Center for Students with Disabilities Holds Autism Walk

El Paso, Texas, April 16, 2025 – El Paso Community College (EPCC) Center for Students with Disabilities Project Higher held the third annual Walk for Autism Awareness on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Valle Verde campus. Many participants wore blue in honor of Autism Awareness Month, and the event was free and open to all students and the general community.

Participants walked from Building C at the Valle Verde campus to the AST Building. Most made signs and received Autism Awareness Month pins as a thank you for attending.

“I have friends who are autistic, so I enjoy walking every year to support them,” EPCC student Yvette Gonzalez said. “So, it’s very important to walk for everyone, friends and family, with autism.”

“I also have friends here and it’s fun because we get to create posters to show our support for everyone,” EPCC student Sabrina Guerrero said.

Project HIGHER is an innovative program that assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ages 18-25) in El Paso County to complete a level-one certificate at EPCC and find employment in their area of study.

“It’s really important to support because we want the community to know that we can provide services to everyone that wants to come to college, they get an equal opportunity as everyone else,” Center for Students with Disabilities Director Maria Lopez said. “We’re very happy to do this walk again.”

Project HIGHER is a unique supported educational model based upon supported employment models which includes collaboration between EPCC, CSD, Master of Rehabilitation Counseling Program at the University of Texas at El Paso, TWC’s Texas Workforce Solutions – Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS), Volar Center for Independent Living, Education Service Center-Region 19 and other community partners to help participants succeed in post-secondary education and ultimately, achieve employment. Project HIGHER partners collaborated on this innovative project given the challenges traditionally faced by students with disabilities wanting to attend EPCC and gain employment in El Paso County.

For more information on the EPCC Center for Students with Disabilities, please visit: https://www.epcc.edu/Services/csd
Photos courtesy: EPCC

Participants take part in the 3rd annual Walk for Autism Wednesday at Valle Verde campus

Participants in the 3rd annual Walk for Autism arrive at the AST building Wednesday

EPCC students Sabrina Guerrero, left, and Yvette Gonzalez took part in the 3rd annual Walk for Autism Wednesday

Tejano Jack helps lead the 3rd annual Walk for Autism around Valle Verde campus Wednesday for Autism Awareness Month

Take steps to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections

SANTA FE – New Mexicans can take preventative steps to protect themselves from sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).

April 13-19 marks STI Awareness Week and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is raising awareness about STI prevention, treatment and testing.

STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that occur through sexual contact and exchange of bodily fluids. Some STIs are asymptomatic but can still be passed to other persons through sex.

STIs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms so it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why getting an STI test is important if you are having sex. If you receive a positive STI diagnosis, know that all are treatable with medicine and some are entirely curable.

“In New Mexico, we are particularly concerned about congenital syphilis,” said Janine Waters, STD Program Manager for NMDOH. “In 2023 there was a 20% increase in congenital syphilis cases and 16 fetal deaths were reported.”

Congenital syphilis occurs when a mother transmits syphilis to her baby during pregnancy or at delivery. This can lead to severe health issues for the baby, including stillbirth or serious infections.

There are resources available for people who want to prevent or treat STI’s:

• NMHIVGuide.org helps New Mexicans find testing services and treatment options, through location-specific guides and searches.
• Take Me Home, is a partnership organization that enables free, discreet, and in-home sexual health tests, as well as basic support sources following a possible positive result.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides an online, location-based, testing search via GetTested.

If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting STDs and HIV:

• Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B and HPV, if appropriate.
• Use a new condom, consistently and correctly, for every act of vaginal, anal, and oral sex throughout the entire sex act (from start to finish).
• Reduce the number of people with whom you have sex.
• Consider a harm reduction approach of less drug and alcohol use before and during sex.
• Have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider and ask whether you should be tested for STIs and HIV.

Prioritize the health of yourself and your loved ones and start the conversation. More information on STI’s and STD’s can be found through the CDC and onnmhealth.org.

