Welcome to the latest AHEC Newsletter with valuable health and education information! | |  | | | | | Welcome to the Winter 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
STAAC Harvest of Partnerships Fall Festival
 The Fall Festival held on October 9, 2025, at 1152 Ferry Street in Eagle Pass was a wonderful success, drawing more than 80 participants from across the community. Hosted by the South Texas All Abilities Center in collaboration with Southwest Border AHEC, the event created a warm, inclusive environment where families and neighbors of all ages could celebrate the season together. Guests enjoyed a variety of seasonal activities, games, food, and entertainment throughout the evening, making it a joyful gathering that highlighted community spirit and togetherness. We extend our appreciation to all who joined and helped make the event memorable. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected] or call (830) 758-1111.
The Southwest Texas College Transfer and Career Fairs
The Southwest Texas College Transfer and Career Fairs, held across Del Rio, Uvalde, and Eagle Pass from October 14-16, 2025, concluded successfully with more than 250 participants. Students from all three campuses took part in exploring transfer pathways, meeting with employers, and learning about a wide range of career options. Southwest Border AHEC was proud to serve as a key partner throughout the three-day series, engaging with students, answering questions, and offering guidance on health-related careers, educational opportunities, and professional growth. The events fostered meaningful connections and helped students take important steps toward their future goals. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected] or call (830) 758-1111.
United Medical Center Breast Cancer Awareness Fair
 The Breast and Cervical Awareness event held on October 16, 2025, at 3295 Bob Rogers Drive in Eagle Pass was a strong success, bringing together more than 100 participants. Hosted by United Medical Centers in partnership with Southwest Border AHEC, the event provided a welcoming space for community members to learn about early detection, preventive care, and the importance of routine screenings for women's health. Attendees received information on available screenings, local health resources, and support services, helping raise awareness of practices that can reduce the risk of serious health concerns. Southwest Border AHEC contributed educational materials and guidance to support community members in better understanding breast and cervical health. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected] or call (830) 758-1111.
Dia de Muertos Fair
 The Día de Muertos Family Celebration held on October 25, 2025, was a vibrant and heartfelt success, bringing together more than 200 participants. Hosted by the Consulado de México en Eagle Pass in partnership with Southwest Border AHEC, the event united families and neighbors in honoring loved ones and celebrating rich cultural traditions. Participants enjoyed music, dance, colorful altars, traditional food, and hands-on activities for all ages, creating an atmosphere filled with remembrance, joy, and community pride. The gathering offered a meaningful space for reflection, connection, and shared celebration. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected] or call (830) 758-1111. Promotoras En Accion - Como Entender Tu Seguro Medico y Los Beneficios Que Ofrece El Estado
 As part of the Promotoras en Acción (P.E.A.C.H.E.S.) series, Southwest Border AHEC successfully hosted a Spanish-language Community Health Worker Education Session on October 29, 2025, with 32 participants in attendance. The session provided practical tools and guidance to help CHWs support individuals and families as they navigate complex healthcare systems. Participants strengthened their skills in explaining benefits, connecting clients to local resources, and improving access to care. The training also covered key topics such as eligibility requirements, enrollment processes, and available service options, helping attendees become stronger advocates for the communities they serve. This session reflects Southwest Border AHEC's ongoing commitment to equipping community health workers with the knowledge and confidence needed to help residents access essential care and support. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected] or call (830) 758-1111.
Promotoras En Accion - Estrategias de Comunicacion y Confianza
 As part of the Promotoras en Acción (P.E.A.C.H.E.S.) series, Southwest Border AHEC successfully hosted a Spanish-language Community Health Worker Education Session on November 18, 2025, with 24 participants in attendance. Participants strengthened their ability to communicate with confidence, learning practical approaches for delivering clear information, engaging effectively with clients, and fostering trust in their interactions. The session emphasized techniques for active listening, conveying complex information in a simple and supportive manner, and building strong communication habits that enhance their role as community advocates. This training reflects Southwest Border AHEC's ongoing commitment to empowering community health workers with the skills and confidence needed to communicate effectively and support the residents they serve. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected] or call (830) 758-1111.
Diabetes Loteria
  Southwest Border AHEC successfully participated in hosting the Diabetes Lotería event on November 20, 2025, welcoming 28 community members for an evening of learning, engagement, and fun. The event offered a creative and interactive way for participants to deepen their understanding of diabetes prevention and management. Attendees received helpful information on nutrition, physical activity, and local resources that support healthier living. Southwest Border AHEC hosted an information table staffed with educational materials and program referrals, ensuring participants left with practical tools to support their health and well-being. The event reinforced the importance of accessible, community-centered education and highlighted the value of collaborative efforts to promote diabetes awareness. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected] or call (830) 758-1111.
