Just weeks after signing off from KPRC 2, longtime Houston reporter Haley Hernandez is stepping into a new role that keeps her connected to one of the topics she covered most during her journalism career: health.
Hernandez, who announced her departure from the station in April after years of reporting for Houston viewers, has joined the media relations team at Memorial Hermann Health System.
“As you know, I recently retired from my on-air TV role, but I’m happy to share that I’ve joined the media relations team at Memorial Hermann,” Hernandez told Chron. “The hospital offers me the ability to continue sharing the medical miracles that Houston is so well known for, while also valuing my role as a mother and gives me a flexible work/life balance.”
Leaving TV news behind
While she may no longer be appearing on Houston TV screens each day, Hernandez said the move still allows her to continue reporting on issues that directly affect people’s lives.
“My decision to leave TV news was not easy because I believe in the power of good journalism and I believe the best odds of fighting the war on misinformation comes from journalists who value truthful reporting,” she said. “Our health depends on you having correct information to make good decisions for yourself and your family.”
Hernandez announced her departure from KPRC 2 last month after years as the station’s health reporter. (Haley Hernandez)
Hernandez said the new position will allow her to continue working closely with media outlets while helping spotlight patient recovery stories and groundbreaking care happening in Houston.
“This opportunity is definitely the right step for me because I still get to share the stories on the topic that impacts every single person we know and love – health,” Hernandez said.
She said she plans to focus heavily on traumatic injury stories and the recovery journeys of patients treated through Memorial Hermann’s trauma system. Hernandez described the hospital system’s work helping patients recover from devastating injuries and regain independence as stories “that deserve to be showcased.”
Learning how to slow down
The transition away from daily TV news, however, has still been an adjustment.
“Leaving TV news is a little like jumping off a merry-go-round,” Hernandez said. “It’s going to keep spinning and I have to learn how to slow down.”
Hernandez also recently lost her father, something she said prompted an outpouring of kindness from Houston viewers as she navigates both personal and professional changes.
“I’ve had a tremendous wave of support from Houston viewers. When people hear about my job change or about my father’s passing, people across the area-most who’ve never met me-sent me messages, comments, even waved to me in passing with so much respect and support,” she said. “Thank you for making me feel loved and appreciated. I love Houston.”
Last month, Hernandez announced her departure from KPRC 2, marking the end of a lengthy run as the Houston station’s health reporter.
A new chapter in Houston
For viewers who watched her over the years, Hernandez said she wants them to know her mission has not really changed.
“Please know that I still care about bringing you the latest health news from across the Houston area,” she said. “I’m just doing it from behind the scenes now.”
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This article originally published at Fomer KPRC 2 reporter Haley Hernandez starts new Houston chapter.