From Our Team

Gathering at the family table helps improve health

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Enrique Mata

As Spring weather approaches I look forward to finding some time to grill outdoors with my family and take advantage of some beautiful El Paso evenings. With my two daughters busy with school work and out of school activities, we must work hard to set aside at least one evening a week to gather at the family table. Studies show that there are multitude of benefits that come from eating together as a family. My own two decades of parental experience also reinforce that the mental health and emotional well-being benefits are too great to ignore.

Disconnecting from technology and the…

REALIZE trainings build competency among current and potential nonprofit board members

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Michael Kelly

Each year, hundreds of men and women throughout the Paso del Norte region answer the call to serve on nonprofit boards. The organizations they lead provide services including support for people in need, education, arts, youth sports and animal welfare.

Whatever their mission, board members would benefit from training and tools to effectively fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities and make a positive impact on our community.

Last week, 45 board members, representing 25 nonprofit organizations, participated in the first of a series of workshops that will not only help them better…

El Paso leading the charge in national fight against obesity

Posted on January 18, 2019 by Jana Renner

Three hundred thousand El Pasoans struggle with obesity. The latest science shows that obesity is a complex disease that generally requires medical treatment. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention defines obesity as a Body Mass Index (BMI) at or above 30 for an adult. Unfortunately, only a handful of healthcare providers – nationwide – know how to treat this condition. El Paso has been no exception … until now.

In 2018, the Paso del Norte Institute for Healthy Living (IHL) at the University of Texas at El Paso, with funding from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, created two…

Generous Hearts, Caring Community - 2018 Year-End Giving

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Mica Short

One of my favorite quotes has always been words spoken by Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Whether it is time, talent, or treasure that is given, each of us can make the world a better place, and when we work together to make a difference, our impact and reach is even greater.

The Paso del Norte Foundation exists in part to help bring your philanthropic vision to reality. We embrace the roles of the public sector, private enterprise, religious institutions, and a generous spirit of philanthropy to promote the well-being and…

Kids should have a caring and trusted adult in their lives

Posted on November 19, 2018 by Bianca De León

Growing up, I have distinct memories of confiding in two trusted adults in my life who weren’t my parents. The first was my Aunt Gloria. I remember talking to her about a lot of things in my formative years — everything from going to college to my friends. She was also the relative closest to me when I was in college and my go-to person when I was homesick or overwhelmed. The other trusted adult in my life was Mrs. Glover. She was the mother of a high school friend. I confided in Mrs. Glover about stressful situations. She always seemed happy to lend a listening ear and share her wisdom. I…

Adults control the environments in which young people learn about alcohol

Posted on October 2, 2018 by Guest Author

Fall is the time for football, holidays, and activities that bring families and friends together. Unfortunately, it is also a time when underage drinking occurs.

If you have been to an EPISD high football game in the last few weeks, you probably heard an announcement regarding the importance and the consequences of hosting underage drinking parties. This announcement is intended to educate parents and teens about a new effort to tackle underage drinking.

A social host ordinance went into effect in El Paso in June 2017. This ordinance holds property owners, parents, and other adults…

Parents role in preventing bullying

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Enrique Mata

As the 2018-2019 school year begins, kids are starting off fresh with new opportunities to develop friendships and social networks. This is a special time when life-long connections can form. It can also be an emotionally challenging time. In addition to getting to know teachers and getting familiar with school assignments, parents must be vigilant to prevent childhood bullying.

According to the StopBullying.gov website, bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social….

Discover more about the region with innovative website

Posted on August 2, 2018 by Michael Kelly

With all that’s going-on in medical reform, talk of taxing certain foods and drinks, improving regional mass transit, and a changing economy, I have lots of questions like:

How many children in El Paso County have medical insurance? What is the obesity rate? Is lack of sleep a problem in El Paso? How does the region compare with number of primary care providers?

Fortunately for residents of the Paso del Norte region there is a simple, fast, and free way to get these answers and more by accessing www.healthypasodelnorte.org. This website is available to you, in English and Spanish. …

The importance of afterschool programs for children

Posted on July 2, 2018 by Guest Author

At a recent conference I attended, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams shared that afterschool programs provided him with a foundation that guided him throughout his successful life. Dr. Adams also shared that his brother, who unfortunately didn’t have the same afterschool opportunities, is in prison less than 50 miles away from Dr. Adam’s D.C. office.

Across our region and nation, there are various types of afterschool programs available to youth year-round. Dr. Adams story demonstrates some of the benefits of participating in afterschool programs, but there are many more…

Eating more fruits and vegetables is a health benefit

Posted on June 13, 2018 by Jana Renner

It’s summer, and that means a greater variety of fruit and vegetable options at the grocery store. Watermelon and cantaloupe are my children’s summer favorites. Even with summer options, it isn’t easy for us to get recommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 12 percent of Americans report eating the recommended amount of fruit (1.5 to 2 cups per day depending on your age and amount of physical activity). Even less, 9 percent, eat the recommended amount of vegetables (2 to 3 cups per day). However, 2/3 of Americans…