Welcome to the Summer 2022 South Texas AHEC Newsletter

Recent Successes | Future Events | Learning Opportunities | Health News

Recent Successes

Follow Southwest Border AHEC on Facebook @SWBAHEC

Infant CPR/Choking Relief Training: Provided by Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) Nursing Instructor Karina Solis. Event took place May 18, 2022 8:30-12:30pm.

Pipeline Program: SWB AHEC PEAAKS (Phase I) student program hosted a Pharmacy Health Career session with a special guest, Juan Martinez, PharmD, Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center Director of Pharmacy. The session took place May 16 @5:30pm. PEAAKS student program (Phase II)- Southwest Texas Junior College Biology Instructor, Armando Mondragon engaged PEAAKS students in a genetic laboratory exercise aimed at identifying genetic diseases using a karyotype.

Mental Health Awareness Month Activities: “The World is Brighter with You in It” Color Run/Walk- On May 11^th, 2022 in collaboration with other organizations, AHEC hosted a color run/walk to increase awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health.

Mental Health First Aid certification course (Spanish)- A total of 17 Community Health Workers and community members registered to become MHFA certified. The event took place in Eagle Pass, Texas on May 19 & 26.

Follow Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC on Facebook @AreaHealthEducationCenter

See below for future programming and events!

Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC

El Bari Health Fair: South Central AHEC and its Scholars participated in the annual El Bari Community Health Center Health Fair on Saturday, May 14th, 2022, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at 5281 Case Bella Road, San Antonio, TX 78249.

Over 100 community members attended the event along with San Antonio’s Mayor Ron Nirenberg. Over a dozen community organizations and clinics were available to provide health information and free screening services. The city also participated in the event, providing COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

We appreciate the efforts of our partners at El Bari Community Health Center. We are grateful to be part of their annual health fair and look forward to next year!

The Maranatha Bible Church Health Fair: Our partners at the University of Incarnate Word and the Northwest Vista College Community Health Worker Program hosted a free Community Health Fair on Saturday, May 21st, 2022 from 10 AM – 2 PM at 7855 E Loop-1604 N Converse, TX 78109. The event provided free immunizations required for middle school and college registration, HIV/STD testing & treatment, eye examinations, mobile mammograms, COVID-19 vaccinations, kidney screening, and many more services and health information.

Poverty Simulation: Our Scholars, Daquane Triplett and Icela Villagomez, with our summer intern, Emily Rodriguez, partnered with UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing for a poverty simulation for nursing students at the Neighborhood Place on May 18, 2022. Daquane, Icela, and Emily participated in the event, acting in different roles such as employers, community resource center, and a bank to role play with the students who had to act out the realities of many who are currently facing economic and social disparities. The Poverty Simulation is provided to bridge the gap from misconception to an understanding of poverty.

Follow South Coastal AHEC on Facebook @SouthCOastalAHEC.CC

Discover Your Direction Career Exploration: SCAHEC, in partnership with Citizens for Education Excellence and Coastal Compass, participated in the Discover Your Direction: Exploring Endorsements Youth Leadership Conference on March 7^th – 8^th in Corpus Christi, Texas. This educational event was designed to provide 7^th through 10^th grade students with an opportunity to learn about the wide range of career opportunities that will be available to them after high school. SCAHEC presented Great Paying Careers in Healthcare to over 150 students.

A Call-to-Action Mental Health Activity: SCAHEC, in partnership with Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation and Leadership Corpus Christi, participated in the 1^st Annual A Call to Action – Mental Health in the Coastal Bend CE event on March 23, 2022. The forum was designed to provide mental health providers and community stakeholders an opportunity to learn about available resources across the Coastal Bend and was attended by over 200 learners.

Vestido Rojo – Vuelve a tu Ritmo: On March 26, 2022, South Coastal AHEC participated in the Vestido Rojo event in Corpus Christi. Vestido Rojo is a program of the American Heart Association's Go Red Por Tu Corazon movement that celebrates the energy, passion, and power of Latinas and Hispanic women to band together and wipe out heart diseases and strokes.

COVID In Our Community: In partnership with Del Mar College, South Coastal AHEC, participated in the COVID in Our Community CE activity on April 14, 2022. This activity was designed to educate local health care providers on the impact of COVID-19 on the Coastal Bend Community and its members. The activity also provided an opportunity for attendees to learn about available COVID-19 resources. The activity was attended by over 50 learners.

