Welcome to the latest AHEC Newsletter with valuable health and education information! | |  | | | Welcome to the South Texas AHEC e-Notes for Aptil 2026 | | | | Learning Opportunities and Upcoming Events | | | |  Follow South Texas AHEC Programs on Facebook @SouthTexasAHEC 2026 Community Health Worker of the Year Lifetime Contribution Award
 Senior Health Educator for South Texas Area Health Education Center, Martha Castilla has been awarded the 2026 CHW of the Year Lifetime Contribution Award by the Texas Association of Promotores and Community Health Workers, recognizing her many years of service, steady leadership, and trusted presence in the community. Martha has spent much of her life giving back. on education, training, and outreach for community members, CHWs, and Promotores.
Community Health Needs Assessment
Link/Enlace: https://redcap.link/STAHEC_CHNA
The Community Health Needs Assessment will close on the last day of June.
La Evaluacion de Necesidades de Salud Comunitaria cerrara el ultimo dia de junio. South Texas AHEC is pleased to invite you to participate in our Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), a critical opportunity for community members to share their experiences, needs, and priorities related to health and well-being. The CHNA helps us better understand what is happening in our communities by gathering information about health concerns, access to care and services, social and economic factors, technology use, and available resources. The information you share will be used to guide local health priorities, strengthen community-based programs, and support partnerships and funding efforts across South Texas. Most importantly, this process ensures that future decisions are informed by the voices of the people who live and work in these communities. The survey is anonymous, available in English and Spanish, and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Every response matters, whether you are sharing a challenge, a strength, or an idea for improvement. We encourage you to complete the survey as soon as possible and help ensure that your perspective is included. For more information, please contact Joe Zapata, Jr. at [email protected] Please help us spread the word!
We encourage you to share the survey link and this message with friends, family members, coworkers, and community partners. The more people who participate, the more accurately we can reflect the needs and strengths of our communities.
South Texas AHEC le invita a participar en nuestra Evaluacion de Necesidades de Salud Comunitaria (CHNA), una oportunidad importante para que los miembros de la comunidad compartan sus experiencias, necesidades y prioridades relacionadas con la salud y el bienestar. La CHNA nos permite comprender mejor lo que sucede en nuestras comunidades al recopilar informacion sobre problemas de salud, acceso a la atencion medica y servicios, factores sociales y economicos, uso de tecnologia y recursos disponibles. La informacion recopilada ayudara a establecer prioridades de salud locales, fortalecer programas comunitarios y apoyar alianzas y decisiones de financiamiento en el sur de Texas. Este proceso garantiza que las decisiones futuras reflejen las necesidades reales de la comunidad. La encuesta es anonima, esta disponible en ingles y espanol, y toma aproximadamente 15 minutos en completarse. Cada respuesta cuenta y es valiosa, ya sea que comparta una preocupacion, una fortaleza o una idea para mejorar la salud en su comunidad. Le animamos a completar la encuesta cuanto antes para que su voz sea tomada en cuenta. Para mas informacion, comuniquese con Joe Zapata, Jr. at [email protected] Ayudenos a difundir esta informacion.
Le invitamos a compartir el enlace de la encuesta y este boletin con familiares, amistades, companeros de trabajo y organizaciones comunitarias. Mientras mas personas participen, mejor podremos representar las necesidades y fortalezas de nuestras comunidades.
