Welcome to the latest AHEC Newsletter with valuable health and education information!

Welcome to the South Texas AHEC e-Notes for August 2026

Learning Opportunities and Upcoming Events 

Follow Southwest Border AHEC on Facebook @southwestborder.ahec

High Risk Maternal Health Care Coordination Services (HRMCCS) Project


For those in Maverick and Val Verde Counties
Register here: 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_hpYcpZt0gcvtLX01YsP7blYJNG7RjpfQseWy5qfORVNCUw/viewform

Southwest Border AHEC is partnering with UTHealth Houston researchers on a project designed to support pregnant women and mothers up to six months postpartum across participating communities. In Maverick and Val Verde counties, Southwest Border AHEC Community Health Workers help participants stay connected to care and find trusted health and community resources close to home. United Medical Centers in Eagle Pass and Del Rio serve as the local clinic partners. Contact them to begin your pregnancy care with confidence! Call 831-758-1111 or email [email protected] For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected]

1st Annual Networking for Impact Workshop 
August 25, 2026 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
International Center for Trade, 3295 Bob Rogers Dr., Eagle Pass, Texas 78852

Southwest Border AHEC will participate in the 1st Annual Networking for Impact Workshop hosting an informational table and giving a presentation about the programs and services available through Southwest Border AHEC. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with local health and education resources while building their professional networks. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected] 
 

Protegiendo La Privacidad Del Paciente: Un Repaso De HIPAA Para Los CHWs

August 27, 2026 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Southwest Texas College, 2080 N Veterans Blvd, Eagle Pass, Texas

Southwest Border AHEC and Southwest Texas College invite Community Health Workers to attend Protecting Patient Privacy: A HIPAA Refresher for CHWs. Presented in a bilingual format, the session will review common privacy and confidentiality situations that CHWs may face while working in homes, clinics, schools, and community settings. Participants will leave with practical guidance they can use right away and will receive one hour of non-DSHS-certified continuing education credit. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected]

Southwest Texas College Round Up Your Resources Fair

September 1, 2026 from 10:30am to 12:30pm
Southwest Texas College - Eagle Pass Campus

On September 1, 2026, Southwest Border AHEC will participate in the annual Southwest Texas College - Eagle Pass for its Round Up Your Resources event. Students can stop by the Southwest Border AHEC table to learn about the AHEC Scholars Program and other programs designed to support students interested in health professions.  For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected]

Follow Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC on Facebook @AreaHealthEducationCenter
 

988 5K Run/1K Walk and Mental Health Wellness Fair

 
September 5, 2026 from 7:00 to 11:00am
North Central Park, 10202 International Blvd, Laredo, TX 78045
Register here: https://youarenotalone5kwalkrun.itsyourrace.com/register/

The 2nd Annual 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 5K Run/1K Walk & Mental Health Wellness Fair, organized by the Area Health Education Center (AHEC), is a community event dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and overall wellness.. Registration will be held from 7:00 am to 8:00 am with the race taking place from 8:00am to 11:00am. Participants can choose to join the 5K run or 1K walk while supporting the message "You Are Not Alone." The event will also feature a Mental Health Wellness Fair with community resources and information. The first 100 participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and finisher's medal, and awards will be presented to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers. Registration costs $25 for pre-registration and $35 for on-site registration. For more information or to register, call (956) 712-0037, scan the QR code on the flyer or go to https://youarenotalone5kwalkrun.itsyourrace.com/register/

AHEC Mini Academy

September 12, 2026 from 8:00am to 3:00pm
AHEC Office 1505 Calle del Norte, Suite 430, Laredo, TX

The AHEC Mini Academy 2026 is an educational program designed for 4th and 5th grade students to introduce them to health careers through fun, interactive activities. The academy was held at the AHEC Office on Thursday, July 23, and Thursday, August 6, with a final session on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning experiences, earn community service hours, win prizes, and receive lunch. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For more information, call (956) 712-0037

AHEC Junior Academy

September 19, 2026 from 8:00am to 3:00pm
1505 Calle del Norte, Suite 430, Laredo TX

The AHEC Junior Academy 2026 is an educational program for 6th through 8th grade students that introduces participants to healthcare careers through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. The academy was held at the AHEC Office (1505 Calle del Norte, Suite 430, Laredo, Texas) on Friday, July 24, and Friday, August 7, with a final session to be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students will participate in interactive activities, earn community service hours, have the opportunity to win prizes, and receive lunch. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For more information, call (956) 712-0037

Follow South Coastal AHEC on Facebook @SouthCoastalAHEC.CC
 

Orange Grove Food Distribution 
August 15 from 7am - 10:30am
306 Voelkel Ave, Orange Grove, TX

Every third Saturday of the month, South Coastal AHEC organizes a food distribution in the town of Orange Grove. Through this food drive, over 100 individuals receive fresh, nutritious food. For more information contact: Belinda Flores, 361-881-8133
 

Snap to it Health Fair

August 21, 2026 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Coastal Bend Food Bank - 5442 Bear Lane, Corpus Christi, TX 78405

The Coastal Bend Food Bank is hosting a health fair focusing on health information and SNAP application assistance. Community organizations are encouraged to attend and educate the community on the services they provide. For more information contact Brittany Serna at 361-881-8133

12th Medicine Nursing Pharmacy CE Quarterly 
October 29, 2026 from 5:00pm to 9:30pm
The Omni Hotel - 900 North Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX

