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

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

Learning Opportunities and Upcoming Events 

Follow Southwest Border AHEC on Facebook @southwestborder.ahec

Back to School Health Fair - Del Rio  

 Tuesday, August 4, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
315 E. Chapoy St, Del Rio, TX 78840

Join us for the 20th Annual Del Rio Back to School Health Fair  Southwest Border AHEC will be participating in the 20th Annual Del Rio Back to School Health Fair where our team will be conducting basic health screenings and sharing health information to support students, families, and community members as they prepare for the new school year.    This annual event brings local agencies and community partners together to connect families with helpful resources, health services, and back-to-school support.

Follow Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC on Facebook @AreaHealthEducationCenter

AHEC Mini Academy

Thursday August 6th and Saturday, September 12 from 8:15 to 3:00
1505 Calle del Norte suite 430, Laredo Texas

AHEC Mini Academy 2026 is a hands-on educational program designed for 4th and 5th grade students to introduce them to health, science, and community service. Throughout the academy, students will participate in interactive learning activities, engage in team-building exercises, explore health-related topics, and develop leadership and communication skills in a fun and supportive environment. Participants will also earn community service hours, receive lunch, have opportunities to win prizes, and learn about healthy lifestyles while discovering careers in healthcare. For more information, contact the  AHEC Office at 956-712-0037

 Junior Academy  

Friday, August 7, and Saturday, September 19 from 8L15 to 3:00pm
1505 Calle del Norte suite 430, Laredo, TX

 AHEC Junior Academy 2026 is an interactive educational program designed for students in 6th through 8th grade. The academy provides participants with engaging, hands-on activities that introduce health sciences, leadership, and community service. Students will explore a variety of healthcare careers, participate in STEM and health-related projects, strengthen teamwork and communication skills, and learn about healthy lifestyles through fun, age-appropriate experiences. Participants will also earn community service hours, receive lunch, and have opportunities to win prizes while building knowledge and confidence in a supportive learning environment. For more information, contact the AHEC Office at 956-712-0037

Follow South Coastal AHEC on Facebook @SouthCoastalAHEC.CC
 

Orange Grove Food Bank   

August 15 from 7am - 10am
306 Voelkel Ave, Orange Grove, TX

Each month, South Coastal AHEC travels to Orange Grove and manages a food distribution. Through this food drive, over 100 individuals receive fresh, nutritious food. For more information contact: Brittany Serna  361-881-8133

Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC

Back to School Fair
 
August 8, 2026  from 11:00am - 2:00pm
San Martin de Porres Catholic Church
1730 Dahlgreen Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78237

Back to School Health & Wellness Fair — FREE Community Event    UT Health San Antonio's Front Porch Series is hosting a Back to School Health & Wellness Fair, offering free services and resources to help families prep for the school year. Free offerings include:  - Sports physicals  - Dental screenings  - Community resources  - Backpacks with school supplies  - Q&A with a doctor & psychologist  - Kids' face painting  - Raffle door prizes  We invite our partners to share this event with families in their networks — it's free and open to the community! Questions: Contact Ariel Gomez at (210) 793-7355 or [email protected]
 

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
 

Salud en Mis Manos

20 de Agosto, 2026
Sesión en Español: 11:00 AM – 12:45 PM
Session in English: 2:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Brownsville Public Library-Main Branch, 2600 Central Blvd. Brownsville, TX 78520
Regístrate aquí/Register Here: https://form.jotform.com/250264254203042

Capacitación en el Valle del Río Grande en Primeros Auxilios para Convulsiones para Promotoras de Salud Comunitarios en Español e Inglés ¡Fortalezca sus conocimientos para marcar una diferencia en su comunidad! Esta capacitación brindará a los participantes las herramientas necesarias para reconocer los diferentes tipos de convulsiones, responder de manera segura y adecuada durante una convulsión, y identificar cuándo es necesario solicitar atención médica de emergencia. Promotores de Salud/CHWs recibiran 1.45 horas no certificadas por DSHS de educación continua. Contacte a Christine para más información a (210) 653-5353 o a [email protected]

First Aid for Convulsions Training in the Greater Rio Grande Valley for Community Health Promoters in Spanish and English! Strengthen your skills to make a difference in your community! This training will provide participants with the necessary tools to recognize the different types of convulsions, respond safely and appropriately during a convulsion, and identify when to seek emergency medical attention. Promoters of Health/CHWs will receive 1.45 hours of continuing education credits from DSHS. Contact Christine for more information at (210) 653-5353 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. 

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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