Welcome to the Winter 2023 South Texas AHEC Newsletter

Recent Successes | Future Events | Learning Opportunities | Health News

Recent Successes

Follow South Texas AHEC on Facebook @STAHEC

2023 IIMS Community Engagement Symposium - Poster Presentations

The South Texas AHEC Program had 5 posters accepted and displayed in the poster presentation for the 2023 IIMS Community Engagement Symposium. These posters highlighted the collaborative work done with several projects.1) RED de Promotoras/es del Sur de Tejas: "A safe place for promotoras/es"; 2) "I feel that you did this program just to help us to realize that we are worth it": A CHW Employment/Skills Training Program; 3) CHW Health Equity Workgroup Community Presentations; 4) A COVID-19 Health Equity Project ECHO to Support the Mental Health of Community Health Workers (CHWs); and 5) CHWs and Promotoras/es impact on intimate partner violence (IPV) awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond; Poster presentations can be viewed here: Pictured above (from left to right) Martha Castilla, Andrea Osorio, Ludivina Hernandez, Pamela Recto, Roni Vela, Juana Escareno and Bonifacio Vega

Passing the Torch

It is a bittersweet moment for us to share that our beloved directors Paula Winkler (South Central AHEC) and Brenda Hoffman (Southwest Border AHEC) will be passing the torch this year. While both will stay somewhat involved with their centers, they will no longer be the head of their individual centers. Bonifacio Vega, previously the CME Director for South Coastal AHEC, will be taking on this leadership role for Southwest Border AHEC. Ariel Gomez, who has dedicated years to South Central AHEC, will now take the lead for South Central AHEC.

Follow Southwest Border AHEC on Facebook @SWBAHEC

Follow Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC on Facebook @AreaHealthEducationCenter

Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC

023 IIMS Community Engagement Symposium: Pathways towards, Recovery, Empowerment, and Social Inclusion

The Community Engagement Symposium was fun, and informative, and showcased many amazing projects in different communities. We showcased one of our projects with the aging population of Frio County. There was a lot of engagement with like-minded individuals passionate about making a positive impact in our communities. Dr. Kathyrn Kanzler won the Outstanding Research Partner Award. The award recognizes faculty who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to collaboratively developing projects that promote leadership and shared learning while addressing community health concerns. Congratulations to everyone awarded. For more information contact delarosae@uthscsa.edu

National Diabetes Education Week

Diabetes Education Week is an annual event designed to raise awareness about diabetes, promote education and support for individuals living with diabetes, and encourage preventive measures. This week-long initiative typically involves various activities, events, and programs organized by healthcare organizations, diabetes advocacy groups, and communities. During Diabetes Education Week, the focus is on providing information about diabetes management, prevention strategies, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Activities may include workshops, seminars, webinars, and outreach programs aimed at reaching both individuals with diabetes and the general public. The goal is to empower people with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage diabetes, make informed lifestyle choices, and reduce the risk of complications associated with the condition.

Warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season! May your days be filled with love, laughter, and the company of cherished friends and family. May the spirit of kindness and generosity surround you, bringing peace and happiness into your heart. Wishing you Happy Holidays and a New Year filled with love and prosperity from South Central AHEC

Follow South Coastal AHEC on Facebook @SouthCoastalAHEC.CC

South Coastal AHEC Helps Women Get Mammograms

On Oct. 4th, Belinda Flores, Director of South Coastal Area Health Education Center spoke on local news station KRIS-6 TV about the importance of breast cancer screening, and available resources to access mammograms and other screening services. Click the link for the clip on our Health in My Hands Project: https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/local-programs-to-help-women-get-annual-mammograms For more information on our SEMM Program, call 361-881-8133.

Recruiting for the Coastal Bend

On Nov 10th, Belinda Flores, South Coastal AHEC Director, spent her day recruiting Medical Students and Scholars to the Coastal Bend area at Sam Houston State University For more info contact us at 361.881.8133

Keeping Diabetes at Bay

South Coastal AHEC helped sponsor the Coastal Bend Health Education Center's Keeping Diabetes at Bay 5k walk/run. Our team of Scholars, Employees, and Family participated in the 2nd Annual 5k. Pictured are (from left to right) Brittany Colunga, CHW; Lauren Tatina, Scholar; Roni Vela, CHW, CHW-I; Cindy Bush, CHW; and Lorenzo Serna. Tucked away in the stroller is Leo.