PEAAKS - You Matter: Taking Care of Your Mind With Liliana Moncada
  Southwest Border AHEC successfully held its P.E.A.A.K.S. session, "Taking Care of Your Mind," with 40 high school students in attendance. Led by guest speaker Ms. Liliana Moncada, the session provided students with practical tools to manage stress and support their mental well-being. Through open conversation and interactive activities, participants learned strategies for self-care, emotional awareness, and resilience, skills that can strengthen both their personal development and academic success. The session reflected Southwest Border AHEC's continued commitment to fostering positive mental health and empowering youth with the resources they need to thrive. For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected] or call (830) 758-1111. Fall CHW Certification Course
 We are excited to announce the successful completion of the Fall 2025 Fall CHW Certification Course and would like to recognize the 23 participants who completed the full 160-hour, DSHS-approved training. Over the course of the program, participants built practical, real-world skills to support individuals and families in navigating the healthcare system, accessing local resources, and connecting to essential services. Each of our graduates demonstrated dedication, compassion, and a true commitment to serving others .For more information, contact Bonifacio Vega at [email protected] or call (830) 758-1111. | | | |  Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC
2025 Aging Conference Held on October 25, 2025 at the Neighborhood Place, the Aging Conference brought together community members and local vendors for a day filled with valuable resources, learning, and fun! Attendees enjoyed bingo games, door prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect and celebrate healthy aging together. They had access to a variety of community resource vendors and received free adult vaccines for Flu, Shingles, and COVID. A special highlight of the event was our guest speaker, Dr. Michael Wargovich, who delivered an inspiring presentation titled "Foods that Fight Inflammation: Nature's Gift for Healthy Aging." Thank you to Dr. Wargovich and everyone for making this event such a meaningful experience for our community! For more information contact Ariel Gomez at [email protected] or call (210) 793-7355
South Central AHEC Community Health Workers Cohort Fall 2025
 South Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC) proudly recognizes the Fall 2025 Community Health Worker (CHW) cohort for completing an inspiring 8-week training course! Throughout the program, students explored the vital roles and core values of being a CHW. The cohort's final presentations were a true reflection of their dedication and heart for service, showcasing how each participant is ready to make a positive impact in their communities. Congratulations to our newest CHWs-thank you for your commitment to building a healthier, stronger community! For more information contact Ariel Gomez at [email protected] or call (210) 793-7355
2025 IIMS Community Engagement Symposium
 The Institute for Integration of Medicine & Science recently hosted its 2025 Community Engagement Symposium at the Neighborhood Place, bringing together community members, faculty, and students for a day of collaboration and learning. The event focused on fostering conversations about health research, strengthening community-campus partnerships, and showcasing innovative community engagement initiatives through poster presentations. With strong participation from community members and partners, the symposium was a resounding success-highlighting the power of partnership in advancing health research and creating lasting community impact. For more information contact Ariel Gomez at [email protected] or call (210) 793-7355
4th Annual Frio Family Fall Festival
 The 4th Annual Frio Family Fall Festival , held on November 15, 2025 at Polo Patino Park in Pearsall, TX was a wonderful success, bringing families, friends, and neighbors together for a fun-filled day of community connection. We were thrilled to host numerous vendors who generously shared valuable resources, information, and support with community members. From local services to health and wellness organizations, their presence helped make the festival both meaningful and impactful. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of free giveaways, games, and activities-something for all ages to enjoy! A heartfelt thank you to all the vendors for their dedication and to every community member who joined us to celebrate. For more information contact Ariel Gomez at [email protected] or call (210) 793-7355
