (2023-2027)
• Awards:
  • Ford Mujeres Legendarias Award (2021)
  • MAVS100 Winner (2024)

Dr. Hernandez actively serves on the Arlington Mayor's Wellness Coalition and advises UTA's Community Health Worker Training Center. She has presented at national/international conferences including the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and the Global Summit on Health Literacy.