Welcome to the latest AHEC Newsletter with valuable health and education information! | |  | | | | | Welcome to the Spring 2025 South Texas AHEC Newsletter | | | | Recent Successes | Future Events | Learning Opportunities | Health News | | | | Recent Successes  Follow South Texas AHEC on Facebook @STAHEC | |  Follow Southwest Border AHEC on Facebook @SWBAHEC Ama Tu Corazon - Del Rio
 On February 11th, SWB AHEC joined El Consulado de Mexico - Del Rio in hosting the annual Ama Tu Corazon event. This event was dedicated to promoting cardiovascular well-being and preventing heart disease and featured expert-led discussions on heart-healthy lifestyles, free blood pressure and glucose screenings, and engaging workshops on nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Attendees had the opportunity to learn practical steps to maintain a strong and healthy heart. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega, vegab@uthscsa.edu Ama Tu Corazon - Eagle Pass
 On February 13th, SWB AHEC joined El Consulado de Mexico - Eagle Pass in hosting the annual Ama Tu Corazon event. This event was dedicated to promoting cardiovascular well-being and preventing heart disease and featured expert-led discussions on heart-healthy lifestyles, free blood pressure and glucose screenings, and engaging workshops on nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Attendees had the opportunity to learn practical steps to maintain a strong and healthy heart. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega, vegab@uthscsa.edu 3rd Annual Teen Empowerment Summit
 On February 15th, 2025, SWB AHEC joined BCFS Health and Human Services in hosting an interactive event dedicated to promoting adolescent well-being through education, empowerment, and community engagement. This summit featured expert-led workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on activities covering key topics such as mental health, nutrition, physical fitness, substance abuse prevention, and healthy relationships. Designed specifically for teenagers, the event provided a supportive space to learn, ask questions, and develop practical strategies for maintaining overall health. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega, vegab@uthscsa.edu | | | |  Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC Motivational Interviewing (MI) Training
 Dr. Stacy Ogbeide hosted an excellent MI training for healthcare professionals, offering valuable insights into patient-provider communication. Participants became more confident as they learned effective MI techniques to enhance patient interactions, fostering a stronger sense of community and trust. Thank you, Dr. Ogbeide, for sharing your expertise and making this training successful!. For more information contact Ariel Gomez at GomezA6@uthscsa.edu Chat at the Quiosco: Common Respiratory Infections with Dr. Edith Torres
 In the latest Chat at the Quiosco event on January 28, 2025, Dr. Edith Torres gave an informative presentation about common respiratory infections. She covered all the basics- what they are, how they spread, and the key difference between a cold, the flu, and COVID-19. She shared helpful tips on preventing infections as well. Thank you, Dr. Torres, for helping our community stay healthy! For more information contact Ludivina Hernandez at HernandezLV@uthscsa.edu
Health Professions Preview Day: Exploring Medicine
 In partnership with ProjectBlink, a public health initiative led by the UTHSCSA medical students to improve eye health literacy, provide information regarding common medical conditions, and recommend available resources for San Antonio community members, medical students Hannah Crow, Natalie Johnson, and Matthew Mallinson hosted an insightful and engaging event for high school students to learn about the journey through medical school. Participants learned tips to success to become future medical students! They also received hands-on experience in a suturing practice. We look forward to hosting more impactful events such as this! For more information contact Ariel Gomez at GomezA6@uthscsa.edu Health Professions Preview Day: Exploring Occupational Therapy
  Our first Learning Series of Health Professions Preview Day kicked off with an exciting session on Occupational Therapy! Led by Ashlyn Fisher and Kiara Hawkins, OTD students from UT Health San Antonio, the interactive presentation captivated high school students with valuable insights into how Occupational Therapy improves lives. It was a great start to the series, as it left students inspired about this rewarding career path. Thank you, Ashlyn and Kiara, for inspiring our future generation of healthcare professionals! For more information, please contact Ariel Gomez at GomezA6@uthscsa.edu Chat at the Quiosco: Why Sleep is Important and How We Can Get Better at It? On February 25, 2025, Dr. Ashlyn Huang, a family resident at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, hosted an insightful presentation on sleep hygiene. Participants learned about the stages of sleep, the health benefits of sleep, how poor sleep occurs, and ways to improve sleep hygiene. Thank you to Dr. Huang and everyone for making this a successful event! For more information contact Ludivina Hernandez at HernandezLV@uthscsa.edu Welcome Natalie and Ivan, our Spring 2025 Interns!
  We're thrilled to welcome our Spring 2025 Interns to our center! Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Ivan Garcia and Natalie Yadao, both seniors at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Ivan is a Public Health major with aspirations of pursuing a career in Speech-Language Pathology, while Natalie is also a Public Health major, working toward her goal of becoming a physician. We're excited to have them on board and look forward to their contributions! For more information contact Ariel Gomez at GomezA6@uthscsa.edu | |  Follow South Coastal AHEC on Facebook @SouthCoastalAHEC.CC Laredo Breast & Cervical Cancer Presentation
  On January 24, 2025, Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC & South Coastal AHEC collaborated to provide breast and cervical cancer prevention education to the CHWs of Laredo, TX. CHWs learned the importance of regular screenings, screening guidelines, and more! For more information, contact Belinda Flores at 361-881-8133 Salud en Mis Manos at the Nueces County Courthouse
 On January 27, 2025, South Coastal AHEC promoted their Salud en Mis Manos program at the Nueces County Courthouse. They used this opportunity to educate women on Breast and Cervical cancer. Women who had fallen behind on their screenings or who had never received a screening had the opportunity to sign up for these at no or very low cost. For more information, contact Brittany Serna at 361-881-8133.
South Coastal Community Health Worker Association Meeting
  Every third Tuesday of the month, the South Coastal CHW Association holds a meeting. During this time, each CHW highlights the organization they work for and the services they provide to the community. This effort is made to strengthen access to resources and improve the overall health of the community. During January's meeting, members campaigned and were elected to the following positions: President: Rubina Garza
Vice President: Fatima Henriquez
Secretary: Rose Vasquez
Treasure: Christian Mora
Historian: Miriam Jaime For more information contact Brittany Serna 361-881-8133 Seashore Learning Academy Health Screenings
   On February 4, 2025, South Coastal AHEC conducted their annual vision and hearing screening at the Seashore Learning Academy. Students received no-cost Vision, Hearing, and Acanthosis Nigricans screenings. Nursing students from Del Mar College and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi came out to volunteer. For more information, contact Melissa Flores at (361)881-8133 Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby
 On February 8, 2025, Success by Six and Driscoll Children's Hospital partnered to host Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby. This annual event is to help increase access to resources for pregnant and postpartum moms. South Coastal AHEC promoted the importance of breast and cervical cancer screenings, vaccinations, and education at the event through their Salud en Mis Manos program. For more information, contact Brittany Serna at 361-881-8133 Family Place Playgroup
  Every Thursday in February, Nueces County Keech Family Library held a family place playgroup. During these playgroups, South Coastal AHEC provided no-cost hearing screenings for the children. Our AHEC Scholars were also invited to help with this event. For more information, contact Brittany Serna at 361-881-8133 Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Bluesday Market
 On March 4, 2025, South Coastal AHEC attended the Bluesday Market at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. They presented the program Salud en Mis Manos/Health in My Hands. This program helps underinsured women receive free or no-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings, while providing important education information about breast and cervical cancer, as well as health coach navigation services. For more information, contact Brittany Serna at 361-881-8133. | |  Follow Lower Rio Grande Valley AHEC on Facebook at @lrgv.ahec Healthy Hearts in Brooks CountySouth Texas CHW Workforce Preparedness Collaborative
CHW Fellowship Project
 LRGV AHEC participated in the Healthy Hearts Community Event in Falfurrias, Texas. It's wonderful that CACOST took the initiative to host this event during American Heart Month, especially focusing on women's cardiovascular health and providing free health screenings. Community education on healthy living is so crucial, and events like these make a real difference. For more information contact Juana Escareño at escareno@uthscsa.edu CHW Training: Cultural Competency
 Juana Escareño, CHW Instructor for LRGV AHEC, facilitated a CHW training on February 13, 2025, at the Consulate of Mexico in Brownsville. We had a great turnout with 20 CHWs in attendance, and they were able to earn continuing education hours toward their CHW certification renewal. During the training, we facilitated an interactive activity called "Tortilla de Mi Vida" with the CHWs. CHWs shared their "Tortilla de Mi Vida" with others in the training. For more information contact Juana Escareño at escareno@uthscsa.edu South Pharr Community Event hosted by Jennifer Barden, Principal at Graciela Garcia Elementary School
 On Saturday, February 15, 2025, LRGV AHEC participated at the Community Event hosted by Jennifer Barden, Principal at Graciela Garcia Elementary School We believe that events like these are crucial for promoting community health and well-being. We were happy to join other organizations that provided free health screenings, informational workshops on nutrition, a Zumba session, and resources on family mental well-being We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the South Pharr community in Hidalgo County. For more information contact Juana Escareño at escareno@uthscsa.edu Community Health Worker Training
 LRGV AHEC CHW Training Center and CHW Instructors are committed to providing training based on the core certification competencies in English and Spanish. One January 24, 2025, the training was "How to Communicate with the Elderly" and Speech Simulation exercise as part of the training. The exercise involved role plays by Esmeralda Ibarra, who took the role of an Older Adult, and Griselda Mercado, who played the role of a CHW. This simulation will provide valuable hands-on experience, insights for all participants and conversations on the topic. Our CHW training programs are designed to foster a collaborative learning environment where participants can learn, share lived experiences and provide support to one another. We also offer continuing education hours to help CHWs maintain their certification. For more information, reach out to the LRGV AHEC, CHW Training Center 1212 Harrison Ave. #104 Harlingen, Texas 78550 phone:956.230.5144 or contact Juana Escareño at escareno@uthscsa.edu Strengthening Family Health through Community-Led Engagement and Education
South Texas CHW Workforce Preparedness Collaborative CHW Fellowship Project
 
LRGVA AHEC Fellows: Kashish Kumar, Luis Villagomez, and Evelia Duran
LRGV AHEC Support CHWs: Quetzaly Zenil and Ashley Pecina. The LRGV AHEC CHW Fellow's project, "Strengthening Family Health through Community-Led Engagement and Education" hosted their first community education session, "Family Communication: Begin Healthy Relationships" workshop, on January 10, 2025, where 43 parents attended. This workshop focused on communication skills, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence within the family unit with Trynity Montez, content expert certified in Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) was available on site to address parents, grandparents, or guardians' concerns. On February 7, 2025, the second community education session, "Academic and Career Guidance" provided by Arleen Dominguez, Student Recruitment Specialist at Texas Southmost College. This session equips parents with tools to support their children's academic success and career planning. Topics included on navigating the education system, identifying scholarship opportunities, and exploring vocational training and college pathways. This project aims to create a supportive, accessible, and culturally responsive platform for families to learn and grow together. By enhancing family communication and promoting mental health awareness, we hope to foster healthier relationships, improved access to academic resources, and sustainable health practices within the community. For more information contact Juana Escareño at escareno@uthscsa.edu | | | | Future Events & Learning Opportunities Follow South Texas AHEC on Facebook @STAHEC | | Follow Southwest Border AHEC on Facebook @SWBAHEC First Aid Spring Break Camp
March 17th - 20th, 2025
Southwest Texas College in Eagle Pass Our Spring Break Camp offers students a chance to develop and practice their first aid skills through a variety of fun and interactive activities. We will be joined by local health care professionals who will lend their expertise to make this event great for the students of Eagle Pass. For more information contact Bonifacio Vega at vegab@uthscsa.edu | | | | Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC
2025 Public Health Camp
đź“… Date: Monday, June 23 - Friday, June 27, 2025
đź“Ť Location: The Neighborhood Place - 3014 Rivas St. San Antonio, TX 78228
Click here to register! https://redcap.link/PHC2025 Rising 11th and 12th graders in Fall 2025 are welcome to attend a FREE week-long Public Health Camp to explore the field of Public Health and participate in interactive workshops and field trips. For more information: contact PublicHealthCamp@UTHealthSA.org or Ariel Gomez at GomezA6@uthscsa.edu | | Follow South Coastal AHEC on Facebook @SouthCoastalAHEC.CC Orange Grove Food Distribution
March 15, 2025, 7am - 10am
306 Voelkel Ave, Orange Grove, TX South Coastal AHEC, in partnership with the Coastal Bend Foodbank, will be hosting its monthly food distribution in Orange Grove, TX. For more information contact Belinda Flores at 361-881-8133 South Coastal CHW Association Meeting
 This month's South Coastal Community Health Worker Association meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 3rd, at Mission Of Mercy in Corpus Christi. For more information contact Brittany Serna at 361-881-8133 Bridging the Gap to Better Health - Community Health Worker Conference/
  South Coastal AHEC, in collaboration with Texas A&M CBHEC, is hosting a Community Health Worker conference. This conference will take place April 11th &12th. If CHWs attend both days, they will receive up to 10 hours of DSHS-approved CEUs. For more information contact Brittany Serna at 361-881-8133. ALSO 2025
  Each year, South Coastal AHEC holds the ALSO course for surrounding healthcare professionals. "Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO®) is an evidence-based, interprofessional, multidisciplinary training program that equips the entire pregnancy care team with skills to effectively manage obstetric emergencies. This comprehensive course encourages a standardized team-based approach among physicians, residents, nurse midwives, registered nurses and other members of the pregnancy care team to improve patient safety and positively affect maternal outcomes. The course format is a blended classroom, which allows learners to work at their own pace to complete the online course portion prior to the live course skills assessment portion." -AAFP.org For more information contact Belinda Flores, 361-881-8133 | | 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 | | | | | | | | | | | |