Health Confianza Pledge Program 2025 Learning Collaborative
 We're excited to announce that our team has successfully completed the Health Literacy Program in December, further enhancing our ability to communicate clearly, compassionately, and effectively with the communities we serve. Throughout this training, we expanded our understanding of core health literacy principles, learned actionable strategies to advance health equity, strengthened our plain-language and culturally responsive communication skills, and refined our approach to engaging and empowering patients. A heartfelt thank-you to Health Confianza for providing us with this valuable opportunity. For more information contact Ariel Gomez at [email protected] or call (210) 793-7355 | |  Follow South Coastal AHEC on Facebook @SouthCoastalAHEC.CC
Texas Rural Health Association Conference
October was quite a month for the AHECs! South Coastal AHEC attended the TRHA conference and listened to the Dean of Sam Houston University speak on how their osteopathic medicine program is different from most. Rather than send students to big cities, they look for rural hospitals where students can receive a more personal experience. They also heard firsthand experiences of students who travelled to rural East Texas to do pop-up clinics. For more information contact Belinda Flores at (361) 881-8133. TRHA-Action-Alliances-Conference-3-1200x1200-social-and-web.webp IMG_9924.heic
2025 IIMS Community Engagement Symposium
 In November, many AHECers participated in the IIMS Community Symposium. Juana Escareño, Ludy Hernandez, and Brittany Serna presented alongside clinical health psychologist Dr. Kathryn Kanzler and Dr. Raquel Romero. They elaborated on how CHWs used community-based participatory research to deliver anonymous needs assessments, conduct focus groups, and analyze data regarding pre diabetes in the communities they serve. At this conference, Joe Zapata presented a poster, and South Central AHEC hosted a table. This event was a great example of how the sister AHECs work together to address health needs in their communities. For more information, contact Brittany Serna at (361) 881-8133. Public Health Mobile Clinic
  South Coastal AHEC partnered with the Nueces County Corpus Christi Health Department and Nueces County Emergency Services District No. 6 to provide free health screenings in the rural town of Petronila. The community could receive free vaccines, health screenings, and speak with a physician. For more information, contact Brittany Serna at (361) 881-8133.
Exercising our right to vote!
  On November 4th, the South Coastal AHEC team fulfilled our civic duty and made time to vote! As CHWs, it is important to be aware of upcoming elections and how propositions may affect the populations you serve. Get information on issues with a voters guide that explains both sides, those for and against to make an educated decision! https://www.lwv.org/blog/get-candidate-info-our-voter-guide
2025 Virtual T1-T4 in 3(Minutes) Challenge
Brittany Serna, with the help of the Community Health Worker TAB (Translational Advisory Board) group, constructed a one-slide presentation to participate in UT Health San Antonio's T1-T4 Challenge. This slide highlighted milestones in the CHW TAB's community-based participatory research on pre-diabetes in the communities they serve. Her presentation won 1st place. For more information contact Brittany Serna at (361) 881-8133 | |  Follow Lower Rio Grande Valley AHEC on Facebook at @lrgv.ahec XXIV Binational Health Week 2025 - Diabetes in the Border Region
   The Lower Rio Grande Valley Health Education Center, are grateful to our community for attending the closing event, held on October 28, 2025, in Brownsville, Texas. The event was a success, with approximately 75 community members and 15 agencies providing resources and health screenings related to diabetes. It was an honor to have the participation of distinguished individuals, including: The Secretary of Health of Matamoros, Dr. J. Antonio Alfaro Caballero, Ysaias Enrique Presas "Henry" from the Brownsville City Health Department, and the Consul Adjoint José Luis Díaz Mirón Hinojosa from the Consulate of Mexico in Brownsville. We extend special thanks to the Border Public Health Office, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the National Latina Institute, whose valuable collaboration has made this First Binational Health Forum possible and successful. For more information contact Juana Escareño, Director, Lower Rio Grande Valley AHEC at [email protected] or (956) 230-5144
CHW Workshop in Spanish - Aprende a reducir tu riesgo de diabetes con pequeños cambios en tu vida.
