Welcome to the latest AHEC Newsletter with valuable health and education information! | |  | | | | | Welcome to the Spring 2024 South Texas AHEC Newsletter | | | | Recent Successes | Future Events | Learning Opportunities | Health News | | | | | |  Follow Southwest Border AHEC on Facebook @SWBAHEC AmaTu Corazon  In partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in Eagle Pass, Southwest Border AHEC staff assisted in providing various services such as glucose checks, blood pressure screenings, and resource navigation to interested community members. Through this event, we were able to reach over 60 community members.  Southwest Border AHEC has had the pleasure of helping to coordinate the Teen Battle Chef (TBC) program, a hands-on culinary skills and nutrition education program that meets youth where they are at, creating a safe environment for building a healthy lifestyle. The curriculum includes step-by-step training modules, lesson plans and plant-based recipes (with meat as a condiment) CHW Training Course at Southwest Texas Junior College
 Southwest Border AHEC is currently working with Southwest Texas Junior College to provide 25 students enrolled in the Medical Assistant program an opportunity to become certified Community Health Workers. After completing their CHW training, these future healthcare professionals will be better equipped to provide their patients with the a high level of quality care.
Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (CARB)
 In collaboration with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Mexican Consulate, Southwest Border AHEC is helping to coordinate the Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (CARB) project. This project aims to gain insight into knowledge gaps in understanding the appropriate use of antibiotics and to educate community members on antibiotic-responsible use.
Pinta la Bandera Desde La Frontera
 In partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in Eagle Pass, Southwest Border AHEC had the privilege of helping to sponsor the "Pinta La Bandera Desde La Frontera" event. This contest was meant to give young students the opportunity to use their creativity to design a flag representing what living on the Texas-Mexico border means to them. | |  Follow Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC on Facebook @AreaHealthEducationCenter Mental Health Awareness Virtual Seminar: Dental Care & Mental Health
 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 we are always open to topic suggestions. | |  Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC Chat at the Quiosco, What We Eat and Why We Eat It
 We organized our monthly gathering called Chat at the Quiosco, where we were joined by Dr. Quintana, a resident specializing in Family and Community Medicine. During the event, Dr. Quintana delved into the psychology of food choices, engaging our community members in hands-on activities. She shared valuable insights on making fruits more budget-friendly, managing cravings, and practicing portion control, while also introducing practical strategies for affordable eating habits. We were so happy to have Dr.Quintana join us!
Community Health Workers (CHWs) Celebration
   Our center has successfully completed our 5th Cohort of training for Community Health Workers! In our final in-person session, all 11 participants attended and delivered their impressive final presentations. We are immensely proud of our CHWs and eagerly anticipate witnessing their continued success on their journey as CHWs! Spring 2024 Interns with South Central AHEC
 We are very glad to welcome our newest undergraduates from UTSA and Texas A&M! Our Spring 2024 interns with South Central AHEC (L-R) Esther Fakolade, Kimberly Hernandez, and Carolina Villarreal, we are so happy to have you! Esther and Carolina are both studying at UTSA and majoring in Public Health and Kimberly is from Texas A&M majoring in Community Health. We look forward to working with new talents and future public health professionals/leaders and hope you will join us and welcome them to our center. Brief Motivational Interviewing Training
  A special thank you goes out to Dr. Stacy A. Ogbeide for her exceptional delivery of the Brief Motivational Interviewing Training in January. We extend our gratitude to all who attended, whether in person or via Zoom. Dr. Ogbeide, your expertise and dedication are truly appreciated-thank you once again! | |  Follow South Coastal AHEC on Facebook @SouthCoastalAHEC.CC Tar Wars Presentation
 CHWs from South Coastal AHEC were invited to present Tar Wars to 4th & 5th graders at Tar Wars is a tobacco-free education program for fourth- and fifth-grade students at Mireles Elementary. The program is designed to teach kids about the short-term health effects of tobacco use, the cost associated with using tobacco products, and the advertising techniques used by the tobacco industry to market their products to youth.
