The Social & Health Research Center (SHRC) is a non-profit center committed to the social and health well-being of populations at-risk.  The SHRC was founded in 1991 and incorporated as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt entity in 1995.  In 1992 the SHRC conducted the Mexican-American Metabolic Study, a community-based study aimed at analyzing implied relationships between type 2 diabetes and sociological factors.  Studies by SHRC have reported significant relationships between type 2 diabetes and obesity; type 2 diabetes and low educational attainment; and type 2 diabetes and low socioeconomic status.  Identifying potential causal factors for type 2 diabetes was the initial purpose of the SHRC.  The goal now for the center is to implement a program that can reduce or prevent diabetes risk factors in youth from populations at-risk.

Through all the research conducted, SHRC has developed the Bienestar/NEEMA Health Program.  The program is a bilingual school-based health program and approved by Texas Education Agency.  The Bienestar/NEEMA Program aims to decrease dietary fat, to increase physical fitness levels, to prevent obesity, and to prevent Type 2 diabetes. The program is research-based and implements Pre K through eighth grade learning activities from a Social Cognitive Theory.  The children learn these health behaviors through health knowledge lessons, physical education activities, nutrition/school cafeteria component and family/community component. Implementing all four components, children have learned the importance of cutting down on fatty foods, increasing fiber intake, and exercising regularly.  The Bienestar/NEEMA Health Program has significant results and hopes to continue improving children’s health education.