The commitment of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio to the Mid Rio Grande Border region formally began in 1993 with the establishment of the Mid Rio Grande Border Area Health Education Center (MRGB AHEC). This commitment was further demonstrated with the opening of the D.D. Hachar Building in 2002 at the UTHSCSA Regional
Campus located in Laredo, Texas. A number of programs started under the AHEC have been continued, enhanced, and expanded over the years. The MRGB AHEC continues to work in collaboration with its partners to increase the opportunities for entry into health careers, improve health status, and impact the quality of life of the region’s residents.
Mission
- Enhance the quality of life in the communities of the region by increasing the number of well-trained health care workers
- Enhance the academic resources and support to existing health care providers
- Foster a healthy lifestyle for the citizens of the communities
Region
- Webb County
- Zapata County
- Jim Hogg County
- Duval County
- La Salle County
- Dimmit County
Mailing Address:
- Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC
- UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
- 1505 Calle del Norte, Ste. 430
- Laredo, Texas 78041
- or -
- Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC
- UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
- PO Box 2592
- Laredo, Texas 78044
Julie Bazan, MHA
Executive Director
Diana Garcia, M.Ed
Curriculum Consultant
Eloisa A. Volpe, BBA
Health Careers Coordinator
Continuing Education Programs
The AHEC offers a series of educational programs for health care workers including:
- Annual Update in Medicine
- Annual Asthma Symposium
Community Health Literacy and Networking
The AHEC collaborates with local partners in disease prevention and health promotion projects such as:
- Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Health Committee
- Operation Lone Star Coalition
- Webb County Domestic Violence Coalition
- Bi-National Health Council
- H.E.A.L. ( Healthy Eating Active Living Initiative)
Community Needs Assessment: In 2011, the MRGB AHEC in collaboration with Laredo/Webb County Health Department and UTHSCSA Center for South Texas Programs will conduct a community health and workforce needs assessment for Laredo/Webb County region. The goal of the assessment is to determine the current, emerging and future needs of the area, to set priorities and to develop strategies to address the needs of the region.
Community-Based Training Programs for Health Professionals
The AHEC promotes community based training by identifying clinical training sites for the trainees. Training agreements have been developed with the following:
- Gateway Community Health Center
- Laredo Medical Center
- Laredo Pediatrics & Neonatology
- Lamar Bruni Vergara Rehab Center
- Doctor’s Hospital
- City of Laredo Health Department
- Mercy Ministries of Laredo
- Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center
- Gustavo Villarreal, MD
- Leo Cigarroa, MD
- Mateo Reyes, MD
- Oscar Benavides, MD
- Pedro Castaneda, MD
- Francisco Cervantes, MD
- Maurice Click, Jr., MD
Training opportunities are available in the following fields:
- Physician Assistant Program
- Dental Training Program
- STEER Program
- Nutrition Program
In The News...
Head of the Class and Youth of the Month
The Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC is a proud sponsor along with the U.S. Border Patrol, KGNS-TV Head of the Class Program and Youth of the Month programs. The programs highlight outstanding seniors who excel among their peers due to their academic success and good citizenship. The MRGBAHEC exposes these students to the various programs at the UTHSCSA Campus and the MRGBAHEC.
January 14, 2012 – Day of Service
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. On Saturday, January 14, 2012, students enrolled in the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Youth Health Service Corp (YHSC) will volunteer their time to help beautify the environment. The group will gather at Lake Casa Blanca State Park in observance of Martin Luther King (MLK) Day of Service and work to in teams to help clean the park.
January 2012 – R.E.A.L. Program
The Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC will partner with the U.S. Border Patrol, Laredo Sector and Judge Oscar Martinez to offer the Rewarding, Education, Attitude and Leadership (REAL) Program staring January 2012. The mission of this program is to re-direct students who are considered to be “at risk” students and motivate them tomake responsible choices and pursue a higher education.
Farmers Market
The Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC collaborates with other community agencies in the monthly Farmers Market event held at the heart of Laredo, Texas. Students enrolled in AHEC programs are given the opportunity to volunteer and learn about various farming opportunities as well as vegetables, fruits, spices and other home grown food items.