Welcome to the Winter 2024 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

Think Pink - Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show

On October 2, 2024, Southwest Border AHEC participated in the Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show. The event was held to honor and support those facing breast cancer. Over 20 community organizations came together to lend support to this worthwhile event. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega, vegab@uthscsa.edu

STACC Harvest of Partnerships Fall Festival

In collaboration with South Texas All Abilities Center (STAAC), SWB AHEC participated in the STAAC Harvest of Partnerships Fall Festival, a celebration of community and collaboration. This event featured fun activities for all ages, from pumpkin carving and hayrides to live music and delicious fall treats. Community members had a chance to connect with community organizations and enjoyed engaging workshops that showcased the power of partnership. This festival was all about fostering connections, celebrating diversity, and cultivating a sense of belonging. For more info, contact Bonifacio Vega, vegab@uthscsa.edu

Southwest Texas Junior College - Wellness Wednesday

On October 9, 2024, SWB AHEC will take part in Wellness Wednesday at Southwest Texas Junior College in Del Rio, Texas, where health and well-being take center stage. Students are invited to participate in engaging activities designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness. This event provides an opportunity to students to connect with peers, learn valuable wellness tips, and discover resources to support a healthier lifestyle. For more info, contact Bonifacio Vega, vegab@uthscsa.edu

Hispanic Heritage Loteria

On October 10, 2024, SWB AHEC participated in the Hispanic Heritage Lotería event at Southwest Texas Junior College. This event featured an afternoon of fun, laughter, and learning as we honored the rich traditions and contributions of Hispanic heritage. This event was wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow students, celebrate our roots, and embrace the beauty of our community. For more info, contact Bonifacio Vega, vegab@uthscsa.edu

Boo Fest!

On October 11, 2024, SWB AHEC participated in Boo Fest in Uvalde. This event featured family-friendly costume contests, trick-or-treating, haunted attractions, and thrilling games. Community members were able to explore local vendors, enjoy delicious treats, and participate in exciting activities that celebrate the festive spirit of the season. We had over 200 attendees participate in this event. For more info, contact Bonifacio Vega, vegab@uthscsa.edu

Christmas Toy Drive

On December 15, 2024, in partnership with Southwest Texas Junior College, SWB AHEC will host the first annual Christmas Toy Drive. The event will combine the efforts of over 15 community organizations to bring Christmas joy to the children of Eagle Pass community. For more info, contact Bonifacio Vega, vegab@uthscsa.edu

Christmas at the College

On December 3, 2024, Southwest Border AHEC participated in the "Christmas at the College," event which was hosted by Southwest Texas Junior College. This was a free, family-friendly gathering that celebrated the season with activities that included photos with Santa Claus and a variety of seasonal refreshments such as hot chocolate and cookies.For more info, contact Bonifacio Vega, vegab@uthscsa.edu

Fall 2024 - CHW Graduates

We are excited to celebrate and welcome the 15 newest graduates to the SWB AHEC CHW team. Thank you to our amazing CHW Instructors for their time and dedication to our mission of improving the Southwest Border community through education and training! For more info, contact Bonifacio Vega, vegab@uthscsa.edu

Follow Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC on Facebook @AreaHealthEducationCenter

Creciendo Juntos Coalition Food Distribution & Resource Fair

On December 11, MRGB AHEC assisted in providing services and resources to the residents living the the colonias located in the 359 highway area. For more information, contact Vicky Morales at 956-712-0037

UISD Wind Symphony Christmas Concert

On December 15, 2024, Laredo College held the UISD Wind Symphony Christmas Concert at the Guadalupe & Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Theater. This event was free to the community.

AHEC Student Leadership Club

On November 9th, the AHEC Student Leadership Club held an engaging and productive meeting. The gathering was filled with dynamic discussions and inspiring ideas, fostering a shared commitment to creating positive change in the community through learn-and-serve projects. Members are dedicated to leaving a lasting legacy within the AHEC program. Their mutual goal is to serve others and make a difference. Students were able to play a game to start off the gathering, which consisted of friendly competition, while also providing an opportunity for everyone to bond and laugh together. After the game, everyone gathered for a delicious lunch and snacks, which gave everyone a chance to relax, recharge, and chat informally. The food provided the perfect setting for students to connect, share their experiences, and discuss the exciting plans ahead for the club. One of the highlights of this student gathering was a brainstorming session, in which students worked together in small groups to come up with the next donation drive. Students carefully planned and the ideas flowed freely, reflecting the diverse passions and talents of our student leaders. Each group presented their ideas to the other groups. This gave everyone the chance to hear diverse perspectives and provide constructive feedback. The presentations were thoughtful, well-organized, and full of passion. It was an excellent way to promote collaboration and ensure that the best ideas are advanced. In conclusion, the gathering of the AHEC Student Leadership Club was an overwhelming success. The Area Health Education Center (AHEC) encourages students 8-12 grades to join the AHEC Student Leadership Club and become part of the volunteer opportunities throughout the year. For more information, please contact the AHEC office at 956-712-0037 or email jackie.ahec@gmail.com or visit our website at www.midriograndeborderahec.org