South Texas AHEC Project ECHO 2026
 Don't miss these informative and educational sessions in 2026. Learn about Teen Parenting Skills and Family Health in Spring, Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Summer, and Mental Health and Resilience in Communities in the Fall during these 6 session seminar series programs. Keep an eye on our newsletter, website, and Facebook for information on registration and topics. For more information, contact Joe Zapata at [email protected]. | | | |  Follow Southwest Border AHEC on Facebook @southwestborder.ahec
Promotoras En Accion (PEACHES) - Voces Unidas por la Infancia
April 22, 2026 gtom 6:00 to 8:00PM
355 N. Ceylon St, Eagle Pass, Texas On April 22, 2026, Southwest Border AHEC will host a its monthly PEACHES session on the importance of protecting childhood as a foundation for building a strong community. We will provide CHW learners with information on strategies to help identify and prevent child abuse and explore how each of us can play a role in creating a safe and healthy environment for children. Together, we can help strengthen future generations. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected]
Las Colonias Head Start Festival Día del Niño
April 29, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:00PM
Las Colonias Headstart, Eagle Pass, Texas On Wednesday, April 29, Southwest Border AHEC will be in attendance at the Las Colonias Head Start Festival Día del Niño for enrolled students. This special event will bring children and families together for an afternoon of fun, celebration, and community connection. Southwest Border AHEC is pleased to take part in recognizing the importance of children, families, and healthy communities. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected]
Eagle Pass Public Día del Nino/Dia del Libro Celebration
April 30, 2026 from 6:00 to 7:30PM
243 Bliss St, Eagle Pass, TX On Tuesday, April 30, Southwest Border AHEC will be in attendance at the Eagle Pass Public Library's Dr. Seuss-themed Día del Niño / Día del Libro celebration. This community event will feature games, crafts, prizes, and a bike raffle, and will bring children and families together for an evening of fun, reading, and community engagement.For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected] | |  Follow Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC on Facebook @AreaHealthEducationCenter
2026 Genetics Conference
April 24, 2026 8:00AM to 1:00PM
Laredo Public Health 2600 Cedar Ave, Laredo, TX Discover Local Support! Beyond the speakers, at the 2026 Genetics Conference, the Resource Fair features dozens of local agencies—from Texas Children’s Hospital to Laredo Rehabilitation—ready to provide the services and support your family deserves. For more information, call 956-712-0037
Healthcare Career and College Pathways
April 25, 2026 from 10am to 12:30pm
Laredo Medical Center, 1700 E Sauders St, Laredo, TX Attention High School Students: Your Future in Healthcare Starts Here! Join MRGB at the Healthcare Career & College Pathways Student Panel and Workshop. This isn't just another lecture—it’s your chance to get the inside scoop on how to turn your passion for helping others into a real-world career. Scan the QR code above to sign up, or call 956-712-0037 | | | |  Follow South Coastal AHEC on Facebook @SouthCoastalAHEC.CC
Nueces County Physicals
Beginning April 30 through July 30, 2026
Various locations throughout Nueces County April through July is Physicals season for South Coastal AHEC. Through partnership with CHRISTUS Residency program, Nueces County Commissioners, Texas A&M Nursing, and DelMar Nursing, they provide free UIL-approved physicals for all Nueces County students. For more information contact Brittany Serna 361-881-8133.
Conscious Collaborations: Trauma in Today's World
May 1, 2026
Register at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/familycounselingservice/event/ccir2c/ Mental Health Professionals, Community leaders, and various health care professionals are invited to attend a one-day trauma-informed conference. This is an annual event hosted by Family Counseling Services. Through its partnership with South Coastal AHEC, 5.5 hours of CME is available to those in attendance. For more information contact Scott Krall at 361-881-8133
ALSO Provider Course
May 7, 2026
Double Tree by Hilton Corpus Christi Beach Hotel Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics equips physicians and nurses with the knowledge to deliver babies in an emergency. For more information contact Belinda Flores at 361-881-8133
11th Medicine|Nursing| Pharmacy CE Quarterly
May 20,2026 from 5:00 - 9:30PM
register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/G8607N3iUs The Medicine|Nursing|Pharmacy CE Quarterly is an amazing opportunity for interprofessional teams to learn and discuss new and emerging healthcare techniques, medications, treatments, etc. CME is also provided for those in attendance. For more information, contact Scott Krall at 361-881-8133 | |  Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC
Texas Health Steps - Critical Congenital Heart Disease Training
Now through July 11, 2028
register: https://www.txhealthsteps.com/course/3022?utm_source=cm-steps-other&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=course-announcement_cchd-ce&utm_content=cta-enroll-now Interested in a training on Critical Congenital Heart Disease? Provided by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). this module aims to provide information regarding CCHD screening and integration of this into routine newborn care. Please note this module expires on 7/11/2028.For more information, visit: https://www.txhealthsteps.com/
Expressive Therapeutic Rhythm Making
May 2, 2026 from 10:00 - 11:30am
The Ecumenical Center Headquarters, 8310 Ewing Halsell Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229 Looking for a fun, stress-free way to connect with your community? **The Ecumenical Center is hosting Expressive Therapeutic Rhythm Making, a free, monthly drumming session held every first Saturday from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. through 2026. Led by occupational therapist Jorge Ochoa, this welcoming program is open to all ages and abilities, with no musical experience required. Drums and percussion are provided. It's a wonderful opportunity to energize your mind and body, ease stress, and build meaningful connections with friends, family, and neighbors. For more information, call 210.616.0885 or visit www.ecrh.org. Building Confianza
May 15, 2026 from 9:00am to 4:00pm
Texas A&M University's Vista Room 1 University Way, San Antonio, TX, 78224 Don't miss the Building Confianza Health Literacy Summit. Health Confianza and partners - South Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Southside Collaborative, WestCare Texas, and YWCA San Antonio - are hosting a full day of interactive learning, networking, and celebration at Texas A&M University's Vista Room, 1 University Way, San Antonio, TX 78224. The summit welcomes health professionals, community health workers, public health workers, students, and community members. Featured guest speaker Arlene Siller, PhD, founder and CEO of Ascend NBS, will be among the highlights of the day. Attendance is free and lunch will be provided. Spanish translation is available upon request. Register today at forms.gle/gLTwfusbHvC1XJS19 or scan the QR code on the flyer. For more information contact Health Confianza at [email protected]
Free Public Health Camp for High School Students - Apply Now!
June 22 through 26, 2026 UT Health San Antonio is now accepting applications for the 2026 Public Health Camp, a free, week-long program for rising 11th and 12th graders taking place June 22-26, 2026, on the UT Health San Antonio campus (7703 Floyd Curl Dr.). Students will have the opportunity to explore careers in public health, participate in interactive workshops, and attend public health-focused field trips - all in a fun and dynamic environment. The camp runs Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and attendance is required all week. Lunch and snacks are provided at no cost. Please note that students must attend a mandatory orientation to enroll, and all final applicants will be reviewed by the planning committee. For more information or to apply, visit the registration link (https://redcap.link/PHCApp26) or contact [email protected].
Back to School Health & Wellness Fair
August 8, 2026
St. Martin de Porres Church, 1730 Dahlgreen Ave., San Antonio, TX 78237 This free, family-friendly event is designed to help students and families start the school year healthy and prepared. Attendees can receive free vaccines, health screenings, and backpacks filled with school supplies, along with valuable health information and the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with a doctor and psychologist. With activities for kids, face painting, door prizes, and community resources all in one place, this event reflects our commitment to supporting the well-being of families across San Antonio. For more information, contact Ariel Gomez, [email protected] or call 210-793-7355 | |  Follow Lower Rio Grande Valley AHEC on Facebook @lrgv.ahec
Salud en Mis Manos
 ¿Tienes 40 años o más? Es momento de hacerte tu mamograma.
Tú puedes hacerlo (y estamos aquí para ayudarte).
Podemos conectarte con servicios gratuitos o de bajo costo, para que no tengas que hacerlo sola.
📞 Llama al (956)807-4314 o visita 🌐 go.uth.edu/Checate Are you 40 or older? It is time to get your mammogram.
You can do this—and we are here to help.
We can connect you to free or low-cost services, so you do not have to figure it out alone.
📞 Call (956)807-4314 or visit 🌐 go.uth.edu/GetChecked | |  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. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | South Texas Area Health Education Center Program Office
UT Health - San Antonio
7703 Floyd Curl Drive | San Antonio, TX 78229 | 210-567-0482 | | | | | | | | | | | |
