Author: Isabella Cortez
The Growing Dementia Crisis in South Texas: Understanding the Challenges and Solutions The Rio Grande Valley, a predominantly Latino region of South Texas, is currently facing a significant public health crisis: an alarming rise in cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Despite the increasing prevalence, the state’s response has been inconsistent at best. As the population ages, the urgency for a comprehensive strategy becomes increasingly vital. The Alarming Statistics Research indicates that the demographics of the Rio Grande Valley significantly contribute to the area’s high dementia rates. According to Medicare data, individuals aged 65 and older in…
Upcoming Events in the Rio Grande Valley: Community Engagement and Opportunities As the seasons change, the Rio Grande Valley is abuzz with exciting activities designed to engage and enrich the community. From garage sales to cultural festivals, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what’s happening in the upcoming weeks. September Events VFW Post 8788 Garage Sale On September 28, VFW Post 8788 in McAllen will hold a massive garage sale from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will take place at 4321 Pecan Blvd. Join community members for great deals while supporting our veterans. For inquiries, contact Homer Gallegos at…
ENTRE Documentary Intensive: A Celebration of Local Storytelling At the heart of McAllen, Texas, a vibrant event unfolded at Common Space, drawing a packed crowd eager to witness the premiere of four compelling documentaries. This significant moment spotlighted the talent of first-time filmmakers hailing from the Rio Grande Valley, culminating from an engaging eight-week documentary intensive organized by the ENTRE Film Center. Building a Creative Community The bustling venue offered an air of excitement, as co-founders Andres Sanchez and C. Diaz worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure all technical challenges were resolved, preparing to deliver an unforgettable screening experience.…
Engaging the Community: Empowering Health Education through Local Health Fairs Health fairs play a crucial role in promoting community wellness and awareness, and one such event showcased the commitment of local educational institutions to tackling health challenges like diabetes. Understanding the Importance of Health Education At the forefront of this initiative was the South Texas College (STC) community, where students from various programs engaged with local children and families to share valuable health information. Vocational Nursing Instructor Michelle Pruneda emphasized the significance of such events: “We’re very grateful for this opportunity to help children learn about diabetes. […] Participating in…
Community Outcry Against SpaceX Launches: A Closer Look at the Impact on the Rio Grande Valley Concerns Surrounding SpaceX Operations in Boca Chica On April 20, 2023, a significant event unfolded as the Starship/Super Heavy rocket exploded over the Gulf of Mexico. This incident was met with a strong message from frontline organizations based in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), who voiced their dissent against SpaceX’s activities at Boca Chica Beach near Brownsville, Texas. These groups emphasize that launching the largest rocket in history poses serious threats to local communities, wildlife, and sacred lands. The Environmental and Cultural Toll The…
Driscoll Children’s Hospital-Rio Grande Valley: Pioneering Pediatric Care in South Texas Introduction The future of pediatric healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley shines brightly with the impressive opening of the new Driscoll Children’s Hospital-Rio Grande Valley (DCH-RGV). This facility, recently inaugurated, is set to transform the landscape of healthcare services available for children in the region. A Vision Realized During the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, Matt Wolthoff, president of DCH-RGV, articulated a transformative vision for pediatric healthcare. “It’s all about the kids,” he stated, emphasizing a commitment that drives the hospital’s mission. This opening marks the culmination of diligent efforts aimed…
South Texas College Dual Credit Programs: Paving the Way for Student Success Established 25 years ago, the Dual Credit Programs at South Texas College (STC) have transformed the educational landscape of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). Renowned for its excellence, this program is not only a leader in Texas but also boasts accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). Serving an impressive 21 partnering school districts, including the Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, the program has positively impacted students across more than 70 schools. Impact and Achievement Over its two decades of existence, STC’s Dual Credit Program…
Talent Attraction in the Rio Grande Valley: A Vision for the Future Introduction The Rio Grande Valley is poised for transformation, with the potential for growth and innovation in various sectors. As the region’s leadership emphasizes the need for a robust talent attraction program, experts believe that cultivating a skilled workforce is essential to attracting top talent. This vision is strongly endorsed by Gilberto Salinas, the newly appointed CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC). A Call for Talent Attraction Programs According to Salinas, developing a comprehensive talent attraction initiative is crucial for the Rio Grande Valley. Such programs…
The Transformation of Laguna Madre and Its Impact on Local Communities Editor’s Note: This article is the first in a two-part series supported by the Pulitzer Center and the Ida B. Wells Society Investigative Reporting Fellowship. The Laguna Madre: An Overview The mini-region around the 50-mile-long Laguna Madre is poised to become a focal point for the Gulf Coast oil and gas industry. This rare hypersaline lagoon, which separates the Padre Islands from the South Texas mainland, has historically been free from the heavy industrialization seen in cities like Corpus Christi and Houston. Surrounded by small coastal communities such as…
South Texas College Unveils New Culinary Kitchen in Weslaco WESLACO, TEXAS – South Texas College (STC) has recently marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of a state-of-the-art culinary kitchen at its Mid-Valley campus, coinciding perfectly with the start of fall classes. This new facility aims to enhance the culinary arts program while responding to the growing demands of the culinary industry in the region. A Grand Celebration The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by STC leadership, board of trustees, and notable dignitaries from Weslaco. This event underscores the college’s commitment to fostering education and job readiness…