Accreditation with Commendation Status
 This past month, South Coastal AHEC's CME program was awarded Accreditation with Commendation, a six-year term and the highest accreditation status, by the Texas Medical Association for excellence in Continuing Medical Education. South Coastal AHEC is one of only nine CME programs in the entire state of Texas to receive this prestigious designation. 8th Medicine Nursing Pharmacy CE Quarterly
  South Coastal AHEC, in partnership with The Coastal Bend Society of Health System Pharmacists, hosted the 8th Medicine/Nursing/Pharmacy CE Quarterly on February 22nd, 2024 in Corpus Christi, Texas. The program is designed to provide healthcare professionals across disciplines with an opportunity to learn about working in multidisciplinary teams to ensure that each patient is managed based on best practices and current guidelines. This CME/CE activity focused on acute leukemia, heart failure, and surgical intervention for gastroesophageal reflux disease. We had over 65 healthcare providers from across the Coastal Bend Area in attendance. South Coastal AHEC Scholars also attended | |  Follow Lower Rio Grande Valley AHEC on Facebook at @lrgv.ahec | | | | Future Events & Learning Opportunities | | Follow Southwest Border AHEC on Facebook @SWBAHEC | | Follow Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC on Facebook @AreaHealthEducationCenter Mental Health Awareness Virtual Seminar: Diabetes & Mental Health
Friday, March 22 1:30 to 2:30PM on 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 we are always open to topic suggestions. For more information, contact Hazel Medellin, 956-712-0037, hmedellin@mrgbahec.org Genetic Conference & Resource Fair
April 19,2024 from 8:30am to 12:30pm
Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library, 1120 E. Calton Road, Laredo, TX Our Genetic Conference & Resource Fair is free and open to anyone to register for and attend in person. There will be resources and information for families of children with developmental disabilities and autism. For more info, contact Hazel Medellin, 956-712-0037, hmedellin@mrgbahec.org
17th Annual Mental Health & Substance Abuse Awareness Symposium 
Friday, May 3, 2024 from 8:00am to 5:00pm
IBC Annex - 2418 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, TX Our Annual Mental Health & Substance Abuse Awareness Symposium is a day full of presentations from various speakers. The Symposium does offer CEUs but there is also a non-CEU option for those who do not need them. Lunch is provided. For more info, contact Hazel Medellin, 956-712-0037, hmedellin@mrgbahec.org | | Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC LGBTQIA+ Health & Taking a Sexual History Workshop
March 20, 2024 from 9:00am to 1:00pm
In-person Presentation/Training Register here: https://scaetc.unm.edu/scaetc/event/?ER_ID=8111 This program is part of our monthly Sexual Health in Primary Care Lunch & Learn sessions. This months topic will be a half day in-person workshop on LGBTQIA+ health and taking a sexual history. The workshop will feature targeted presentations and role playing activities, and a panel discussion on patient experiences in healthcare. This in person event will be in San Antonio, and a more detailed location will be provided once registered! for more info: aetcinfo@uthscsa.edu HIV ECHO
March 22, 2024 from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Register here: https://scaetc.unm.edu/scaetc/event/?ER_ID=8192 Our partner Aids Education & Training Center Program (AETC) will be having an HIV ECHO! This ECHO builds community clinic capacity for delivering best-practice HIV care to underserved populations in Texas. We have partnered with the UT Health San Antonio ECHO Program for a twice monthly HIV ECHO. Register today! For more info: aetc.info@unthsc.edu
Pioneer Day
March 23, 2024 frin 9:00am to 5:00pm
Frio Pioneer Jail Museum 501 S Pecan St, Pearsall, TX, 78061 Excitement is in the air as Frio Pioneer Day approaches! 🎉 Join us as we create unforgettable memories together. Mark your calendars and share the joy with friends and family! For more info contact: Nancy: (210) 364-4721 or Kim (210) 844-0227 2024 Public Health Week
April 4, 2024 from 10:00am to 12:00pm The UTSA Department of Public Health is sponsoring its third annual Health Fair and Research Showcase as part of National Public Health Week, which will take place Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This year's theme for National Public Health Week is "Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We are All Public Health." For more info contact Melissa Doyle (217-320-2773). Fiesta De Salud
April 17, 2024 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm
Crockett Park: 1300 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 San Antonio Metropolitan Health District will be hosting Fiesta de Salud. The event will have Health Screening, Vendors, Prizes, Music, and More. For more info contact: Raul.Nandin2@sanantonio.gov Public Health Camp
