Latest News

The park would include activities for children of all abilities, including sensory tunnels and train rides

EL PASO, Texas — El Paso kids with special needs could soon have a better, safer, more fun place to play thanks to the Paso del Norte Foundation and Moms On Board. And you can help, too.

Moms On Board, a member of Paso del Norte Foundation’s Community of Philanthropy, was founded a little more than a year ago with one goal: To help parents who are looking for a way to make the El Paso community better, safer and more fun for families and kids.

Moms On Board is partnering with El Paso County to transform Ascarate Park. With the county contemplating renovations to the 400-acre park, Moms On Board is now raising funds to create an all-inclusive park on the north side of the park’s lake.

El Paso City Council is set to designate Moms on Board Month in celebration of the organization’s efforts.

“A mother in our organization has two boys on the autism spectrum,” co-founder Adrianne Riley Moody said. “She saw a video on Facebook about a kid in a wheelchair who couldn’t play with other kids. Kids with autism have the same challenges; they may be sensitive to noise, distractions or new environments. The video started a lot of discussion on our Facebook page about bringing kids of all abilities together. All signs led to us trying to create an All-Inclusive Park.”

The all-inclusive park would include activities for kids of all abilities, including sensory tunnels, a demonstration garden, train rides and more.

With the land secured, Moms On Board is now working with other organizations that advocate for children with special needs such as autism and Down syndrome, to raise the approximately $2.4 million needed to build the park.

“Moms On Board’s commitment to making the El Paso community even better and safer for families is right in line with the Paso del Norte Foundation’s mission,” said Paso del Norte Foundation CEO Tracy Yellen. “This all-inclusive park would be a welcome addition to Ascarate Park, not only for El Pasoans who have children with special needs, but also for visiting families who bring their children to El Paso for doctor visits.”

Learn more about how to donate by clicking here.

About the Paso del Norte Foundation
The Paso del Norte Foundation exists to support the philanthropic goals of individuals, corporations, foundations and non-profit organizations in our bi-national, tri-state region. The Foundation manages approximately $247 million in assets, has made $169 million in grants and is home to more than 80 donor-advised funds, designated funds, supporting organizations and initiatives. The Foundation’s Community of Philanthropy includes the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, Fundación Paso del Norte Para la Salud y Bienestar, El Paso Giving Day and dozens of other philanthropic efforts — large and small —undertaken by and in support of the people of our region. For more information, visit PDNFoundation.org.

SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico Department of Health’s Women Infants and Children (WIC) clinics around the state will celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. Held every year on August 1-7, the event recognizes breastfeeding as the foundation of lifelong good health for babies and mothers.

This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme is ‘Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life’ and focuses on informing people how breastfeeding goes hand-in-hand with good nutrition and food security, as well as encouraging more mothers to breastfeed for the health benefits with no additional burden on household income.

“Research shows that infants who are not exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life are more likely to develop a wide range of chronic and acute diseases, including ear infections, diarrheal diseases, asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, obesity and respiratory illnesses,” said Department of Health Secretary Lynn Gallagher. “Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding with a decreased risk for breast and ovarian cancers.”

New Mexico continues to make advancements in breastfeeding rates. The most recent Breastfeeding Report Card, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows New Mexico improving in all categories between 2014 and 2016: Breastfeeding at six months, breastfeeding at 12 months, exclusively breastfeeding at three months, and exclusively breastfeeding at six months. New Mexico is above the U.S. averages of moms’ breastfeeding at 12 months and exclusively at three months.

All major governmental and health organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for newborns up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods for up to one year of age or beyond. Families interested in information about the benefits of breastfeeding can contact one of the Department of Health WIC offices around the state.

Applicants who live in New Mexico, meet the program’s income guidelines and who are at nutritional risk qualify to receive lactation education and counseling, food packages, breast pumps, and more. WIC is a federally funded nutrition and education program that provides supplemental food to pregnant and breastfeeding or postpartum women, and infants and children up to five years of age. WIC serves 53 percent of all infants born in the United States.

