From Our Team

15 years of breathing clean indoor air

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Jana Renner

This year, the Paso del Norte Health Foundation joins a consortium of partners to celebrate a milestone that has improved our community’s health and quality of life – fifteen years of clean indoor air. Fifteen years ago, in 2002, El Paso became the first Texas city to adopt a Clean Indoor Air Ordinance. Since then, El Pasoans have enjoyed smoke-free restaurants and bars and employees have enjoyed smoke-free work environments. The adoption of the ordinance was revolutionary at the time yet smoke-free indoor spaces is now the norm. In fact, my teenagers do not remember a time they’ve…

El Paso Giving Day ignites the spirit of giving in our community

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Guest Author

Over 165 local nonprofit agencies are joining together on November 15 for El Paso Giving Day – a 24-hour social media campaign designed to raise awareness (and funds!) for worthwhile charitable causes in our community. And, we are upping the ante for this second annual event with a goal of raising $250,000 in a single day. It’s ambitious but, with your help, we know we can do it!

Nonprofits do incredibly important work in our community. As the fifth largest employer taken together, nonprofit organizations provide after-school child care, organize cancer support groups, feed and house…

Program in schools to help prevent teen dating violence

Posted on October 4, 2017

I was invited to a local middle school’s career day, where I was given the opportunity to explain my work developing a teen dating violence prevention curriculum.

To avoid complete boredom during my presentation, I immersed them in a curriculum activity.

(Life tip: Tell a middle school student they are the first to try your product, and they will enthusiastically agree to do it!)

The lesson consisted of identifying attitudes on “okay” and “not okay” behavior in a teen dating relationship. To my surprise, most of the students thought it was okay for their partner to engage in…

Take time to learn about the warning signs of mental illness

Posted on September 5, 2017 by Enrique Mata

My daughter and I recently watched the 2017 Video Music Awards (VMA). We were touched by the performance that Logic, Alessia Cara and El Paso’s Khalid gave from the song ‘1-800-273-8255,’ which raises awareness for suicide prevention.

Kesha, an American singer, songwriter and rapper, introduced the performance making her own statement of support saying, “Whatever you are going through, however dark it may seem, there is an undeniable truth and strength in the fact that you are not alone. We all have struggles, and as long as you never give up on yourself, light will break through the…

Diabetes: I have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, now what?

Posted on August 1, 2017 by Dr. Michael Kelly

Not long ago, a man who was newly diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes walked into the El Paso Diabetes Association (EPDA) along with his wife. He seemed depressed, atrophied, exhausted, and agitated. Goaded by his wife, he registered for the next available diabetes management class. When the class started a few days later, he sat with a blank stare and seemed disengaged from learning. At a break, the diabetes educator asked the man, “Why are you here?” His response was unenergetic and monotone, “I don’t know. I don’t have anyone to live for and I don’t know what to do.”
Sandra…

Parents influence youth decision to drink or not to drink

Posted on July 3, 2017 by Jana Renner

A friend and I were recently trading stories about parenting teenagers. The topic moved to underage drinking parties and how to talk to our teenage children about expectations around underage drinking without sounding preachy or overbearing. Parents of teenagers may be surprised to learn that research shows that parents’ opinions do matter. In fact, 80 percent of youth between the ages of 10 and 18 report that their parents, not their peers, influence their decision to drink or not to drink.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) has resources for…

Parents need to pay attention to their own well-being for a healthy summertime

Posted on June 16, 2017 by Guest Author

The end of the school year is such a happy time with graduations, field trips, kid performances and summertime fun. Wait…Summertime? Kids out of school? This is a time that can quickly lead to high stress for many families, moms in particular. When kids are off from school with little to do, very tense situations can develop for parents.

To keep a happy and healthy home environment, parents should not ignore their own well-being. Signs that you may not be coping well with stress can manifest in the form of regular headaches, feeling angry, irritable, anxious or moody. The National…

Think Summer

Posted on May 4, 2017 by Bianca De León

As another school year ends and with summer on the horizon, it is not too early to start thinking about what kids will be doing during the summer break. To avoid the summertime cry of “I’m bored”, consider enrolling youth in a summer program. Planned activities by reputable organizations have the benefits of providing a safe environment for learning and making friends while also diverting youth from potentially harmful activity.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), first time use of marijuana amongst youth is highest during the summer…

Health Foundation Seeks Public Input on the Playa Drain Trail

Posted on April 25, 2017 by Tracy J. Yellen

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation (Health Foundation) is partnering with the City of El Paso and El Paso Water to build a linear trail on the Playa Drain from Ascarate Park to Riverside High School. The Playa Drain Trail will offer opportunities for recreation and physical activity (walking/biking) for use by residents throughout the region and as an alternative to driving for near-by residents, and is part of the Health Foundation’s commitment to making active living the easy choice in our region. The Playa Drain Trail project is possible because of the creativity and…

Test Anxiety can be overwhelming for kids

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Enrique Mata

March is a time in the school year when kids see increased benchmark tests, tutoring and other activity in preparation for state tests. This can be a stressful time for children, youth, teachers and parents. Any child can suffer from text anxiety.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), test anxiety can lead to symptoms such as: headache, nausea, diarrhea, difficulty concentrating, negative thoughts, and feelings of anger, helplessness and disappointment. The causes of test anxiety include:

• Fear of failure - Pressure to perform can act as a…