South Texas Area Health Education Center

Diabetes Awareness and Prevention
LRGV AHEC supporting Unidos Contra la Diabetes (UCD) efforts to create awareness in the prevention of type 2 diabetes in the Rio Grande Valley. Healthy eating and exercise lessons were shared at the Irma Cantu Community Center in Lasara, TX.

SWB AHEC First Aid Summer Camp
The Southwest Border AHEC ’s First Aid Summer Camp ran from August 5- August 9 and was held at Southwest Texas College. The camp was designed for students who wanted to learn essential first-aid techniques in a fun and engaging environment. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, over 30 students gained valuable knowledge in stress management, burn and wound care, first-aid choking protocols, and received hands-only CPR certification.

28th Annual Domestic Violence Conference
October 3, 2024 from 8:00am to 5:00pm
5201 University Blvd (TAMIU) Laredo, Texas

Join us as the Domestic Violence Coalition hosts the 28th Annual Domestic Violence Conference in Laredo! The Conference will host guest speakers throughout the day and resources will be available. Contact the AHEC office for more information at 956-712-0037.

Overcoming The Mental Health Stigma
On September 10th, South Central Area Health Education Center had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Patricia Burns for an insightful presentation on "Overcoming the Mental Health Stigma". Her expertise and thoughtful discussion provided attendees with valuable information on how to break down barriers surrounding mental health in our community. This event was part of our monthly "Chat at the Quiosco" series, held at our West Side office located at The Neighborhood Place. These monthly sessions give us the opportunity to engage directly with community members and offer important resources at the local community center. One unique aspect of our series is that the topics are chosen by the participants themselves, ensuring that we address the most relevant and pressing issues. We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Burns for sharing her knowledge, and we're thrilled with the turnout from the community. A big thank you to everyone who joined us for this event and contributed to such a meaningful discussion! We look forward to continuing to connect with and support our community in future sessions. For more information, contact Ludivina Hernandez at [email protected]

Roots of Resilience Project
Kashish Kumar, student at Columbia University, in partnership with LRGV AHEC and funding received through Projects for Peace, conducted a public health research project and produced a documentary on agricultural migrants from the Rio Grande Valley. The public health research, The Roots of Resilience Project, aims to address the significant health challenges faced by agricultural migrants in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) due to exposure to hazardous chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides. By working closely with the agricultural migrant community, the project aims to enhance access to health resources, raise awareness, and foster a sense of empowerment among these marginalized groups (Kumar, K. Abstract of "Roots of Resilience Project LRGV AHEC Partnership." May 2024) For more information contact Juana Escareño at [email protected]

Summer 2024 CHW Course
We are excited to announce Southwest Border AHEC completed its Summer CHW Course on August 26, 2024. The course was held via Zoom and provided participants with the tools needed to increase the health knowledge and self-sufficiency of the clients and communities they serve.

Mental Health Virtual Seminar
September 20, 2024 from 1:30 - 2:30 via zoom

Our Mental Health Virtual Seminars are held every other Friday and are free to register for via the QR code or link. Each presentation is over a mental health topic and 1 CEU may be earned for social workers or counselors. For more information contact Hazel Medellin at 956-712-0037 or [email protected]

Coastal Bend Food Bank Health Fair
September 20, 2024 from 11am to 4pm
Mary Anne Sinclair Community Room, Coastal Bend Food Bank
5442 Bear Lane, Corpus Christi, TX

The Coastal Bend Food Bank is hosting a community resource fair. Through this event, they hope to emphasize that September is Hunger Action Month. This is a great way for the community to come together and see the variety of resources available to them. For more information, contact Brittany Colunga at 361-881-8133

Coastal Bend Food Bank Health Fair

September 20, 2024 from 11am to 4pm
Mary Anne Sinclair Community Room, Coastal Bend Food Bank
5442 Bear Lane, Corpus Christi, TX

The Coastal Bend Food Bank is hosting a community resource fair. Through this event, they hope to emphasize that September is Hunger Action Month. This is a great way for the community to come together and see the variety of resources available to them. For more information, contact Brittany Colunga at 361-881-8133

