Behavioral Science for Healthier Communities
A collaboration between the International Institute of Behavioral Sciences and the American Chamber of Health
The International Institute of Behavioral Sciences and the American Chamber of Health are working together in Texas so that people of every age and background can be understood and supported early, before a struggle becomes a crisis. The first focus is young people.
The Challenge
Mental health is part of health for everyone, at every stage of life. It is shaped by what happens in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, schools and clinics. Yet the people who study human behavior and the people who deliver everyday health care often work apart from each other.
Behavioral science can help us understand why people think, feel and act as they do. Too often, that understanding stays in journals and lecture halls. It does not always reach the places where people and their families look for help.
This initiative starts from a simple question: what would change if behavioral science were part of everyday health, and if understanding and support arrived earlier for everyone?
The Opportunity
Texas is home to major health systems, strong academic institutions and community organizations that know their neighborhoods well. Few efforts bring these groups into one conversation about mental health.
Two organizations are well placed to start that conversation. One has worked in behavioral science since 2014. The other builds the connections that healthcare leaders need to work together. Their pairing offers a practical way to connect research, healthcare leadership and community engagement in Texas, and the work is beginning now.
The Partners
International Institute of Behavioral Sciences (IIBS)
IIBS is a not-for-profit institute working in behavioral sciences since 2014, based in Southwest Houston, Texas. It is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt educational organization, led by Dr. Maqsood Ahmed. Its work spans four areas:
- Research that uncovers insights into human behavior
- Community engagement that works with communities to strengthen well-being
- Online courses and programs for professionals and leaders
- Policy advocacy for mental health and equity
IIBS holds honesty and ethical research, teamwork, excellence and empathy as its published values.
American Chamber of Health (ACH)
ACH is an independent organization that builds connective infrastructure for healthcare collaboration, with offices in Houston, Texas and Cary, North Carolina. It brings healthcare leaders and stakeholders to the same table and works through a six-step framework: Identify, Validate, Design, Pilot, Launch and Scale. ACH also publishes ACH News & Insights, a healthcare publication.
IIBS contributes behavioral science and community engagement. ACH contributes healthcare relationships and a structure for turning shared priorities into programs. Neither organization is selling a product in this initiative. The aim is practical programs that improve mental well-being and strengthen communities.
Goals
The initiative sets out to:
- 01Bring behavioral science, healthcare leaders and community organizations into regular conversation in Texas
- 02Support mental well-being for people of every age and background
- 03Begin with young people and their mental health, as the roadmap develops
- 04Encourage understanding and support that reach people early
- 05Make behavioral science easier for professionals and communities to use in everyday settings
- 06Design programs together with the communities they are meant to serve
- 07Turn these intentions into measures once the roadmap is set
Community Impact
The change this initiative works toward is that people in Texas, at every stage of life, are better understood and supported earlier, and that the families, professionals and organizations around them have practical tools grounded in behavioral science.
Individuals, families, community organizations, health professionals and healthcare institutions all stand to benefit from clearer connections between research and everyday care.
The work has just begun. We are not making outcome claims. We will share what we learn as the roadmap develops.
Current Status
The engagement between IIBS and ACH was first shared publicly in August 2026. The formal initiative was announced on October 29, 2026, and the collaboration is active.
Phase 1, Identify. The two organizations are mapping needs and institutions across Texas. The pilot definition follows in the Validate phase.
The two organizations have begun developing a collaborative roadmap for an initial initiative in Texas. The first focus is young people and their mental health.
ACH is connecting with stakeholders across healthcare and society who are creating impact in behavioral science. This page will be updated as events happen.
The scope, participating institutions and schedule are being determined as the roadmap develops. We will announce them as they are set.
How to Participate
Healthcare and academic institutions
If your hospital, health system or school wants to help shape the roadmap, we would like to hear from you.
Professionals
If you work in behavioral health, primary care, pediatrics, research, education or public health and want to contribute your expertise, tell us about your work.
Community organizations
If your organization serves people and families in Texas, at any age, your experience matters to this work. We would like to learn from you.
To start a conversation or arrange press access, contact Khalid Sattar, President, American Chamber of Health, at khalid@americanchamberofhealth.org. For news as it develops, follow ACH News & Insights.