The MRGB AHEC continues to explore opportunities to leverage resources and to continue to improve programs that are beneficial to the communities in South Texas. Below are a few of the special projects throughout the years:
2020 Census
A project led by MRGB AHEC in agreement with Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. from January 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020 to conduct educational outreach at five AHEC centers serving 35 counties (i.e., train and coordinate outreach activities with volunteers); perform educational outreach to schools and rural communities; deploy educational material for marketing (i., health fairs, schools, community centers, grocery stores); initiate media activities (i.e., radio, tv, public service announcements, billboards, banners); purchase digital marketing ads; and, establish five AHEC centers as primary outreach centers and host “help stations” with internet access points for rural areas. A majority of the 35 counties served by AHEC’s centers are rural with medically underserved and young age populations. AHEC centers are in Laredo, Eagle Pass, Corpus Christi, Edinburg, and San Antonio. The 35-county area’s total population of 3.4 million is 69% Hispanic, 23% uninsured, 23% below the Federal Poverty Level, and 91% medically underserved.
COVID-19 Health Disparities Program (Starr & Willacy Counties)
The MRGB AHEC has partnered with the Texas Department of State Health Services to gather information on COVID-19 health disparities in order to better understand Starr and Willacy Counties. The MRGB AHEC will conduct presentations, educational fairs, and provide training to key community members about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, they aim to help residents learn about available educational opportunities and health resources in their area. This information will contribute to identifying gaps in health education and preventive services. The ultimate goal is to connect each resident in both counties with information about vaccination benefits and the locations where vaccines can be obtained. This project led by MRGB AHEC from May 2022 to May 2024.
Creciendo Juntos Coalition
The Mid Rio Grande Border AHEC in partnership with Las Promesas de Laredo and MHP Salud, took part in a 6-month planning/learning collaborative to identify a project that would help to meet the needs of the community. At the end of the six-month period, the Creciendo Juntos Coalition agrees was invited to submit a full proposal to Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Prosperemos Juntos Thriving Together Learning Collaborative. The outcome of this proposed project will be determined in fiscal year 2023-2024.
Google Career Certification Program
An initiative by Google in collaboration with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) to provide a six-month online self-paced course that allows post-high school students the opportunity to earn a Project Management or IT Support certificate. This certification will make the participating individuals’ competitive candidates when applying for employment. There is no college education or relevant experience required for this program. Our first cohort consisted of 9 students that participated from May 2023 to December 2023.
Your Shot Texas
An initiative led by MRGB AHEC to educate the community on SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), the different measures that can be taken to prevent contracting the virus and encouraging them to receive the COVID-19 vaccination to help build immunity. The initiative began June 1, 2021, and will end November 30, 2021