Rural Telementoring Unconference
October 16, 2024 from 10:00am - 2:00pm
Register here: https://uthealthsa.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwtc-2oqDoqHN0wrYr22coEZRX8Il2Djpnl #/registration

The Rural Telementoring UnConference 2024 is a FREE, virtual event featuring an array of brief presentations on rural health and telementoring followed by group discussion, idea generation, and collaboration. Unlike traditional conferences, where the agenda is predetermined and there is limited opportunity for interaction and conversation, an UnConference provides a structure that facilitates sharing experiences, idea generation, and partnership building in pursuit of shared goals. 2024 Theme: Enhancing Rural Resilience: The intersection of climate, behavioral health, and workforce. What is an UnConference? The UnConference format provides a unique opportunity for attendees to focus on what really matters to them, as this is a conference without the rules and structure of a traditional conference. The UnConference kicks off with a series of brief 4×4 presentations (4 slides in 4 minutes), which help set the stage for discussion. Attendees then identify, categorize, and rank topics they want to discuss. These topics, in addition to those gathered from the registration, become the focus of breakout session discussions. For more info, contact: [email protected] or visit: https://ruraltelementoring.org/rural-telementoring-unconference-2024/

Reunion de Promotoras-es
August 30, 2024 from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Centro Cultural, 2100 Gregory Ave, Brownsville, TX 78526

Red de Promotoras-es en Cameron County los invita a la proxima reunion de promotoras-es 30 de Agosto en el Centro Cutural, 2100 Gregoray Ave., Brownsville, Texas. Por favor de registrarse con Irene Radford por telefono a 956.372.4748.

MD Anderson Bowl Cancer Away
September 14. 2024 from 12:00 to 4:00pm
Jett Bowl North, 5823 McPherson Road, Laredo, TX
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwuc-igqzstE9MEF2sbUGfuxJkgjIwiFPlA #/registration

Join Area Health Education Center as we get together to bowl cancer away! Please call us to RSVP your lane! For more information, contact: Hazel Medellin, 956-712-0037 or [email protected]

The AHEC Scholars Program is Enrolling Health Profession Students!

The AHEC Scholars Program is an opportunity for certain health profession students (medical, advanced practice nursing, registered nursing, pharmacy, physician assistants, dentistry, graduate psychology, CHWs, graduate public health, social workers, and others) to participate in interprofessional healthcare team activities. The duration of the program is 1-2 years (depending on discipline), runs concurrently with a student’s academic curriculum, and concludes when the student graduates from their respective health profession program. In addition to educational and professional enrichment, the AHEC Scholars Program offers a $500 stipend, per year involved in the program, to help offset student costs.

If you are interested in applying please click here. The AHEC Scholars Program is explained in greater detail at https://stahec.uthscsa.edu/ahec-scholars-2. Alternatively, please contact Roni Vela by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone: 361-881-8133, for more information.

2024 Grandfamily Picnic
September 7, 2024 from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Rosedale Park, 303 Dartmouth St, San Antonio 78237
Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgbKYIlrCTby5O2WiBFWpsYdwvBY8IbMiRuHXo59oRp-yMPA/viewform

Celebrate Grandparent's Day with TXGRG! Free annual grandfamily picnic for you and the grandkids! Join us for lunch, games, inflatables, cold treats and more! For more information, go to: https://www.txgrg.com or email [email protected]

Aging Well Conference
November 16. 2024 from 11:00am - 2:00pm
The Neighborhood Place 3014 Rivas St, San Antonio, TX

We are excited to announce our Aging Well Conference, "You Do Better When You Know Better!" Join us on Saturday, November 16, 2024. This free event will feature a raffle with door prizes, complimentary food, and opportunities to connect with community organizations based in Bexar County. People from all walks of life are welcome to attend and benefit from the valuable information and resources that will be shared. Don't miss out on this chance to learn, engage, and enjoy a wonderful community event! For more information contact Ariel Gomez, [email protected]

Community Health Worker Certification Course
August 27 through September 19, 2024
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 - 8:30pm