To learn more about local events at WIC clinics, and local partners statewide visit www.nmwic.org or the New Mexico Breastfeeding Taskforce website at www.breastfeedingnewmexico.org/.

“Viajando Por México!”
Friday, Aug. 10 & Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, 6pm

*The Ballet Folklórico Totec de La Fe proudly invites the El Paso, Ciudad Juárez, and Las Cruces region’s families to its two performances of “Viajando Por México” ? a live music and arts celebration of Mexico’s vibrant dance traditions and culture. Performances are at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 10 and on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018 at the Chamizal National Memorial Theater at 800 S. San Marcial St., El Paso, TX 79901.

*The Ballet Folklórico Totec de La Fe is a vibrant youth dance troupe that teaches our community’s children and teens about their cultural roots, Mexico’s bold dance techniques, and the beauty of the arts. This arts group is based at Centro De Salud Familiar La Fe’s Culture and Technology Center.

* Tickets for “Viajando Por México” are $8 and are available at the La Fe Culture and Technology Center, located at 721 S. Ochoa (Rear Building), El Paso, TX 79901. Tickets can be purchased between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. All proceeds from this event benefit La Fe’s cultural arts, education, and community programming.

*This event is made possible thanks to support from the City of El Paso’s Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, the National Park Service, and donations from community members.

*For more information about this or other La Fe events, please contact (915) 545-7190 or visit Centro De Salud Familiar La Fe on Facebook.

Chamizal National Memorial Theater, 800 S. San Marcial, EPTX 79905

A Law Enforcement Torch Run fundraising event for Special Olympics Texas

Texas – On Thursday July 26, 2018, for the 11th annual Tip-A-Cop fundraiser, local officers from all across the state exchanged uniforms for aprons and served tables at Texas Roadhouse locations for tips in support of Special Olympics Texas. Along with athletes by their sides, they raised $175,183 across Texas. In the 11 years that the Law Enforcement Torch Run members have hosted this fundraiser, they have raised over a million dollars.

Memorial Campus proudly holds Texas Ten-Step program for commitment to encouraging breast
by encouraging breastfeeding for newborns and infants

EL PASO, Texas — As part of its commitment to improve the health of mothers, newborns and infants by actively encouraging breastfeeding, The Hospitals of Providence will kick-off its participating in World Breast Feeding Awareness week.

WHO: The Hospitals of Providence
WHAT: World Breastfeeding Awareness Week event
WHERE: Memorial Campus, 2001 North Oregon Street
WHEN: Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at 2pm
WHY: Photo, b-roll, interview opportunites

The event will include expert information on the benefits of breastfeeding as well as refreshments which include an important message about lactation.

The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus is a designated Texas Ten Step Program facility by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The program was developed by the Department of State Health Services in collaboration with the Texas Hospital Association and provides resources and framework for policy development, education of staff and discharge measures for breastfeeding mothers.

Set every August for the first seven days of the month, World Breastfeeding Week aims to highlight the huge benefits that breastfeeding can bring to both the health and welfare of babies, as well as a wider push for maternal health, focusing on good nutrition, poverty reduction and food security. The worldwide observance is organized every year by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), a global network that aims to protect, promote and support breastfeeding around the world.

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, and the Horizon City Campus; Diagnostic Imaging Centers to include a dedicated pediatric location; the Trawood and Northeast Emergency Room locations Paso del Norte and El Paso Day Surgery Centers and the El Paso Center for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy; Teen Health Resource Centers; The Center for Wound Healing; Vein Center: Inpatient Rehabilitation Program; Outpatient Therapy Centers; MedPost and MedPost Kids Urgent Care Centers; and ‘A New Me’ Surgical Weight Loss Program. The Hospitals of Providence is dedicated to continuing the over 100-year commitment to the El Paso community. For more information please visitTheHospitalsOfProvidence.com.

