Biography
Charles W. Mathias, Ph.D., is the director of the Texas Consortium for the Non-Medical Drivers of Health, a grant-funded initiative based in the Baker Institute Center for Health Policy. Mathias brings over 20 years of experience leading state and federal public health research programs. Most recently, he worked as a professor and director for impact and innovation within the School of Nursing at UT Health San Antonio. He has also served as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy fellow in Washington, D.C.
Mathias holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University and master’s and doctoral degrees in applied biopsychology from the University of New Orleans.
Contact at [email protected] or 713-348-2737.
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How WIC, Medicaid, and SNAP Support Children’s Health
In this episode, Heidi Russell speaks with Charles W. Mathias about the connection between pediatric nutrition and healthcare financing and the alignment of Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC in supporting children’s health in Texas.
Charles W. Mathias, Heidi Russell June 11, 2026
Health Policy in the First Year of Trump’s Second Administration
In its first year, the second Trump administration has enacted substantial shifts in U.S. health policy, affecting insurance access, care costs, and guidance on nutrition and vaccines. This brief from the Center for Health Policy examines how these changes, particularly federal budget cuts, are expected to reduce insurance coverage and increase costs.
Elena M. Marks, Vivian Ho, Charles W. Mathias, Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Katharine Harris, Heidi Russell May 19, 2026
Aligning Food and Health Policy in Texas
How can Texas better integrate food and health policy? In a new report from the Center for Health Policy, Charles W. Mathias, Elena M. Marks, and Carlos A. Cruz outline how aligning federal programs — Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC — could improve health outcomes while reducing long-term health care costs.
Charles W. Mathias, Elena M. Marks, Carlos A. Cruz March 20, 2026