The 12th Medicine Nursing Pharmacy CE Quarterly will be held at the Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi, Texas. This conference will feature a variety of topics in Calcium Scoring, Pharmacogenomics, Applied Immunology in Rheumatology, Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, and Legislative updates. For more information contact Dr. Scott Krall at 361-881-8133 or go to www.cbshpharm.com

Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC

Call for Abstracts: 2026 Community Health Summit  
October 1, 2026 - Abstract Submission Deadline

TIPHER (Texas Institute for Public Health & Education Research) is now accepting abstracts for poster presentations at the 2026 Community Health Summit: Moving in a Healthier Direction, taking place Friday, October 30, 2026, from 9 AM–1 PM at the McKenna Event Center in New Braunfels, TX. Researchers, practitioners, students, community organizations, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates are invited to submit work on topics such as Community Health Workers, culinary medicine, health literacy, mental health and well-being, and the impact of transportation on health. Submissions are welcome across categories including case studies, original research, program evaluations, quality improvement projects, and student research. The submission deadline is October 1, 2026 scan the QR code on the flyer for abstract guidelines and more information. Additional questions please contact [email protected]

Save the Date: 2026 Community Health Summit

October 30, 2026 from 9:00am to 1:00pm
McKenna Event Center 801 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Mark your calendars for the Health, Culinary Medicine, & Transportation: 2026 Community Health Summit, hosted by TIPHER (Texas Institute for Public Health & Education Research) on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 9 AM–1 PM at the McKenna Event Center in New Braunfels, TX. This free event brings together community members, health professionals, transportation providers, local leaders, and students from Guadalupe and Comal Counties to explore solutions that move us forward from access to reliable transportation to health equity and active, healthy communities. Whether you're passionate about nutrition, mobility, or community-driven change, this summit is a chance to listen, learn, collaborate, and help create lasting change. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register today!

Save the Date: CHWs Across the Lifespan Summit

Saturday, October 31, 8:30am - 2:00pm
Family Service Neighborhood Place, 3014 Rivas St., San Antonio, TX

Community Health Workers, mark your calendars for the CHWs Across the Lifespan Summit on Saturday, October 31. Hosted by the American Public Health Association Community Health Worker Section in collaboration with several partner organizations, this summit will feature keynote speaker Eduardo Sanchez, MD, MPH, FAHA, Chief Medical Officer for Prevention at the American Heart Association. Attendees will explore topics spanning maternal and infant health, child and adolescent health, young adult health, older adult health, and end-of-life care. Stay tuned for registration details and don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with fellow CHWs! For any questions, please reach out to: [email protected]

Follow Lower Rio Grande Valley AHEC on Facebook @lrgv.ahec

RGV Seizure and First Aid Trainings

August 20, 2026 from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Brownsville Public Library, 2600 Central Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520
Register here: https://form.jotform.com/250264254203042

Empower Yourself With The Knowledge To Make A Difference In Your Community! This in-person training will teach participants how to recognize different types of seizures, provide appropriate seizure first aid, and determine when emergency medical care is needed. CHWs/Promotores de Salud will receive 1.45 non-DSHS certified continuing education credits. Spanish session will be August 20, 2026 from 11:00am - 12:45pm. English session will be from 2:00pm - 3:45pm  Contact Christine for more information at (210) 653-5353 or [email protected]

The AHEC Scholars Program is Enrolling Health Profession Students!

What is AHEC Scholars?
AHEC Scholars is a nationally recognized program for students in health-related disciplines interested in:

• Interprofessional Education
• Community Based Experiential Learning
• Focus on Underserved and Rural Populations

Highlights

• $500 Stipend per year
• 1-2 year program (depending on discipline)
• Self paced didactics through Google Classroom
• Practicum focused on the challenges facing rural and underserved populations

Who Can Apply?

• Behavioral Health (Graduate Level)
• Community Health Worker
• Dental (Assistant, Hygienist, Dentist)
• EMT/Paramedic
• Medical (Students, Residents, Assistants)
• Nursing (LVN, RN, BSN, NP)
• Occupational Therapy
• Patient Care Technician
• Pharmacy and Pharmacy Technician
• Physical Therapist and Assistants
• Physician Assistant
• Public Health (Graduate Level)
• Radiology Tech
• Respiratory Tech
• Social Work (Graduate Level)
• Speech Therapy (Graduate Level)

To apply: click here.
For more information go to: https://stahec.uthscsa.edu/ahec-scholars-2.
For more information.  contact Program Coordinator Roni Vela by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone: 361-881-8133 

Partner Announcements

"State of Skills, Training Programs, and Accessible Resources for CHWs in Texas" Survey

Dr. Eduardo Gandara is conducting a research study in collaboration with Community Health Workers (CHWs) to explore the status of skills of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Texas and of skill-building programs and accessible resources to support CHWs in Texas. Participation includes completing a one-time survey that will take about 20-30 minutes as well as filling out a consent form in the survey platform called REDCap. In order to participate, you must:

1.  be 18 years or older, and
2. identify as a CHW.

If you are interested in participating, please click on the REDCap link below to fill out your consent form as well as the survey. For completing the survey you will receive a $10 Tango gift card. If you know of a CHW in Texas who is 18 years or older who would be interested in participating in this survey or if you have any questions, please feel free to email Dr Gandara at [email protected].

REDCap Link: https://redcap.utsa.edu/surveys/?s=JEXYEMNEKR3FPTNR

Thank you again for your help and time. God bless!

South Texas Area Health Education Center Program Office
  UT Health - San Antonio
7703 Floyd Curl Drive | San Antonio, TX 78229 | 210-567-0482

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