Swing Into National Wetzel Day with Free Pretzels and a Lineup of App-Exclusive Deals

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month

SANTA FE – Alcohol Awareness Month is an ideal time to educate ourselves and others about alcohol-related risks, such as cancer, chronic liver disease, and death as well as to acknowledge those who are in recovery.

New Mexico has historically had the highest rate of alcohol-related death in the nation. When comparing the most recently available national data from 2021, the state’s rate of alcohol-related death was more than two times higher than the alcohol-related death rate in the United States. Still, some progress is being made. In 2023, there were 1,896 alcohol-related deaths down from 2,067 deaths in 2022 – 16.7% lower than the record number of 2,274 deaths in 2021.

“Alcohol affects your body and mind. This Alcohol Awareness Month, take the time to make informed decisions: drink in moderation or choose not to drink. Your health and well-being come first,” says Rebecca Neudecker, the section manager for the Office of Alcohol Misuse Prevention.

April 10 is National Alcohol Screening Day, dedicated to promoting awareness and raising support through free and anonymous screens, either in person or online, to assess drinking habits.

Tips for responsible drinking:

• Avoid drinking on an empty stomach: Eating before or while drinking helps slow alcohol absorption.
• Stay hydrated: Alternate between alcohol and water to prevent dehydration and hangovers.
• Know your limits: Listen to your body and don’t feel pressured to drink more than you’re comfortable with.
• Avoid binge drinking: Consuming large amounts of alcohol in one sitting increases health and safety risks (for men, this is five or more drinks per occasion and for women, this is four or more drinks per occasion).
• Hold alcohol-free gatherings or offer non-alcohol drinks.

If you or someone you care about has questions about alcohol use, please speak to your primary care provider and explore these resources:

• Try this free adult screening tool to learn about how alcohol affects your health.
• There is also a free youth screening tool available now.
• Get linked to resources, including the free Connections App, if you’re trying to cut down or quit drinking.
• You can get support by calling the American Addiction Centers’ confidential alcohol hotline at (313)-209-9574 or 988 for crisis support.
• If you need help finding a provider, please call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).

NMHealth works to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and deliver services to all New Mexicans. As New Mexico’s largest state agency, DOH offers public health services in all 33 counties and collaborates with 24 Native American Tribes, Pueblos and Nations.

A pine seed that flew around the moon and back has set its roots at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum (NMFRHM).  This Moon Tree will be unveiled to the public on April 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the under-construction in the outdoor classroom (formerly known as the Discovery Garden) at NMFRHM.

In September 2023, NMFRHM Instructional Coordinator Paul Steward applied to receive one of the seeds that traveled on the Artemis I space mission and the seedling arrived at the end of April last year.

“Growing plants in off world environments is a growing field of study and this tree is a glimpse into that world,” Steward said. “By growing a seed that flew on the Artemis I Mission around the moon, visitors get to see firsthand a plant that was impacted by space… We look forward to tapping into this curiosity in upcoming events and school tours.”

Moon trees’ history began with astronaut Stuart Roosa, a former Forest Service smokejumper, who brought seeds to space on the Apollo 14 in 1971. Curator Brittany Porter researched that when the seeds arrived back on Earth, they were germinated, planted, and became the first generation of Moon Trees. This first generation of trees was disseminated to national monuments and dignitaries around the world celebrate the nation’s bicentennial.

In a nod to the legacy of Apollo 14, a “new generation” of Moon Tree seeds traveled into lunar orbit aboard the Orion spacecraft as of part of NASA’s Artemis Program. The seeds spent about 4 weeks in space (Nov. 16 – Dec. 11, 2022) before returning to Earth. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Services to fly five species of seeds aboard Artemis I.

About the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum:  The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. The 47-acre interactive museum brings to life the 4,000-year history of growing food and fiber in this region. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, it features livestock, indoor and outdoor exhibits, barns, greenhouse, gift shop, and demonstrations. 4100 Dripping Springs Road in Las Cruces, N.M. 88011, (575) 522-4100.  Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Museum is supported by the Friends of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. http://www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org

EL PASO, Texas — The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus, in collaboration with the El Paso High School Fine Arts Program, unveiled a new art installation “Wall of Hope” on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Joined by El Paso High School faculty, students and their families, along with El Paso Independent School District (El Paso ISD) Superintendent Diana Sayavedra, and healthcare workers, an official ribbon cutting was held to officially dedicate this new art installation.