We are thrilled to announce that we are now accepting applications for our Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification Course. This comprehensive training program is designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the field of community health. Participants must be available to attend all sessions of the 4 week course to complete the program successfully. This DSHS-certified competency-based training program comprises 160 hours of instruction delivered virtually via Zoom. A stable internet connection with audio and video capabilities is necessary to participate. The course is available at no cost, and a Zoom link will be provided closer to the start date. Eligibility for this program requires that participants reside or work in one of the following Texas counties: Bexar, Gillespie, Kendall, Comal, Guadalupe, Wilson, Karnes, Atascosa, Frio, Medina, Bandera, or Kerr. Our certified instructor, Ludivina "Ludy" Hernandez, will lead the training. This course is approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services through South Coastal AHEC as CHW Training Site #47. Please note that this certification course is not part of an associate degree pathway. Those interested in pursuing a Community Health Worker degree should visit the Alamo Colleges website for more information. For registration and additional information, please contact [email protected]. We look forward to your participation in this valuable training opportunity!

Back to School Health and Wellness Fair
August 8, 2024 from 10:00am to 1:00pm
San Martin de Porres Catholic Church
1730 Dahlgreen Avenue, San Antonio

Join us on August 8th for the Back to School Health and Wellness Fair, presented by UT Health SA's Front Porch Series! The event will be held from 10 AM to 1 PM at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church, located at 1730 Dahlgreen Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78237. This free event includes a Q&A session with a doctor and psychologist, a school supply raffle, and fun activities for kids with prizes. For more information, please email [email protected]. Don't miss this opportunity to kickstart the school year with health and wellness resources for the whole family!

Flour Bluff Health Fair
August 1, 2024 from 4:00 - 6:00pm
Flour Bluff High School, 2505 Waldron Rd, Corpus Christi

South Coastal AHEC, in partnership with Nueces County Commissioner Brent Chesney, is hosting a back-to-school Health Fair at Flour Bluff High School. Students will receive free physicals, immunizations, and diabetes screenings. Local community partners are encouraged to attend and offer their services to the community. For more information, contact: Melissa Flores at (361)881-8133

CFHA's Annual Conference 30 Years of Integration:
Innovating in the Pursuit of Healing In-Person Conference
Thursday, October 24, Friday, October 25, and Saturday, October 26
Register here: https://cfha.swoogo.com/2024cfhaannualconference/begin

The Collaborative Family Healthcare Association (CFHA) hosts the premier conference for healthcare professionals and allies interested in bringing medicine and behavioral health together. As part of a suite of services, which include community building, content production, and consultation services, CFHA's annual conference has become the place to learn and network with all stripes of healthcare professionals, foundations, payers, and others interested in integrated care. With over 80 sessions, 20 CEs, and ample networking times CFHA's conference is the place to build lifelong professional relationships. Over the last three decades, integrated care has leaped toward innovation and responded to the ever-growing needs of our healthcare landscape. The terrain has not always been the most fertile, yet integrated care has flourished along with the evidence supporting integrated care. As we have endured pandemics and the subsequent social isolation, climate crises, gun violence, an awareness of systemic racism, and socio-political changes, healthcare has rebounded into a new hybrid era of digital and relational shifts. Rather than stump the growth of integration, these events have contributed to strengthening our commitment, creativity, and innovation in the pursuit of healing. Our relationships anchor us, and our mission drives us to best meet the needs of the communities we serve regardless of the circumstances encountered. Integrated care holds the space for healing. Our annual conference is a perfect opportunity to reflect on our own practices, innovations, and teams and learn about technology, evidence-based care, policy, and funding in the context of socio-political changes and healthcare reform.

Happy Health Back to School Health Fair
July 27, 2024 from 9:00am - 12:00pm
Roy Miller High School, 1 Battlin' Buc Blvd, Corpus Christi

Driscoll Children's Hospital in partnership with Lead First is hosting a back-to-school health fair. This health fair will be available to all children who will be enrolled in the upcoming school year. Through various sponsors and community organizations, they plan to give away school supplies, back packs, food bags, physicals, immunizations, and much more. For more information, contact: Brittany Colunga at 361-881-8133

Reunion de Promotoras-es
July 26, 2024 from 9:00am - 12:00pm
Centro Cultural 2100 Gregory Ave, Brownsville, TX 78526

Red de Promotoras-es en Cameron County los invita a la proxima reunion de promotoras-es 26 de Julio en el Centro Cutural, 2100 Gregoray Ave., Brownsville, Texas. Por favor de registrarse con Irene Radford por telefono a 956.372.4748.