ALSO (Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics) Instructor Course: On Tuesday, April 21, 2022, SCAHEC held its annual Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) Instructor Course in Corpus Christi, Texas. The ALSO Instructor course is an evidence-based, interprofessional, and multidisciplinary training program that equips the entire maternity care team with skills to effectively manage obstetric emergencies. This comprehensive course encourages a standardized team-based approach amongst physicians, residents, nurse midwives, registered nurses, and other members of the maternity care team to improve patient safety and positively impact maternal outcomes.

ALSO® PROVIDER COURSE: Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) is an evidence-based, interprofessional, and multidisciplinary training program that equips the entire maternity care team with skills to effectively manage obstetric emergencies. This comprehensive course encourages a standardized team-based approach amongst physicians, residents, nurse midwives, registered nurses, and other members of the maternity care team to improve patient safety and positively impact maternal outcomes.

Community Health Worker Lunch and Learn: On May 3, 2022, SCAHEC held its Community Health Worker Lunch and Learn. This activity provided an opportunity for Community Health Workers across South Texas to learn from expert speakers on Advocating for Vaccines and Cancer Prevention in Women; the activity provided 2 DSHS-approved CE credits for CHWs. The activity was attended by over 120 learners.

Health Fairs and Physical Screenings: South Coastal AHEC, in partnership with Nueces County Commissioners and Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, held health fairs and physical screenings for high schools across the Coastal Bend. This event was not only a great help to the school but to the community's parents and children!

Food Bank: In partnership with the Food Bank of Corpus Christi, South Coastal AHEC continues to hold its monthly food distribution for the residents of Orange Grove and surrounding rural areas. We are able to provide over 200 families and individuals with healthy food and various educational resources. We remain grateful to all of our community partners and volunteers for helping us to make this event a success. As always, we remain diligent in ensuring that all of the necessary safety precautions are taken to protect all volunteers, staff, and community members.

Nueces County Mobile Clinic: On March 1, 2022, Nueces County Commissioners unveiled a new mobile clinic that will be used to reach the rural areas of Nueces County. South Coastal AHEC is partnering with the county in bringing health screenings and education to the community.

Community Health Worker Course: South Coastal AHEC provided community healthcare worker training to several San Antonio ISD students starting February 1, 2022 and ending May 19, 2022. The students devoted numerous hours to developing the skills of a CHW in order to increase future career opportunities. We are truly appreciative and proud of all their hard work.

SEMM Outreach: Journey of Stepping Stone event was held on May 5, 2022, at the Kingsville Housing Authority and Salud En Mis Manos was able to attend and provide women of the Javelina area with breast and cervical cancer prevention and early detection education and services. South Coastal AHEC CHWs have been all over Corpus Christi promoting Salud En Mis Manos. Our CHWs are providing education on the prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cancer to the women of Nueces County by setting up at Plato’s Closet storefront and Moon Plaza Flea market on the week of May 13-15. On May 20 South Coastal AHEC attended an Open House provided by The Deaf and Hearing Center of Corpus Christi. This open house allowed a number of local resources to attend and provide different types of information. Our CHWs were invited to provide education on the prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cancer.

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

Platicas con Promotoras(es) de Salud: On Tuesday, March 29, 2022, promotoras(es), community health workers of the Rio Grande Valley participated in a “platica” with Dr. Ney Alliey-Rodriguez, MD, assistant professor UTRGV, School of Medicine and Dr. Noe Garza, Karla Lopez Lorenzo, and Gabriela Osuna on how to become a participant in the needs assessment for aging and dementia research in the Valley. Goals, eligibility, and process were explained and the services it could provide individuals wishing to be in the study.

Community Health Workers/Promotoras(es) de Salud: Magda Rodriguez, Jesus Galindo Martell, Paula Barrera, Mercedes Benavides, Miriam E. Ramirez, Ludivina C. Hernandez, Oliva Martinez, Kenia Aguilera, Maria de Lourdes Montalvo, Esmeralda Ibarra, Griselda Mercado, Lidia Karina Hernandez, and Juana Escareño

LRGV AHEC community Health Worker Certification Course in Spanish: Community Health Worker (CHW) graduates from across Texas. The course was by Zoom and students joined in from El Paso, Houston, and the Rio Grande Valley. Ten completed the CHW certification course, and two of the ten students took the course as a refresher course. It is a testament to their dedication and commitment to their role as community health workers.