  Aprende a reducir tu riesgo de diabetes con pequeños cambios en tu vida, (Learn to reduce your risk of diabetes with simple changes in your life) a Community Health Worker (CHW) workshop offered by the Lower Rio Grande Valley AHEC, had a meaningful impact on participants. The workshop successfully equipped CHWs with practical knowledge and hands-on tools to support healthier lifestyles in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). We specifically highlighted the high prevalence of diabetes in the region and emphasized the crucial role of proper nutrition in prevention and management. CHWs learned how to use an upper-arm electronic blood pressure monitor, empowering them to take an active role in monitoring their health at home. In addition to educational sessions, attendees received personal blood sugar and blood pressure screenings by Drs. Lis Tijerina and Dr. Marco Hernande with PanAmerican Clinical Research, completed a one-mile walk to promote physical activity, and were provided meal prep demonstrations that showcased how simple, affordable, and delicious nutritious eating can be. Each CHW also received a comprehensive goodie bag to support short- and long-term healthy habits at home. These bags included a weight scale, food scale, electronic blood pressure monitor, exercise bands, a pill organizer, "My Plate" educational flyers, and measuring cups. Additionally, CHWs received four Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS-certified) continued education hours that can be applied toward their CHW certification renewal. Overall, the workshop fostered greater awareness, confidence, and motivation for CHWs to take control of their health and support wellness throughout the community. For more information, contact Quetzaly Zenil, CHW Instructor at [email protected] or (956) 230-5144
CHW Training on Health Education and Promotion
 The Lower Rio Grande Valley AHEC is grateful for the success of our recent collaboration with the UTRGV AHEC and Knapp Medical Foundation on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Through this partnership, community members will gain valuable skills in nutrition, portion control, and preventive health practices from their trusted Promotora/CHW. Fifty-four Promotoras/CHWs were trained and are prepared to promote and influence healthy behaviors in their communities. Strong partnerships make all the difference - together, we're building a healthier South Texas! For more information contact Juana Escareño at [email protected] or (956) 230-5144
2025 Diabetes Mini Symposium - Power in Prevention
 Juana Escareño, Director of the Lower Rio Grande Valley AHEC had the distinct pleasure of presenting at one of the conference's break-out sessions on Strengthening Family Communication and Mental Health at the Unidos Contra la Diabetes (UCD) Mini Symposium on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The event was a great success - "a gathering designed to inspire, educate, and unite our community around the goal of preventing the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the Rio Grande Valley (UCD, 2025)." It was a rewarding experience to contribute to such an important community goal. For more information contact Juana Escareño at [email protected] or (956) 230-5144 | | | | Future Events & Learning Opportunities Follow South Texas AHEC on Facebook @STAHEC
Project ECHO 2026: Colorectal Cancer
Sessions Begin January 12, 2026
Register at: https://redcap.uthscsa.edu/REDCap/surveys/?s=34344PA7EDPM3K8T We are excited to announce the launch of our Project ECHO Program and registration is OPEN! The program is open to AHEC Scholars. CHWs & CHW Instructors, Licensed Vocational Nurses. Promotoras, Registered Nurses, and Social Workers. All other disciplines are also welcome to join! Sessions will be held over Zoom on Mondays at 12:00 noon beginning January 12th. See flyer for specific dates. With Zoom, live transcription can be [provided in multiple languages, including Spanish. Community Engaged Learning Conference 
Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 8:00 to 2:30pm
at UT San Antonio's Health Science Center 7703 Floyd Curl Drive
https://redcap.uthscsa.edu/REDCap/surveys/?s=RYPFHPEJ9A4DD9EK This free, in-person conference brings together students, faculty, staff, and community members to explore the real-world impact of community partnerships on public health. This year's theme, "The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Community Health," focuses on the innovative ways AI is being used to support underserved communities and improve health outcomes. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Michael Mackert, Director of The University of Texas at Austin's Center for Health Communication, will lead the keynote session, sharing powerful insights into how AI can transform public and community health work. This conference is open to all students, professionals, and community members interested in service, ethics, and community-driven healthcare The conference Includes a complimentary lunch and dessert reception. Register today! For event questions or concerns, please contact the Charles E. Cheever, Jr. Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics at [email protected] or call (456) 589-1237 | | | | | | Follow South Central AHEC on Facebook @SouthCentralTexasAHEC Brief Motivational Interviewing (MI)
January 10, 2026 from 9:00am to 12:00pm
UT Health San Antonio - 7703 Floyd Curl Dr. San Antonio, TX
https://redcap.link/MITraining26 Dr. Stacy Ogbeide, PsyD, ABPP, will lead a Motivational Interviewing (MI) Training, designed to strengthen the quality of conversations between providers and patients. MI is a collaborative, patient-centered communication style that helps individuals explore their motivations, build confidence, and make meaningful health changes. For more information contact Ariel Gomez at [email protected] or by phone at (210) 793-7355
Love Notes Teen Empowerment Camp
March 9-12th, 2026 from 10:00AM to 2:30PM
The Neighborhood Place 3014 Rivas St. Room #113 San Antonio, TX 78228
Register at https://redcap.link/LoveNotes25 We're excited to share that registration is now open for the Love Notes Teen Empowerment Camp! This program is designed to help young people build the confidence, knowledge, and skills they need to create healthy relationships and shape a bright, successful future. Through interactive activities, guided discussions, and supportive mentorship, teens will learn how to navigate friendships and dating, communicate effectively, set personal goals, and make empowered choices. If you know a teen ready to grow, connect, and thrive-this is the place for them! For more information contact: Ariel Gomez, [email protected] or (210) 793-7355 | | | | | | | |  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 [email protected] 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 | | | | | | | | | | | |