June 17th thru 21st from 8:00am to 5:00pm
The Neighborhood Place 3014 Rivas St, San Antonio, TX 78228
https://redcap.link/phc2024 We're thrilled to announce our upcoming Public Health Camp, available to rising juniors and seniors for Fall 2024! Get ready for an exhilarating experience filled with exciting Public Health-focused field trips. It's the perfect opportunity for students to delve into the fascinating world of Public Health careers! Best of all, this camp is completely FREE. Don't miss out-register by Friday, May 3rd, 2024, and embark on an unforgettable journey! For more information contact: PublicHealthCamp@UTHealthSA.org | | Follow South Coastal AHEC on Facebook @SouthCoastalAHEC.CC Food Distribution
March 16, 2024 from 7:00am to 10:00am
306 Voelkel Ave, Orange Grove, TX Every third Saturday of the month South Coastal AHEC, in partnership with the Food Bank of Corpus Christi, holds their food distribution in Orange Grove Texas. In doing so, over 200 people are able to receive quality nutrition along with various health resources. All volunteers are greatly appreciated. For more info, contact: Belinda Flores, 361-881-8133 Elementary School Presentation on Medical Jobs
March 22, 2024 at Ella Barnes Elementary School
2829 Oso Pkwy, Corpus Christi, TX On March 22nd, South Coastal AHEC's Melissa Flores will be giving a presentation to a local elementary school on various medical jobs. Her goal is to ignite a light in these young children with the hope that they grow a passion for careers in the medical field. For more info contact: Melissa Flores (361)881-8133
Calallen East Health Fair
April 11, 2024 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm On April 11th, South Coastal AHEC will be hosting its first health fair of the year. This will be a fun family-friendly event where families can enjoy music, door prizes, health information provided by various vendors for the entire family, and giveaways! Vaccinations will be available to all while supplies last. In addition, Chick-Fil-A sandwiches will be provided for the first 200 people. For more info contact: Melissa Flores (361) 881-8133 Dia De Los Ninos
April 13,2024 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
Keech Family Library - 1000 Terry Shamsie Blvd, Robstown, TX 78380 Dia de los Ninos is an annual event held by the Nueces County Library. This event honors and highlights the importance of literacy in children from all cultural backgrounds. South Coastal AHEC will be a participating vendor for this event, where they will share education and resources to the women who attend, on the importance of breast and cervical cancer prevention/early detection. For more information, contact (361) 387-3431
Conscious Collaborations Mental Health Conference
May 16th, 2024 from 8:00am to 5:00pm
Port Royal Conference Center, Port Aransas, Texas
register here: https://givebutter.com/fcscb24 SCAHEC, in partnership with Family Counseling Services of Corpus Christi, will host the Conscious Collaborations Mental Health Conference on May 16, 2024, in Port Aransas, Texas. This multidisciplinary forum will provide healthcare providers and key community stakeholders an opportunity to learn about available resources across the Coastal Bend area. Attendance is expected to exceed 200 individuals. For more information, contact: Bonifacio Vega, 361-881-8133, vegab@uthscsa.edu 7th Annual Hospice Symposium
June 12, 2024 from 8:00am to 5:00pm
Del Mar College - Corpus Christi, Texas SCAHEC, in partnership with Del Mar College will hold the 7th Annual Hospice Symposium on June 12, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The goal of this activity is to provide both medical professionals and community members with the opportunity to learn about hospice care and the important role in plays in our health care system. The conference will feature expert presentations on a variety of topics related to including hospice and end-of-life care, palliative care, and coping/grief management strategies. For more information contact: Bonifacio Vega, 361-881-8133, vegab@uthscsa.edu | | Follow Lower Rio Grande Valley AHEC on Facebook at @lrgv.ahec | | | |  Attention Health Profession Students! The AHEC Scholars Program is Recruiting!  This program is an opportunity for health profession students, of all disciplines, to participate in interprofessional education (IPE) healthcare 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 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. Alternatively, please contact Roni Vela by e-mail at velav4@uthscsa.edu or phone at 361-881-8133, for more information. Please note: We are unable to accept pre-health profession students at this time. | | | | | | | |  | | | | | | | South Texas Area Health Education Center Program Office
UT Health - San Antonio
7703 Floyd Curl Drive | San Antonio, TX 78229 | 210-567-0482 | | | | | | | | | | | |