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

Ms. Juana Escareno: A New Champion for Mental Health in our Community

Congratulations to Ms. Juana Escareno on becoming a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor! This is a significant achievement that positions her as a valuable asset in our community's fight for improved mental health awareness and support. Ms. Escareno will now join the frontlines, training individuals in the lifesaving skills of Mental Health First Aid. This evidence-based program, akin to CPR for mental health emergencies, equips participants to:*Recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.* Offer initial support and guidance in both crisis and non-crisis situations. * Connect individuals to appropriate professional help Soon, LRGV AHEC and Ms. Escareno will be offering Mental Health First Aid courses throughout our communities. These courses provide invaluable knowledge and skills, empowering individuals to * Make a difference in the lives of loved ones, colleagues, and neighbors. * Create a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone. * Contribute to building a stronger and healthier community. Don't miss your chance to become a Mental Health First Aider! Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming course dates and locations. Together, we can build a community where mental health is understood, respected, and supported. For more information contact: Juana.Escareno@lrgvahec.com

Future Events & Learning Opportunities

Follow Southwest Border AHEC on Facebook @SWBAHEC

Follow Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC on Facebook @AreaHealthEducationCenter

Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC

Brief Motivational Interviewing for the interprofessional Team

Saturday, January 6, 2023 from 9am-12pm, Hybrid Training Session Online (Zoom) or In- Person: at UTHSCSA - School of Nursing
Register at: https://redcap.link/mitraining24

Join Us! Brief Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative and person-centered approach that respects an individual's autonomy and aims to enhance their motivation for positive behavior change by exploring and resolving contradictions. This training is essential for our emerging workforce at UTHSCSA. For more information, contact Ariel Gomez, GOMEZA6@UTHSCSA.EDU

Texas Collaborative for Healthy Mothers and Babies (TCHMB) Summit
February 28, 2024 thru March 1, 2024
AT&T Hotel and Conference Center
1900 University Ave, Austin, TX 78705
Register at: https://web.cvent.com/event/41961aad-c3ef-4a4d-a916-431756df22d7/regProcessStep1:a5d6cd1c-151c-4b73-9a28-de5773da3a1d

The Texas Collaborative for Healthy Mothers and Babies (TCHMB) is proud to host its annual summit, bringing together professionals, experts, and advocates from across the perinatal healthcare spectrum. This year, we are diving deep into the theme of "Leading Change and Fostering Collaboration in Perinatal Quality Involvement." Our aim is to inspire, educate, and empower attendees to make a significant impact on maternal and infant healthcare. What to Expect: Engaging Presentations: Our lineup of distinguished speakers will share their insights, research, and experiences, offering fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to improve perinatal healthcare quality. Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and build valuable relationships. Cutting-Edge Research: Stay at the forefront of perinatal healthcare advancements by exploring the latest research and innovations. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the TCHMB Annual Summit 2024 and contribute to the ongoing improvement of perinatal healthcare. Join us in Leading Change and Fostering Collaboration in Perinatal Quality Involvement. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of mothers and babies. We look forward to seeing you there! For more info contact: tchmb@uth.tmc.edu

Follow South Coastal AHEC on Facebook @SouthCoastalAHEC.CC

Rural Food Distribution

South Coastal AHEC, in partnership with the Food Bank of Corpus Christi, holds its monthly food distribution for the residents of Orange Grove and surrounding rural areas every 3rd Saturday of the month. We are able to provide over 200 families and individuals with healthy food and various educational resources. We are grateful to all our community partners and volunteers for helping us to make this event a success. As always, we remain diligent in ensuring that all the necessary safety precautions are taken to protect all volunteers, staff, and the community members. For more info, call: 361.881.8133

Conscious Collaborations Mental Health Conference

May 16, 2024 from 8am to 6pm in Port Aransas, Texas

Area mental health providers and community partners are invited for a day of education, training, and collaboration. If you believe cross-sector collaboration is the key to empowering advances in mental health for our community, join us. Providers may earn 4 hours of continuing education. Valuable training for all. CE's for Physicians, LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCs, For more info, contact Bonifacio Vega, 361-881-8133, vegab@uthscsa.edu

8th Medicine Nursing Pharmacy CE Quarterly

February 8, 2024 from 5pm to 9pm in Corpus Christi, Texas

South Coastal AHEC, in partnership with The Coastal Bend Society of Health System Pharmacists, will hold the 8th Medicine/Nursing/Pharmacy CE Quarterly on February 8th, 2024 in Corpus Christi, Texas. 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 the management of heart failure, liver disease, and multi-organ transplantation. For more info, 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.

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