Back to School Bash and Wellness Fair
July 25, 2024 from 5:00 - 8:00pm
San Patricio County Fair Grounds 219 W 5th St, Sinton, TX

Driscoll Health Plan is hosting a Back-to-School Bash and Wellness Fair at the San Patricio County Fair Grounds. In partnership with local organizations, the first 1,000 attendees will receive free backpacks and school supplies. Everyone in attendance will also be able to receive immunizations, health care application assistance, and access to community resources. South Coastal AHEC will be at the event offering no cost physicals to all the kids. They will also have a team of CHW's present to offer Salud en Mis Manos (SEMM). SEMM is a cancer prevention program that provides free to low-cost pap smears and mammograms. For more information, contact Melissa Flores at (361)881-8133

Frio County TAB Presents - 3rd Annual Frio County Fall Family Festival
November 19, 2024 from 11:00am to 2:00pm
Polo Patino Park - 147 West Davila Street, Pearsall, Texas 78061

Frio Translational Advisory Board (TAB) is pleased to announce our upcoming 3rd annual Fall Family Fest for families across Frio County on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Like the previous year, our goal is to provide a free community-wide event emphasizing health, education, wellness, and prevention while providing fun activities for all ages. We want to invite you and others again to join us in providing free health screenings, information, education, resources, and other health-related services. This free event will be outdoors, and we hope to make it an engaging and informative experience for the community For more information, contact Ariel Gomez, [email protected]

Food Distribution
Saturday, July 20, 2024 from 7:00-10:00am
El Buen Pastor, 306 Voelkel Ave, Orange Grove, TX

Every third Saturday of the month South Coastal AHEC , in partnership with the Food Bank of Corpus Christi, travels to Orange Grove and distributes food to the local citizens. The distribution begins at about 9 am but people line up at early as 5:30 am. During the wait in their vehicles, various community partners often go car-to-car and pass out information about their programs. For more information, contact Melissa Flores (361)881-8133

Operation Safe Return
July 20, 2024 from 10:00am - 2:00pm
American Bank Canter, 1901 N, Shoreline, Corpus Christi

The Corpus Christi Police Department is hosting its 8th annual back-to-school health & safety fair. Operation Safe Return gives every child the opportunity to receive necessary school supplies, obtain valuable safety information and ensure a healthy start to the upcoming school year. During this back-to-school health fair, South Coastal AHEC will be participating in providing school supplies to the kids as well as services from their grant-funded program Health in My Hands to the moms of the students. For more info, contact Brittany Colunga at 361-881-8133

Health in My Hands at Sam's Club
July 18, 2024 10:30am - 2:30pm
Sam's Club, 4833 SPID, Corpus Christi, TX 78411

Health in My Hands is a grant-funded Breast and Cervical Cancer prevention and detection program. South Coastal AHEC has a team of CHW's who go out to various community locations to reach as many women as possible. July 18th they will be set up in front of Sam's Club. For more information, contact Brittany Colunga at 361.881.8133

Back to School Drive - Driscoll Health Plan
July 18, 2024 from 9:00 to 11:00am
International Center for Trade - 3295 Bob Rogers Drive Eagle Pass, TX 78852

In collaboration with Driscoll Health Plan and numerous other community organizations, Southwest Border AHEC will help prepare the Eagle Pass ISD students for the upcoming Fall 2024 semester by providing them with various school supplies. Through this event, we hope to provide students with a jump start to the semester as well as to ease some of the financial stress parents experience in trying to provide their children with the tools necessary for a productive semester. The event will be held on July 18, 2024, from 9:00 am - 11:00 am at the ICT in Eagle Pass, Texas. For more information, contact: Bonifacio Vega, [email protected]

ALS Laredo: Support Group
July 17, 2924 from 6:00 - 7:30pm
MRGB AHEC Office, 1505 Calle del Norte Suite 430

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwuc-igqzstE9MEF2sbUGfuxJkgjIwiFPlA #/registration

If you or someone you know has been affected by ALS or would simply like to know more and provide support to others, please join us at our monthly support group meetings. For more information, contact Cynthia Haynes Ramirez at 956-740-7179