The El Paso Community College (EPCC) Rio Grande School Store provides local, economically disadvantaged elementary school children with the necessary school supplies to succeed in school while fostering an interest in higher education.

What: EPCC Rio Grande School Store
When: Saturday, July 28, 9:00 a.m.-noon
Where: EPCC Rio Grande Building B Cafeteria and Little Temple
916 El Paso St.
Visuals: Children receiving school supplies and learning about higher education

At the annual School Store event held at the Rio Grande Campus, students are introduced to a variety of possible careers for future study. Students learn about EPCC programs, career opportunities, and the different departments in an academic environment. They earn Tejano Bucks (play money) for learning about various careers by visiting several educational booths. Students are then encouraged to visit the school store and ‘shop’ for school supplies using their earned money.

EL PASO, Texas – With record-breaking heat this summer, it can be difficult to “beat the heat” when planning your transportation for the week. Sun Metro would like to remind El Paso residents who are struggling to stay cool to step on board a bus and take a cool trip to their destination.

Older adults are sensitive to extreme temperatures and are particularly prone to heat-related illnesses. Seniors can ride Sun Metro air-conditioned buses as a safeguard to their destination.

Seniors can ride any regular (fixed-route) bus for just 30 cents per trip with a valid Sun Metro ID card. Sun Metro IDs are free and can be obtained at our Downtown Transit Center (601 Santa Fe), East Side Transit Center (1165 Sunmount), or the Transit Operation Center (10151 Montana).

Active seniors looking to travel daily can save money by purchasing a weekly pass for $2.50 or a monthly pass for $10. The passes are good for an unlimited number of bus trips for the life of the pass and can be used on any regular routes, except County Route 83. Reduced fares are also available for people with disabilities, students and military.

Weekly passes can be purchased at any senior center, regular bus, and at a Sun Metro ticket vending machine located at the Downtown Transit Center (601 Santa Fe), Westside Transit Center (7535 Remcon), Mission Valley Transit Center (9065 Alameda), and Glory Road Transit Center (100 E. Glory Road).

Monthly passes can be purchased at a Sun Metro ticket vending machine, or at a Sun Metro ticket office located at the Eastside Transit Center (1165 Sunmount), Downtown Transit Center (601 Santa Fe), Five Points Transit Center (2830 Montana), and our new Transit Center at Northgate (9348 Dyer).

Plan your trip planning out your commute in advance will help you save time and reduce the time out in the heat while waiting for your ride. Travel off-peak when possible by taking morning or evening commutes outside of the highest temperature times of the day to avoid midday sun exposure (and beat the traffic at the same time.)

For more information about Sun Metro, visit sunmetro.net or call (915) 212-3333. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/sunmetro or follow us on Twitter @SunMetro.

El Paso, Texas (July 20, 2018) – Workforce Solutions Borderplex, the leader in innovative workforce services in the borderland region, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Mary Jo Ochoa-Hernandez and Dr. Jose Manuel de la Rosa to the Board of Directors.

Mary Jo Ochoa-Hernandez has been in Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) since 2006 and currently works with the Far West Adult Education Consortium to provide AEL services in the Borderplex region.  As the Career Pathway and Transitions Coordinator for Socorro ISD, Ms. Ochoa-Hernandez focuses on providing local career and educational opportunities aligned to the vision of the Texas Workforce Commission.  She currently serves on the Adult Education and Literacy Advisory Committee whose charge is to advise the Texas Workforce Commission on matters related to the administration of the AEL programs in Texas.  Prior to 2006, she worked in the state workforce development system in the Borderplex, Lower Rio Grande, and South Texas Workforce Development Areas.  Ms. Ochoa-Hernandez’ years of experience in Workforce Development and Adult Education have occurred during transitional periods for these systems: Job Training Partnership Act to Workforce Investment Act; AEL oversight from Texas Education Agency to Texas Workforce Commission; and most recently Workforce Investment Act to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.  She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management from the University of Texas at El Paso.

