Announcements
Fernandez clinic grand opening
We were thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of our newest clinic on July 20th. Named after a beloved member of Project Vida, Rosario Fernandez, the Fernandez Clinic spans 4,400 square feet, offering comprehensive medical services, behavioral health care management, and health education. The grand opening also doubled as a back-to-school health fair, where we gave away 85 food pantries and 75 backpacks. Over 100 people attended the event, which was highlighted by Rosario Fernandez's son, Luis Fernandez, cutting the ribbon. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar visited the clinic the day before the opening, showing us her support.
first psychiatry residents selected
We are excited to introduce you to three exceptional individuals who commenced their residency on July 1st, 2024:
Dr. Roberto Ayala Minero - Universidad Dr. Jose Matias Delgado
Dr. Beatriz Deras Fuentes - Universidad Dr. Jose Matias Delgado
Dr. David Morin - Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
These talented residents will rotate through three different sites, although their headquarters remain at the Project Vida Health Center located in the northeast region of El Paso. Their presence marks a significant milestone in Project Vida's commitment to enhancing mental health services in border communities.
Homelessness prevention and recovery
We've worked on a video showcasing our Homelessness Prevention and Recovery Program as part of our ongoing campaign. In this special feature, you'll get to hear directly from Javier Hidalgo, one of our incredible clients, sharing his inspiring journey out of homelessness. You'll also hear from the dedicated Homelessness Prevention and Recovery team members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make stories like Javier's possible.
RISE TOGETHER SUMMIT 2024
On June 4th, Project Vida in collaboration with the Center for Family and Small Business from UTEP Woodly L. Hunt College of Business held the Rise Together Summit 2024: Stronger Economy, Stronger Community. This summit brought together small business owners, financial experts, and partners to learn about the current economic climate and network with like-minded individuals. Eight vendors, ten partners, and more than a hundred and ten people were in attendance and were able to learn from three different panels and thirteen speakers.
project vida in the news
How Texas teens lost the one program that allowed birth control without parental consent
Teenagers come to Access Esperanza’s family planning clinics in the Rio Grande Valley for birth control. They leave with a full reproductive life plan.
Appointments often run close to two hours, CEO Patricio Gonzalez said, as they counsel teens on everything from contraception and sexually-transmitted infections, to healthy relationships, consent, and the client’s hopes and dreams.
In a state that doesn’t require sex education, this is often the first time teens have thought about how reproductive health decisions can impact their future plans, Gonzalez said.
Access Esperanza encourages teens to involve their parents in these conversations. For some, this is an easy ask. For others, it’s an immediate non-starter.
Thank you gloria!
Best Buy Teen Tech Center Teens
Selected for Charity Classic
Three of our talented Best Buy Teen Tech Center members were selected to participate in this year's prestigious Best Buy Charity Classic Event where they showcased their music video.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jayson, Moises, and Damien for this remarkable achievement! As part of their participation, each received a generous grant of $2,000 and a monthly stipend of $500.
In addition to receiving financial assistance, the members had the opportunity to visit Minneapolis, MN, courtesy of the Best Buy Foundation. They met with esteemed partners, potential sponsors, and peers there, showcasing their project and gaining invaluable exposure.
TOWN HALL ON CHW LEGISLATION
On May 9th, our team at Project Vida held a Town Hall where they discussed the legislation in Texas and New Mexico on Community Health Workers.
Experts shared their perspectives on CHW reimbursement policies in Texas and New Mexico. The discussion also delved into the challenges and opportunities for improving the CHW workforce, as well as strategies to promote sustainability and professional development for CHWs.
This event was a significant step towards enhancing the support and recognition of Community Health Workers in our region. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to this important dialogue.