Author: Julian Herrera
Rising Concerns Over Candida Auris in the Rio Grande Valley: What You Need to Know Health officials in the Rio Grande Valley are increasingly vigilant regarding the surge in cases of a potentially dangerous fungus known as Candida Auris. While it currently poses minimal risks to the general public, the threat it poses to vulnerable populations — particularly those in healthcare settings — is considerable. Understanding Candida Auris What is Candida Auris? Candida Auris is an emerging fungal infection that is particularly concerning due to its resistance to multiple antifungal treatments. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and…
Become a Patient Care Champion: Join the Nursing Team at South Texas Health System The nursing profession plays a critical role in delivering quality healthcare, and South Texas Health System (STHS) stands as a testament to that. With 12 facilities across the region, STHS relies on dedicated nurses to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. If you are passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of patients, consider joining this dynamic team. Why Nursing is Essential at South Texas Health System Nurses are often viewed as the backbone of any healthcare organization. At STHS, they are not just caregivers; they…
Rising Concerns Over Candida Auris in the Rio Grande Valley Health officials in the Rio Grande Valley are closely monitoring a surge in cases of Candida auris, a concerning antibiotic-resistant fungus that poses significant health risks, particularly to patients in healthcare settings. What is Candida Auris? Candida auris is a type of yeast that is becoming increasingly common in hospitals and long-term care facilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this fungus is known for its resistance to multiple antifungal medications, making it particularly difficult to treat. In severe cases, Candida auris can lead to serious…
Rising Concerns Over Candida Auris in the Rio Grande Valley: What You Need to Know Health officials in the Rio Grande Valley are on high alert as cases of a potentially life-threatening fungus, known as Candida Auris, rise. Though not an immediate threat to the general public, this fungus poses significant risks, particularly for patients in hospitals and nursing homes. What is Candida Auris? Candida Auris is a type of fungus that can lead to severe infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this pathogen is resistant to several…
The Health Crisis Unfolding in Starr County, Texas: A Community in Peril Introduction Starr County, Texas, a predominantly rural and Hispanic community located along the southern U.S. border, faces a profound healthcare crisis. Amidst soaring poverty and rising uninsured rates, local healthcare facilities are becoming overwhelmed, with implications that extend far beyond this community. A Triage of Challenges On a typical afternoon in June, Dr. Jake Margo Jr., a family medicine physician at Starr County Memorial Hospital, found himself explaining to a patient why someone with a persistent fever didn’t require emergency room admission. “We’re going to take care of…
Be the Reason Someone Smiles Today: The Importance of Social Support in Suicide Prevention Understanding the Crisis of Suicide Suicide remains a critical public health challenge, with millions of individuals affected each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 700,000 people die due to suicide globally, highlighting the urgency for effective preventive measures. While various factors contribute to suicidal thoughts and actions, social support plays a pivotal role in reducing these risks. The Role of Social Support in Mental Health Social support encompasses the resources and relationships that provide emotional, informational, and practical assistance. It can come from…
The Health Care Crisis in the Rio Grande Valley: A Looming Emergency The Rio Grande Valley in South Texas faces a critical health care crisis, characterized by some of the highest uninsured rates in the United States. With approximately one-third of residents lacking health insurance, the situation is projected to worsen, especially as significant federal health policy changes take effect. This article explores the implications of these changes on local health care systems and communities, particularly in light of the recent initiatives from the Trump administration. The Rio Grande Valley in South Texas has some of the highest uninsured rates…
Hidalgo County Launches Innovative Virtual Care Station MCALLEN, Texas – In a significant advancement for healthcare access, Hidalgo County has introduced its first virtual care station in collaboration with OnMed, Molina Healthcare, and United Healthcare. Located at the county clinic on E. Hackberry Avenue in McAllen, the OnMed Care Station promises to deliver essential primary healthcare services at no cost to residents. What is the OnMed Care Station? The OnMed Care Station is a state-of-the-art healthcare booth that provides a seamless connection between patients and medical professionals via secure video consultations. This innovative technology offers a variety of basic medical…
Impact of Proposed Federal Legislation on Local Nonprofits in McAllen During a recent video conference organized by the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force, nonprofit leaders gathered to discuss the anticipated repercussions of the proposed federal legislation colloquially known as the “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Among the key voices was Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen, who highlighted alarming trends already evident in her organization and across the Rio Grande Valley. Funding Cuts and Their Effects Gonzalez-Alcantar reported that the Big, Beautiful Bill has led to the loss of funding for 38 positions at the McAllen club,…
Join the Conversation on Health: Accelerator 2025 Set to Transform the Rio Grande Valley Harlingen, Texas – An important event on the horizon aims to tackle the pressing health challenges in the Rio Grande Valley. Accelerator 2025 – The State of Health, organized by the AltaCair Foundation, is scheduled for September 4, 2025, at the Harlingen Convention Center. This groundbreaking initiative is co-sponsored by Healthier Texas and UTRGV Health, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss health outcomes beyond traditional medical interventions. Understanding the Impact of Non-Medical Drivers The event, titled “The State of Health – Understanding the Impact of Non-Medical…