AHEC Team Achieves Teen Health Certification

The mission of AHEC is to improve the quality of life for residents in South Texas. Empowering youth with knowledge and information can make a difference in their overall life. For this reason, the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) team completed a certification in November 2024 to promote education through evidence-based programs regarding life-changing decisions. This certification qualifies the AHEC team to provide training for students in grades 6 through 8. The training aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent HIV, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and unintended pregnancies. The program focuses on teaching students how to set personal limits and navigate challenges that may arise in maintaining those limits. It also emphasizes the importance of respecting the personal limits of others. Additionally, a separate module is designed for girls ages 14 to 19 to gain knowledge about contraception, STDs, and risk reduction strategies. For information on this new value service, offered at no cost, or to register youth call (956)712-0037.

AHEC Promotes Liver Cancer Awareness

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, AHEC organized another educational session focusing on liver cancer. The event was held at the Webb County Community Action Agency, located at 111 Camino Nuevo Rd, Hwy 359. Attendees learned more about the signs and symptoms of liver cancer and the resources available to seek care. The "platicas" are bilingual and are offered at no cost to all attendees. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024 approximately 41,630 new cases of cancer (28,000 in men and 13,630 in women) will be diagnosed in the US. Additionally, approximately 29,840 individuals (19,120 men and 10,720 women) are expected to die from these cancers. Liver cancer incidence rates have tripled since 1980, and death rates have more than doubled during this time. In the Spring of 2024, the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in collaboration with the UT Health San Antonio - Mays Cancer Center began the "Every Cancer, Every Story: A Series of Empowerment" in Laredo, Texas, both in person and via Facebook Live. This series has brought together over 550 community members to learn about various types of cancers, including skin, colon, breast and liver cancer. Through this initiative, attendees have gained insights into the different signs and symptoms of each cancer, screening methods, and the impact on the patients and their loved ones. Ms. Sonia Rincon-Sanchez, a Certified Community Health Worker, has served as the facilitator and presenter. She engages with the audience, addresses their concerns, and guides them to the community resources available. The goal is to raise awareness among the community, encouraging early screening and seeking medical attention if something seems abnormal to the patient. The Area Health Education Center of the Mid Rio Grande Border Area is an outreach program under the UT Health San Antonio and is a non-profit 501(c) 3organization with a mission to enhance the quality of life in our communities 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.facebook.com/AreaHealthEducationCenter or www.midriograndeborderahec.org or call(956) 712-0037

Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC

Frio Fall Festival

The Frio Family Fall Festival in Pearsall, TX brought together families and friends for a fun-filled day focused on community wellness and togetherness! The event featured a cake walk, face painting, a Kidz Corner, and exciting raffle prizes. Approximately 120 community members participated, making the festival a vibrant success. Local healthcare providers and public health agencies provided valuable resources and support. A big thank you to all our vendors and partners for their enthusiastic involvement - your contributions were instrumental in bringing this event to life! Special thanks to everyone who helped make the festival an enjoyable and meaningful experience for all who attended. We look forward to more opportunities to celebrate health, family, and community! ✨ 🎉 💛 🎡

Chat at the Quiosco Presents - Oral Health and Hygiene Workshop

On December 3, 2024, the Health Access & Education (AHEC) team at UT Health San Antonio hosted a Chat at the Quiosco session focused on oral health and hygiene at The Neighborhood Place. Over 15 community members participated in this interactive workshop, which emphasized the importance of clean and healthy teeth, provided brushing techniques, tips for preventing tooth decay, and guidance on finding dental resources. Attendees also learned about the connection between oral and overall health while enjoying a free lunch and participating in a gift card raffle. Since the start of the year, the AHEC team has facilitated over 15 educational *Chats at the Quiosco* sessions, addressing various health topics and engaging with underserved communities. We are excited to continue these impactful programs in the new year, fostering awareness and health equity throughout San Antonio. For more information contact Ludivina Hernandez, HernandezLV@uthscsa.edu

