Gov. Greg Abbott has made two new appointments to the Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC), a body tasked with ensuring that Texas's health care facilities and services reach every corner of the state. Billie Bell and Lauren Day have been selected to join the council, with their terms slated to end on August 31, 2027, and August 31, 2029, respectively. The SHCC plays a key role in health planning and furnishes recommendations to both the Governor and Texas Legislature as outlined in the Texas State Health Plan (TSHP).

According to an announcement from the Governor's office, Bell hails from Hondo where she is the CEO of Medina Healthcare System. Her extensive background in healthcare administration and her membership in entities like the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals make her a seasoned addition to the SHCC. Bell holds degrees and credentials from San Jacinto Junior College, the University of Phoenix, and American Sentinel University.

Day, based out of Austin, boasts a diverse background as the founder and president of GoodBuzz Solutions and a partner in a equipment dealership. Before these current roles, she served on the Texas Crime Stoppers Council and has been an involved member in various professional organizations, including Women Communicators of Austin. Her educational background includes a blend of Integrated Marketing Communications and degrees in International Relations and Public Relations from Abilene Christian University and Syracuse University.

The roles of Bell and Day on the Council will involve steering the development of TSHP and pushing for the execution of its strategy. The SHCC, through appointments like these, aims to bolster Texas's health care planning and ensure accessibility of medical services for its residents. As experienced professionals, both appointees are expected to bring their unique expertise to the forefront of state healthcare challenges and initiatives.