The “Wall of Hope” art installation was unveiled on the Medical/Oncology Unit at The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus, bringing together creativity, hope and healing. Inspired by El Paso themes of resilience, tranquility and well-being, the installation reflects the power of art to comfort, uplift and inspire all who pass through this unit.

“We are incredibly grateful to the students, teachers and faculty, who partnered with our team to make this incredible project possible,” said Rob Anderson, Chief Executive Officer for The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus. “We applaud and thank these students for their exceptional talents and work – what makes this installation special is that each of the 26 pieces is unique to El Paso as seen through the eyes of the students. We know this artwork will bring so much comfort to our oncology patients and families.”

This project is one of many, the healthcare network collaborates with El Paso ISD on to enhance community partnership. Additionally, The Hospitals of Providence is in partnership with El Paso ISD through its Project Search Program – an initiative aimed to give students with disabilities the opportunity to gain real-life skills to gain active employment upon graduation.

“Everyone at El Paso ISD is grateful to be able to support the incredible work being done at The Hospitals of Providence Oncology Department,” said Superintendent Sayavedra. “We’re so proud of our students for sharing their talent and endeavor to contribute positively to their community. Our partnership with The Hospitals of Providence reflects the District’s commitment to undertake positive actions for El Pasoans.”

About The Hospitals of Providence
The Hospitals of Providence covers the El Paso Region to include West Texas and Southern New Mexico. The system includes acute-care hospital locations: Memorial Campus, Providence Children’s Hospital, Sierra Campus, East Campus, Transmountain Campus, Specialty Campus, Horizon City Campus and the Northeast Campus; Diagnostic Imaging Centers; the Emergency Room Montwood and Emergency Room Edgemere; Paso del Norte and El Paso Day Surgery Centers and the El Paso Center for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy; The Center for Wound Healing: Inpatient Rehabilitation Program; Outpatient Therapy Centers; Weight Loss Center East and West. The Hospitals of Providence is dedicated to continuing the over 100-year commitment to the El Paso community. For more information, please visit TheHospitalsOfProvidence.com.

TxDOT campaign reinforces state laws to combat rising trend in pedestrian and cyclist deaths

AUSTIN – On his 10th birthday in 2020, Victor Peterzen received a brand-new bicycle. Just three months later, his life was tragically cut short in a crash while riding his bike through his northwest Houston neighborhood.

 
Sadly, similar tragedies continue to plague our state. In 2023, 914 bicyclists and pedestrians died in traffic crashes in Texas. It’s part of a rising trend in recent years as pedestrian deaths went up 22% and bicyclist fatalities increased 58% from 2019–2023.

 
Nearly five years after his death, Peterzen’s family is working with TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign this spring to remind Texans to follow traffic laws and share the road safely with people walking and biking.

 
“Pedestrians and cyclists are among our most at-risk road users, and too many of them are killed or injured in our communities each year,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “If everyone looks out for each other and follows the rules of the road, we can help prevent these terrible crashes.”

 
TxDOT’s campaign aims to raise awareness among all Texans—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike—of the shared responsibility to help everyone get where they’re going safely. To support this goal, the “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign is sending teams of “walking billboards” around the state to share vital safety messages in crash-prone areas.

Know the rules. Save a life.

If you’re driving:

• Stop and yield for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks.
• Give bikes space and pass at a safe distance.
• Yield when turning and always check for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Follow the speed limit and adjust for conditions.

If you’re walking:

• Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
• Stick to sidewalks, but if none exist, walk facing traffic on the left side unless it is obstructed or unsafe.

If you’re biking:

• Follow traffic laws and stop at red lights and stop signs.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb.
• Use hand signals for turns or stops.
• Equip your bike with lights at night, using a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.

“Be Safe. Drive Smart” is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie, and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.

The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of November 12, 2024. To view additional traffic safety data, visit TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Data Portal online.