As the newly appointed Vice President for Outreach and Community Engagement, Dr. Jose Manuel de la Rosa serves as the liaison between the university and community healthcare providers, fostering relationships that will advance education at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center of El Paso. He also works closely with Federally Qualified Health Centers, the Border Health Commission, El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, school districts, and medical societies to strengthen community relations and partnerships. In 1997, soon after his appointment as Regional Dean for the School of Medicine at TTUHSC-EI Paso, Dr. de la Rosa set a goal of bringing a fully-fledged four-year medical school to the El Paso community. He was appointed as the Founding Dean for the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in November 2007. In May of 2013, the first class graduated from the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine. Dr. de la Rosa was also appointed as Vice President for Health Affairs in May of20II. This milestone brought the full resources of both a medical school and Health Sciences Center to the community.  Prior to his services as the Founding Dean for the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, as a professor of pediatrics, Dr. de la Rosa’s involvement with the community led to the establishment of the Kellogg Community Partnership Clinics, which were four school-based clinics that provided services to colonia residents in El Paso’s Lower Valley. In an effort to focus the nation’s attention on health issues on the border, he served many times as a spokesman in various media outlets that included national public radio broadcasts, Life Magazine, and the Dallas Morning News. Appointed by former President George Bush in 2003, Dr. de Ia Rosa continues to serve as a member of the United States/Mexico Border Health Commission where he advocates in addressing health issues on the border. He represents the American Academy of Pediatrics in its partnership with the CDC in addressing Zika awareness on the U.S. Mexico Border. Dr. de la Rosa remains active as a member of the American Association of Medical Colleges. the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics. and various other national organizations. At the local level, he serves as a member of the Executive Committee and Board of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso.

ABOUT WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS BORDERPLEX

Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) is a non-profit organization that aligns and creates opportunities for skilled workers and employers by advancing education, employment, entrepreneurship and economic development prospects in support of global competitiveness and regional prosperity. The organization’s service region encompasses Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis and Presidio counties. For more information about Workforce Solutions Borderplex, please contact Romie Ruiz at (915) 887-2221 or visit www.borderplexjobs.com.

Parents encouraged to vaccinate their children early

before classes resume

SANTA FE, NM –The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is hosting Back-to-School Immunization Clinics at its public health offices statewide to assist parents in getting their children immunized before the start of the 2018-2019 school year. NMDOH will provide recommended vaccines at no cost to children up to age 18. Parents should bring a copy of their child’s shot record and their insurance card, including Medicaid with them.

The special clinics are part of the Got Shots? immunization campaign. The New Mexico Department of Health, the New Mexico Immunization Coalition, the New Mexico Primary Care Association, and healthcare providers from across the state are partnering again to host immunization clinics, for children, from July 29 through August 12. 

“As we approach the start of a new school year, parents need to prioritize getting their children up-to-date on their immunizations,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Lynn Gallagher. “Our clinics make it easier for our kids to get immunized against dangerous and preventable diseases, and return to the classroom healthy, strong and ready to learn.”

Listings of clinic locations participating in the Got Shots? campaign can be found on our homepage, https://nmhealth.org/. Just scroll down to the Featured Events section. Parents can also visit https://immunizenm.org.

For questions about the back-to-school immunization clinics in your area or to schedule an appointment, please contact your local NMDOH public health office. You’ll find their location and contact information at https://nmhealth.org/location/public/.

SANTA FE, NM –The New Mexico Department of Health’s Las Cruces Public Health Office will be hosting a back-to-school immunization clinics August 9 -10 and again on August 13-15 at their public health office, 1170 N. Solano Dr, from 9 am to 3 pm each day. The immunization clinic is open to the public and immunizations will be administered at no cost. Parents should bring a copy of their child’s shot record and their insurance card, including Medicaid with them.