Congratulations to Sandra Isley

Congratulations to Sandra Isley! Sandra Isley won the T1-T4 in 3 Minutes competition in the Community category on September 27, 2024, for her outstanding presentation on the Frio TAB project. Her work focuses on aging in rural communities and sheds light on the challenges and barriers faced by older populations. Community members highlighted the critical need for a senior resource center offering transportation and health education services. The T1-T4 in 3 Minutes Challenge, hosted by UT Health San Antonio, showcases research across the translational science spectrum while fostering clear and engaging communication to diverse audiences. Learn more about the competition here: https://iims.uthscsa.edu/ce/community-engagement/t1-to-t4-in-3-minutes/ . We celebrate Sandra's achievement and her dedication to improving health outcomes in rural communities! 🌟

Congratulations to Isabella Guajardo!

🎉 Congratulations to our Fall 2024 Intern, Isabella Guajardo! We are thrilled to celebrate Isabella Guajardo as she graduates from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, concentrating in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science. Isabella has been an invaluable part of our team this semester, bringing enthusiasm and dedication to her work. We are so excited for her as she embarks on this next chapter and wish her nothing but success in her future endeavors. Thank you, Isabella, for all your hard work-your bright future awaits! 🌟

Have you done everything you can to protect yourself from HPV?

Protect Yourself from Cancer with the HPV Vaccine! Did you know the HPV vaccine can help prevent certain types of cancer? This series of three injections is recommended for young adults aged 18 to 25 and provides vital protection against HPV infections that lead to cancer. Ask your doctor or nurse about getting the HPV vaccine today and take a proactive step toward safeguarding your health. For more information, scan the QR code or visit southcentralahectx.org/EntreFamilia(http://southcentralahectx.org/EntreFamilia). For more information, contact Julio Cerroblanco, cerroblanco@uthscsa.edu

Follow South Coastal AHEC on Facebook @SouthCoastalAHEC.CC

Hydrogen Fluoride Exposure Training

South Coastal AHEC in partnership with CITGO held a hydrogen Fluoride exposure training on September 18, 2024. This training was offered to physicians, first responders, nurses, and other health professionals. Physicians in attendance were also given 1 hour of CME credit. For more information, contact Scott Krall 361-318-4787

Del Mar Education Session

The Del Mar nursing department reached out to South Coastal AHEC and asked they give an education session on a health-related topic. These education sessions serve as points for the nursing students to gain in order to progress to the next level. South Coastal AHEC, through this partnership, presented the project Salud En Mis Manos. This is a breast and cervical cancer prevention project that helps underinsured women receive free to low-cost pap smears and mammograms. Since the audience contained nursing students at every level, our scholars coordinator, Roni Vela, shared with the students how they could become AHEC scholars! For more information contact Melissa Flores at (361)881-8133.

Mission 911 Gala

On September 27th, a local nonprofit, Mission 911, held a gala. The South Coastal AHEC team was invited to attend as they were champions of change sponsors. This gala was focused on raising money so they may be able to continue to provide quality aid to people in need. The night was filled with fun, games, great food, and a lively auction! "Mission 911 operates as a utility and rental assistance program, a clothing closet, and now a holistic guest-led case management program." For more information, contact Belinda Flores, 361-881-8133

Bishop Diabetes Course

The Bishop ISD nurse asked that South Coastal AHEC present to Bishop ISD faculty on diabetes. This presentation included defining diabetes, the different types of diabetes, warning signs to look for, and how to effectively address a medical emergency. This presentation was given by Melissa Flores and assisted by Brittany Colunga! For more information, contact Melissa Flores, (361)881-8133

CFHA Annual Conference

October 26th, 2024, AHECers who were members of a TAB presented their project at the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association. This project focused on pre-diabetes in South Texas rural areas. Afterward, they held a panel discussion where they talked about the importance of CHWs in public health.

UTTeen Health Training

November 5th-7th, AHEC staff attended training on UT Teen health in its Love Notes and Draw the Line Curriculum. Each day consisted of hands on instruction. All participants earned a certificate for completing the training. With this training they can now go out and implement this training to middle school and high school kids. For more information contact Belinda Flores, 361-881-8133.

South Texas Mobile Unit & Orange Grove Food Bank

Each third Saturday of the month South Coastal AHEC holds a food distribution in the rural town of Orange Grove. In the month of November they partnered with the South Texas Family Planning Mobile unit. The mobile unit provides a variety of free services. A few of these services include women's health, birth control, diabetes screenings, STI screenings, Cholesterol checks, men's health, medications and more. Through this partnership 21 community members received free services!

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

CHW Training on Menopause, Nutrition and Yoga

On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, a CHW Training on Menopause, Nutrition and Yoga was held in Brownsville, Texas The Lower Rio Grande Valley Area Health Education Center (LRGV AHEC) and Ventanilla de Salud Brownsville in partnership with National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice provided a community health worker (CHW) training (capacitación para promotoras(es) de salud) within the framework of the XXIV Binational Health Week. Special recognition to our excellent speakers Dra. Leyza Angélica Nieto Galicia, Gynecologist, Lic. Rosantina Díaz Reyes, Nutritionist and Lic. Sol Sánchez Garza, Yoga Coach to deliver an educational program to understand menopause, menopause & nutrition, and yoga. Emphasis on the nutritional needs for menopausal women and living a healthy lifestyle were covered by Dr. Nieto and Dr. Reyes. Menopause is a natural biological process of aging for women. At this training, the CHWs and community members learned that this is a stage in life when the ovaries stop producing reproductive hormones. They understood that a nutritional balance with exercise. At this training we introduced yoga, an aerobic exercise that may provide health benefits to the individual. It will enhance muscle tone, improve posture, and reduce stress, improve flexibility and encourages meditation. Fifty-five community health workers and community members attend the training. The CHW received 3 non-DSHS continuing education hours that they may use towards their CHW certification renewal. The training format also included raffles of prizes and lunch meal. For more information contact Juana Escareño, escareno@uthscsa.edu

The Prevention of Diseases that Affect Us in South Texas: Infant Botulism

On Wednesday, October 23, 2024 a CHW Training was held on The Prevention of Diseases that Affect Us in South Texas: Infant Botulism, Listeriosis and Hepatitis A . The Lower Rio Grande Valley Area Health Education Center (LRGV AHEC) and Ventanillas de Salud of Brownsville and McAllen in partnership with the Office of Border Public Health, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice Texas provided a community health worker (CHW) training (capacitacióon para promotoras(es) de salud) within the framework of the XXIV Binational Health Week. The CHW training entitled "The Prevention of Disease that Affect US in South Texas: Infant Botulism, Listeriosis and Hepatitis A" was offered in Spanish to 82 CHWs and community members. The goal of this training is to raise awareness about infant Botulism, listeriosis and Hepatitis A. The training curriculum is property of DSHS and is FREE for the CHWs or any person wishing to receive this training. The CHWs received 3 DSHS-Certified continuing education hours that they may use towards their CHW certification renewal. The training format also included raffles of prizes and lunch meal. We want to extend our appreciation and gratitude to Prensa Territorial and Lic. Sol Sánchez Garza, Yoga Coach who helped us finalize the Border Binational Health Week among all our partners in these valued efforts to bring awareness and prevention about diseases that affect us in South Texas and Mexico-Texas border.. For more information contact Juana Escareño, escareno@uthscsa.edu

World Peer Support Day 2024 / El Día Mundial de apoyo a pares 2024

On Friday, October 18, 2024, World Peer Support Day 2024 was held ~El Día mundial de apoyo a pares 2024~ in Brownsville, Texas. The Consulate of Mexico in Brownsville in collaboration with Connection Center RGV and LRGV AHEC sponsored "World Peer Support Day 2024" by organizing a resource fair in Brownsville, Texas. For more information, contact Juana Escareño, escareno@uthscsa.edu

CFHA Annual Conference 2024

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, The UT Health Community Health Worker Translational Advisory Board presented at the 2024 Collaborative Family Healthcare Association Conference on Tackling Prediabetes in South Texas in Partnership with Community Health Workers: Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) Principles in Action. This presentation focused on how researchers and patient/community advisors can partner to address a public health problem.The collaboration involved a diabetes-focused translation advisory board (TAB) of community health workers in Texas taking on pre-diabetes in our predominately Latino communities (2024, Kanzler). Speakers: Kathryn Kanzler, Raquel Romero, Belinda Flores, Ariel Gomez, Elisabeth de la Rosa, Ludivina Henandez, and Juana Escareño

"Fall Into Diabetes" Raising Awareness

Thursday, November 7, 2024, LRGV AHEC collaborated alongside Community Action Corporation of South Texas, Texas A&M, The Purple Door, Behavioral Health Solutions, and Veterans of Foreign Wars in the National Diabetes Awareness Month on November 7, 2024, with a community education session on prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and providing A1C screenings free of charge to residents of Falfurrias and surrounding towns.

Future Events & Learning Opportunities

Follow South Texas AHEC on Facebook @STAHEC

Follow Southwest Border AHEC on Facebook @SWBAHEC

Follow Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC on Facebook @AreaHealthEducationCenter

Winter Donation Drive

December 2, 2024 through January 10, 2025
AHEC Office 1505 Calle del Norte, Suite 430, Laredo, Texas 78041

The Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is proud to announce that every third Monday of each month, AHEC in partnership with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, hosts a virtual Cancer Awareness session as part of the ongoing Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) initiative. The session is scheduled at 11:00 a.m. The sessions are open to all health providers, community health workers, advocates and everyone wanting to learn more about cancer. November's session held on November 18th focused on self-care for the cancer patient caregiver and brought together over 40 participants for an engaging discussion focused on self-care and self-awareness for patients and caregivers alike. The guest speaker, Mrs. Rosina Silva, a professional counselor, and certified Community Health Worker, delivered a compelling presentation highlighting the importance of proactive health management. Her insights echoed with participants, emphasizing the connection of physical health and mental well-being, particularly for those affected by cancer. This monthly interactive session allows attendees to ask questions, share individual experiences, and gain valuable knowledge. This collaborative environment highlights the importance of continuous education and awareness in improving health outcomes. Dr. Julie Bazan, Executive Director of the Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC, praised the success of the event, stating: "Our goal is to provide the community with valuable information and support. Mrs. Silva's presentation not only raised awareness about self-care for patients and caregivers but also highlighted the critical role mental health plays in overall wellness. We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering educational initiatives that empower individuals and enhance community health." The seminar exemplified AHEC's dedication to promoting mental health awareness, supporting caregivers, and equipping the community with essential resources. These efforts reflect the organization's mission to enhance health and well-being through education, advocacy, and collaboration. As the success of this seminar demonstrates, the monthly Cancer Awareness sessions hosted by AHEC and MD Anderson Cancer Center provide an essential platform for fostering knowledge, understanding, and community support. AHEC remains devoted to addressing critical health issues, ensuring that education and awareness continue to improve lives across the Mid Rio Grande Border region. The next session is Monday, December 18, 2024. For additional information about AHEC and the menu of programs, visit https://www.facebook.com/AreaHealthEducationCenter or www.midriograndeborderahec.org or call (956)712-0037.

Mental Health Virtual Awareness Seminar

December 20, 2024 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM
via Zoom Platform - Https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUldeuppz8pE92dkboCdqifYIcRAu68sM3Q

One hour on Health Habits for your brain, promoting healthy living while aging will be held December 20, 2024

Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC

Motivational Interviewing

January 25, 2025 from 9:00AM to 1:00PM
UT Health San Antonio- School of Nursing (SON) 1.217
HTTPS://REDCAP.LINK/MI2025

Motivational Interviewing Training for the South Texas AHEC Scholars Program! Join us on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the UT Health San Antonio - School of Nursing (SON) 1.217 for a training session led by Dr. Stacy Ogbeide, a Board-Certified Clinical Health Psychologist. This interactive workshop will teach core Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills, including recognizing effective patient-provider communication, responding with open-ended statements and reflections (OARS), amplifying change talk, and knowing when to give advice. Lunch and refreshments will be provided! Register now at https://redcap.link/MI2025] or contact Gomeza6@uthscsa.edu for more information.

Follow South Coastal AHEC on Facebook @SouthCoastalAHEC.CC

Orange Grove Food Bank

December 21st is South Coastal AHECs monthly food distribution. However, in the Christmas spirit, the team will arrive earlier to deliver hot cocoa, coffee, and donuts to those waiting in their cars. This is a long tradition that community members look forward to each year. There's nothing like spreading the Christmas cheer!

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.

Partner Announcements

Make Quitting Smoking Part of Your New Year’s Resolutions