Victor Peterzen

Victor Peterzen with his mother Luisa

In honor of César Chávez Day, El Paso Community College (EPCC) will observe an Institutional Holiday on Monday, March 31, 2025. No classes or services will be available. Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Registration is always available through the Self Service Web Banner system. More Information: https://www.epcc.edu/

El Paso, Texas, March 26, 2025 – El Paso Community College (EPCC) Criminal Justice Department hosted the third annual Criminal Justice Career Expo, not just for EPCC students, but for the entire community, at the Valle Verde campus Flexitorium.

The career exposition featured over 20 offices and departments in the Criminal Justice field, like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), El Paso County and the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Offices, the El Paso Fire Department, the United States Secret Service, The United States Federal Probation Office, among many others. Also featured were criminal justice departments from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), New Mexico State University (NMSU), and Park University. The Expo also featured many EPCC departments, like Fire Technology, Lambda Alpha Epsilon, the EPCC Criminal Justice Club, and the Law Enforcement Training Academy.

“Whether students are preparing to graduate and move directly into the workforce or continuing their education at a university, the expo allows students a great opportunity to visit with federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies as well as universities within our region,” EPCC Criminal Justice Professor Jeffrey Brockhoff said.

Many on hand learned about job opportunities in the Federal, State, and Local criminal justice fields, and educational opportunities in various criminal justice administrations.

“It’s a very good event, it’s good for students to learn in advance what is ahead of them, to start preparing themselves for the future, and find a career,” El Paso Police Department Officer Recruiter Carlos Arellano said. “EPCC students from the Law Enforcement Training Academy have done a great job joining our ranks, so we’re happy to be here.”

The expo was coordinated by the EPCC Criminal Justice department, and assisted by Career and Transfer Services, a group who loves to put their best foot forward when showcasing EPCC. “We love bringing events that encourage our students to further their careers, and this is a great way for the College to work with many different agencies and companies,” Career and Transfer Services Specialist Gabriel Hernandez said.

EPCC plans to hold another Criminal Justice Career Expo on April 11, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – Noon at the Paseo del Norte Hotel in downtown El Paso, featuring Law Enforcement agencies, Court Reporters, Legal Interpreters, Probation Officers, Bailiffs, and more.

For more information on the Criminal Justice Department, please visit:
https://www.epcc.edu/Academics/CriminalJustice

Photos courtesy: EPCC

EPCC student Dominik Edward, right, gets information about careers at the El Paso Police Department from officer Carlos Arellano during a Criminal Justice Expo Wednesday at the Valle Verde campus Flexitorium

James Arbogast, left, of the EPCC Law Enforcement Training Academy gives information to EPCC student Nancy Vasquez Wednesday

A variety of local, regional, state and federal Law Enforcement agencies were on site to provide information on career opportunities during a Criminal Justice Expo at the Valle Verde campus Flexitorium

EPCC criminal justice student Alek Duran stops at the U.S. Secret Service table at the Criminal Justice Expo Wednesday at the Valle Verde campus Flexitorium.

El Paso, Texas, March 24, 2025 – On the heels of a successful Criminal Justice Symposium featuring El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte, among other high-profile leaders in the Criminal Justice system, El Paso Community College (EPCC) will host a Criminal Justice Career Expo at the EPCC Valle Verde campus on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

The Career Expo will feature job opportunities from Federal, State, and Local Criminal Justice Agencies, Educational Opportunities in various criminal justice fields, and Lambda Alpha Epsilon, the EPCC Criminal Justice Club. 25 vendors will be on hand, from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office to the Otero Country Prison Facility to US Customs and Border Protection.

TxDOT campaign reinforces state laws to combat rising trend in pedestrian and cyclist deaths

AUSTIN – On his 10th birthday in 2020, Victor Peterzen received a brand-new bicycle. Just three months later, his life was tragically cut short in a crash while riding his bike through his northwest Houston neighborhood.

Sadly, similar tragedies continue to plague our state. In 2023, 914 bicyclists and pedestrians died in traffic crashes in Texas. It’s part of a rising trend in recent years as pedestrian deaths went up 22% and bicyclist fatalities increased 58% from 2019–2023.