Parents wishing to avoid long lines can still arrange by appointment only to have their children vaccinated at the Las Cruces office Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the month of July from 1 to 4 p.m.

The special clinics are part of the Got Shots? immunization campaign. The New Mexico Department of Health, the New Mexico Immunization Coalition, the New Mexico Primary Care Association, and healthcare providers from across the state are partnering again to host immunization clinics from July 29 through August 12 for children 18 years old and younger.

Parents should be aware that their children need to be up-to-date on their immunizations to enroll in school each year. Got Shots? provides a great opportunity to get your child up to date!

For questions about the back-to-school immunization clinic or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Las Cruces Public Health Office at 575-528-5001. For a listing of other clinic locations participating in the Got Shots? campaign visit www.immunizenm.org. 

El Paso, Texas July 6, 2018 –

Shalet Mitei, EPCC Cross Country and Half Marathon, has been named First Team All American by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The Academic All American list includes a total of four EPCC athletes.
Since 1993, the NJCAA has recognized the team and individual student athletes with the highest grade-point averages. The student must have 24 credit hours or more with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.60 or higher.
“EPCC is an academic institution first and foremost,” said Felix Hinojosa, EPCC Athletic Director. “Being awarded academic honors validates what we do as a college.”
Individual Academic Student-Athletic Awardees:
Shalet Mitei First Team (4.00) 4.00 Cross Country and Half Marathon
Amy Vidal Second Team (3.80-3.99) 3.87 Cross Country
Michael Flores Third Team (3.60-3.79) 3.78 Cross Country and Half Marathon
Carlos Quintana Third Team (3.60-3.79) 3.70 Baseball
Nominations are submitted by each athlete’s respective institution. See more at: http://www.njcaa.org/awards/student-athlete-awards.
EPCC provides academic programs and student services that are paths to completion and gainful employment. Students are engaged inside and outside of the classroom.

State asks New Mexicans for help protecting vulnerable adults

SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) recognizes Friday, June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to raise awareness about adult abuse and how to report suspected cases. ALTSD encourages New Mexicans to report suspected cases of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation to the Department’s Adult Protective Services (APS).

The APS Division remains on call for emergent reports 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of persons age 18 or older who do not have the capacity to help themselves.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility to report suspected cases of adult abuse, neglect or exploitation to ensure that those who need our help the most are able to live safely and with dignity.,” said ALTSD Acting Cabinet Secretary Kyky Knowles. “We are committed to protecting the safety of adults who are not able to protect themselves.”

State law requires anyone who suspects abuse, neglect, exploitation or any other mistreatment of an incapacitated adult to report it immediately. If you suspect an adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, call Adult Protective Services – who can investigate the situation. Call APS Intake toll-free at 1-866-654-3219 or 1-505-476-4912. If you believe that an older person is in a life-threatening situation, contact 911 or the local law enforcement.

Common signs of abuse:
Unexplained signs of injuries, i.e., bruises, welts and sprains.
The caregiver’s refusal to allow you to see the elder alone.

Common signs of neglect:
Weight loss, dehydration, untreated physical and medical needs.
Unsanitary or unsafe living conditions.

Common signs of exploitation:
Unexplained changes in the elder’s financial condition.
Missing items/cash from elder’s home.
Sudden changes in wills or power of attorney.
Scammer phone calls and phony charities.

From July 2016 to June 2017, Adult Protective Services investigated more than 6,200 cases across New Mexico. Of the substantiated allegations, 67% percent were self-neglect. If a case is substantiated, Adult Protective Services may be able to help provide important interventions.

To learn more about elder abuse, and how to report suspected cases, visit the ALTSD Adult Protective Services online at: http://www.nmaging.state.nm.us/Adult_ProtectiveServices.aspx or the National Center on Elder Abuse website at https://ncea.acl.gov/.