Celebración de Graduación para Promotoras(es) de Salud
Harlingen, Texas
Sabado 23 de Abril de 2022
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Maria de Lourdes Meza – San Benito, Texas
Irma I. Balderas - Brownsville, Texas
Martha Mejía - Brownsville, Texas
Amelia Roy - Brownsville, Texas
Ninfa Perales - Olmito, Texas
Norbertha Mayra Silva - Olmito, Texas
Alma R. Cabrera - Mission, Texas
Bernabe R. Martinez - Houston, Texas
Dronat Robles - Houston, Texas
Maria A. Marthinez - El Paso, Texas

The CHW candidates presented to the class a topic of their choice, a requirement to graduate from the CHW certification course. All students participated. El Paso and Houston students participated by Zoom.

Below are the presentation topics:
La Depresión - Dronat Robles
Violencia Doméstica - Ninfa Perales
Depresión en Adolescentes - Martha Mejía
Trastornos de Ansiedad - Amelia Roy
Servicios de Protección al Adulto (APS) - Irma I. Balderas
Obesidad Infantil - Alma R. Cabrera
Parálisis Cerebral - Maria de Lourdes Meza
Cáncer de Seno - Maria A. Martinez

Congratulations Venita V. Perales, Community Health Worker and Instructor - Kleberg County!
LRGV AHEC is proud of Mrs. Perales for her accomplishments as a community health worker. Mrs. Perales graduated from the Community Health Worker certification program offered by the Rio Grande Valley AHEC through South Coastal AHEC, Promotora Training institute, and received her certification number from DSHS on May 28, 2021.
Mrs. Perales graduated with her CHW Instructor certification course on May 21, 2022, from Umemba Health, LLC.

Future Events & Learning Opportunities

Follow Southwest Border AHEC on Facebook @SWBAHEC

Fill Your Cup and Empower On Community Health Worker Conference: “Fill Your Cup and Empower On!” Community Health Worker Conference is scheduled for July 28, 2022, from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm and 8:00 am to 12 noon on July 29, 2022, at the International Center for Trade, in Eagle Pass, Texas. The “Fill Your Cup and Empower On!” conference goal is to provide Community Health Workers and Promotores de Salud, an opportunity to reconnect and replenish skills that enhance their ability to continue serving their communities. Participants will leave with insight and concepts that will help shape and build authentic, supportive, and caring connections with their individual and collective well-being. It is our hope that the information and strategies provided will empower participants to cultivate “supportive communities” centered around the concept of collective care. Everyone is welcome and family advocates, health educators, outreach workers, and patient navigators are also cordially invited to attend. To register go to:

https://www.swb-ahec.org/event-details/community-health-worker-conference-2022

Chronic Disease Community Club Sessions: Every Tuesday in June, SWB AHEC Community Health Workers will be providing information sessions regarding chronic diseases. Sessions will be held at Southwest Border AHEC in Eagle Pass, Texas. The session will be given in Spanish. All are welcome to attend. Please contact Cynthia Castillo at 830.758.1111 or castilloc2@uthscsa.edu for questions or concerns. Please see the flyer above for more information. To register go to: https://www.swb-ahec.org/event-details/club-comunitario-buena-salud-presenta-enfermedades-cronicas

Capacitacion Para El Reconocimiento de Crisis Epilecticas y Certificacion de Primeros Auxilios: In partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation, SWB AHEC will be providing a First Aid Training in Spanish. The training will take place via zoom on June 23, 2022 at 10:00 am. For more information contact Mayra Gonzalez at 830.758.111 or gonzalezm31@uthscsa.edu. To register go to: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkc-2gqT0jGdHYswHYjEByuDw3JqMr-_w1

Public Health Camp: On June 13-17, 2022, Southwest Border AHEC will be hosting a Public Health camp for our PEAAKS students. The camp is a hands-on health career & public health exploration experience for high school and college students that promotes academic success, career development, and personal growth. Students will be learning from healthcare and public health providers currently practicing in the field. The camp also includes a field trip to UT Health, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, UH Emergency Room, and Fort Sam Houston. Please see the attached flyer for more information and/or contact Ilse Castro at 830.758.1111 or peaaks@swb-ahec.org.

Follow Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC on Facebook @AreaHealthEducationCenter

AHEC Promotes HepC Education & Screening: Viral hepatitis infects millions of Americans from all walks of life, although the majority are unaware of their ailment. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 3.5 million people in the United States are expected to be infected with hepatitis C (Hep C), however, 51% of these people have no idea that they have the illness. The Mid Rio Grande Border Area Health Education Center (MRGB AHEC) has joined the effort to raise Hepatitis C viral awareness, resources, and education. Additionally, AHEC collaborates with community agencies to educate and encourage residents from Webb and neighboring counties to be tested for HepC. Chronic Hepatitis C is the most frequent blood-borne illness that affects the liver. Since most people do not develop symptoms for years, hepatitis C is commonly referred to as a "silent disease." If left untreated, hepatitis C can cause liver damage and possibly cancer. According to the World Health Organization, around 290,000 individuals died from hepatitis C in 2019, largely from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer). Hepatitis C is commonly found in Baby Boomers, individuals born between 1945 and 1965, but hepatitis C can be cured. It is vital that people ask their healthcare provider to test for hepatitis C because the test is not included in standard blood screenings. For additional information and education, please contact AHEC at 956-712-0037 or visit https://www.hepchope.com/ for further information and resources.

AHEC Welcomes Teacher Externship Program: The Mid Rio Grande Border Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is delighted to collaborate with the UISD CTE Department once again in the Summer 2022 Teacher Externship. AHEC’s goal in support of this project was to introduce educators to the menu of programs available for students from K-16 focusing on higher education/health careers, continuing education opportunities for practicing providers, and health literacy programs for community members. UISD educators, Ms. Anna Santiago and Ms. Yesenia Soto were warmly welcomed and received an overview of the AHEC mission and accomplishments to date since its inception in 1993. The educators shadowed AHEC team members and learned about their roles, responsibilities, and impact on the lives of many through the quality of service provided each day to the community. The educators’ hands-on experience and observations provided them the opportunity to establish real-world connections that will connect their students to the workplace. In addition, both educators participated in a community project alongside the AHEC staff and student leadership program members to make a difference for others through the Nueva Vision volunteer project. This project provides food for numerous families. The volunteers organized food supplies, filled food bags for community members, and learned about the mission and vision of Nueva Vision. “We are extremely grateful to support the UISD Teacher Externship project and at the same time showcase the work of our AHEC team and students”…remarked Julie Bazan, AHEC Executive Director.

AHEC Provides YMHFA Training in South Texas: The Mid Rio Grande Border Area Health Education Center continues to offer FREE virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training to all interested in developing skills to provide first aid in mental health. YMHFA educates participants on methods to recognize, comprehend, and respond to indicators of mental illness and substance abuse. This three-year certification provides people, who engage and collaborate with teenagers, with the skills they need to reach out to adolescents who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem. Anxiety, depression, substance abuse, psychotic illnesses, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), trauma, bullying, and eating disorders are among the topics discussed.
Karla Garza, the certified YMHFA Instructor, reports that the training has been delivered to nearly 200 people from Webb and surrounding counties. “We strongly encourage everyone to sign up for this free training because it will not only give you a wealth of information but also prepare you with the tools necessary to assist those in need,” remarked Karla. Everyone has the ability to make a difference in the lives of individuals who are battling substance abuse or mental illnesses. Recently, an overview of the YMHFA training was presented to various groups including faculty and staff from the South Texas College campus. Please contact us at kgarza@mrgbahec.org or 956-712-0037 for additional information on upcoming Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainings or to conduct a special training at your facility scheduled based on your needs.

The Area Health Education Center of the Mid Rio Grande Border Area is a nonprofit, outreach program under UT Health San Antonio. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in the community by increasing the number of well-trained health care workers; enhancing academic resources, and fostering a healthy lifestyle through community education programs. For additional information about AHEC and the menu of programs, visit www.mrgbahec.org or call (956)712-0037.

Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC

Grace Pavilion Community Outreach Health-Fair & Back-to-School Event: Join the GPCO at their Health Fair and Back-to-School Event that they are hosting on Saturday, July 23^rd, 2022, at the Windcrest Civic Center (9310 Jim Seal Dr, Windcrest, TX 78239). The goal is to distribute over 2,000 backpacks with supplies for students from pre-K to 12^th grade. Residents will also be in attendance to offer free health screenings, answer questions as needed, and provide other health services.

Language Matters: We are very excited to announce our new pilot program with El Bar Community Health Center and the UT Health San Antonio Community and Family Medicine Residency program focusing on increasing the availability of COVID-19-related information in other languages. The lack of health information in appropriate languages was identified for the growing South Asian and Afghani population in San Antonio. To address this issue, we created the Language Matters pilot program to 1) identify the languages with a gap in health information specifically for COVID1-19 and 2) create culturally sensitive health information materials, including social media posts, flyers, and PSA.

If you are interested in learning more or being a part of the team, please contact Ariel Gomez at GomezA6@uthscsa.edu

The HIV/HCV Education & Learning for Providers (HELP) App: We are excited to announce the launch of our partners at UT Health San Antonio South Central AIDS Education and Training Center's new app for providers to manage and treat HIV/HCV co-infected patients. It provides national guidelines so it is not just limited to Texas health providers.

For more information please contact: AETCinfo@uthscsa.edu or visit: www.AETC.uthscsa.edu

Follow South Coastal AHEC on Facebook @SouthCOastalAHEC.CC

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): ACLS - The course highlights the importance of high-performance team dynamics and communication; systems of care; and recognition of and intervention in cardiopulmonary arrest, immediate post-cardiac arrest, acute dysrhythmia, stroke, and AC.

2022 Course Dates: August 5-6

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Recognize and perform early management of respiratory arrest
Demonstrate effective communication as a member of a resuscitation team
Recognize the impact of team dynamics on overall team performance
Perform prompt, high-quality BLS, including prioritizing early chest compressions and integrated external (AED) use

5^th Annual Hospice Symposium: South Coastal AHEC, in partnership with Del Mar College will hold the 5^th Annual Hospice Symposium on June 22, 2022, 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.

2022 Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Medical Mission: SCAHEC, in partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD), Nueces County/Commissioner (JAG), and other community organizations, is gearing up for the 2022 IRT Medical Mission. This event will take place June 21- July 7, 2022, at various sites throughout Nueces county.

Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) is a collaborative program that leverages military contributions and community resources to multiply value and cost savings for participants.

IRT Medical missions provide communities with various no-cost healthcare services including, medical, behavioral health, dental, optical, and veterinarian services. Care will be delivered by credentialed healthcare providers and no one will be turned away.

Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Strategies: SCAHEC, in partnership with Del Mar College, will host the Updates: Domestic Violence Strategies and the Updates: Human Trafficking Strategies on June 9 & 10, 2022. These events are designed to educate healthcare professionals across disciplines on the risk factors, warning signs, and available community resources for those experiencing domestic violence or human trafficking.

4th Medicine Nursing Pharmacy CE Quarterly: SCAHEC, in partnership with Del Mar College and The Coastal Bend Society of Health-System Pharmacists, will hold the 4th Medicine/Nursing/Pharmacy CE Quarterly on June 30, 2022, in Corpus Christi. The Medicine/Nursing/Pharmacy CE Quarterly is designed to provide healthcare professionals 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 will focus on acute leukemia, heart failure, and surgical intervention for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Salud En Mis Manos/Health in My Hands: South Coastal AHEC continues to promote Salud En Mis Manos/Health in My Hands program in our community. The goal of the program is to educate Hispanic/Latina women on the importance of prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cancer as well as to offer women free or low-cost mammograms, pap smears, and HPV vaccines. Our community health care workers are ready and eager to provide education to all women of South Texas.

Upcoming Health Fairs: South Coastal AHEC is partnering with Nueces County Commissioners to host various School Health Fairs and Immunization Drives. We look forward to giving our students a fantastic start to a new school year. by providing UIL Sports Physicals, Immunizations, COVID shots and testing, and several other types of mental and health resources.

Calallen ISD June 30 @ 4pm-6pm
Tuloso-Midway ISD July 12 @ 4pm-6pm
Banquete ISD July 26 @ 4 pm-6pm
Flour Bluff ISD July 27 @ 4pm-6pm
Robstown ISD August 4 @ 4pm-6pm
Bishop ISD August 10 @ 4pm -6pm

Follow Lower Rio GrandeValley AHEC on Facebook at @lrgv.ahec

Salud En Mis Manos (Health in My Hands) – Cancer Prevention Program Survey: The Salud en Mis Manos (SEMM) program is designed to provide Hispanic or Latina women with education on the prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cancer in English and Spanish. SEMM can offer these women free or low-cost mammograms, Pap/HPV tests, and HPV vaccines.

Are you a Latina 18 years or older? Call Juana Escareño to see if you are eligible at 956-792-8167or 956-230-5144 or at

English: https://go.uth.edu/GetChecked

Español: https://go.uth.edu/checate

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, 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.

Partner Announcements

No announcements at this time.

Sauld America!