Nearly five years after his death, Peterzen’s family is working with TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign this spring to remind Texans to follow traffic laws and share the road safely with people walking and biking.

“Pedestrians and cyclists are among our most at-risk road users, and too many of them are killed or injured in our communities each year,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “If everyone looks out for each other and follows the rules of the road, we can help prevent these terrible crashes.”

TxDOT’s campaign aims to raise awareness among all Texans—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike—of the shared responsibility to help everyone get where they’re going safely. To support this goal, the “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign is sending teams of “walking billboards” around the state to share vital safety messages in crash-prone areas.

Know the rules. Save a life.

If you’re driving:

• Stop and yield for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks.
• Give bikes space and pass at a safe distance.
• Yield when turning and always check for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Follow the speed limit and adjust for conditions.

If you’re walking:

• Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.

• Stick to sidewalks, but if none exist, walk facing traffic on the left side unless it is obstructed or unsafe.

If you’re biking:

• Follow traffic laws and stop at red lights and stop signs.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb.
• Use hand signals for turns or stops.
• Equip your bike with lights at night, using a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.

“Be Safe. Drive Smart” is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie, and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.

The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of November 12, 2024. To view additionaltraffic safety data, visit TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Data Portal online.

BEDFORD, Texas (March 17, 2025) – Celebrate the first day of spring in the sweetest way possible with Free Cone Day at participating DQ restaurants in Texas on Thursday, March 20. DQ fans can enjoy a free small vanilla cone – limit one per person while supplies last. Not valid on delivery or mobile orders.

Add DQ to the first-day-of-spring plans and enjoy the classic sweet vanilla cone that is a fan favorite in the Lone Star state. Embrace the season – smell the flowers, dig out the spring wardrobe, and let those winter blues melt away with the classic DQ treat.

“Texans love spring and what better way to celebrate than with a free DQ vanilla cone,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of Texas Dairy Queen Operators Council. “We are extending a friendly Texas thank you to all of our DQ fans across the state for making Dairy Queen a part of their life.”

During March, DQ lovers can also indulge in the Mint Oreo® Blizzard® Treat. Savor delicious cookie pieces blended with creamy soft serve and finished with a cool mint topping, ensuring a flavorful punch with each bite.

While enjoying Free Cone Day, fans can also satisfy their cravings with a Hungr-Buster®, Steak Finger Country Basket®, Chicken Strip Country Basket® or the Texas T-Brand Tacos®.

For 78 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories.

To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council
There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, THE CAROLINA REAPER TACO BRINGS THE HEAT FOR A LIMITED TIME AT DQ RESTAURANTS IN TEXAS

EL PASO, Texas (March 11, 2025) – Texans, get ready to feel the heat. Back by popular demand, the Carolina Reaper Taco® returns to DQ® restaurants in Texas from March 17 to April 27 – bringing the fire for a limited time. The Carolina Reaper Taco is so hot, it can only be found in Texas, while supplies last at participating DQ restaurants in Texas.

Each taco starts with a crispy corn shell filled with Carolina Reaper-infused Monterey Jack cheese, seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes. The zesty tacos are topped off with a cool cilantro lime crema sauce to complete the legendary flavor of the Carolina Reaper Taco.

The bold flavors on a Texas classic delivers a one-two punch of fiery heat and mouthwatering flavor. With the intense heat of the Texas sun combined with the searing electric energy of a lightning storm over the Great Plains, the Carolina Reaper Taco® delivers a powerful punch.

Dare to take on the heat? Try the Carolina Reaper Taco before it disappears – and then cool things down with your favorite Blizzard® Treat, classic shake, or the iconic Dilly® Bar.

Fans can always enjoy the classic Texas T-Brand Tacos® throughout the year – beloved for their perfect balance of seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and shredded cheese, all wrapped in a crunchy corn shell. A go-to favorite for Texans, these legendary tacos have been satisfying cravings for generations.

For more than 75 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council 

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries.