News
Putting MacKenzie Scott’s $15 Million Gift to Work for the Health of our Region
December 10, 2024
When MacKenzie Scott gifted the Paso del Norte Health Foundation $15 million in November 2022, it wasn’t just a donation—it was an investment in the health of the people of El Paso, southern New Mexico, and Cd. Juárez and a vote of confidence in the Health Foundation’s ability to deploy resources to improve health and well-being in our region.
Founded in 1995, the Paso del Norte Health Foundation leads, leverages, and invests in initiatives, programs, and policies that promote health and prevent disease in three priority areas: healthy living, disease prevention and management, and…
Can you spot a vape?
December 9, 2024
Big Tobacco is targeting our kids by disguising vapes as everyday items. Currently, 1.63 million students in the U.S. are using e-cigarettes/vapes.
Utilize our discussion guide at vapefreepdn.org to talk to your kid about staying vape-free, or text “DITCHVAPE” to 88709 for tips, support, and motivation to kick the habit.
A Smoke-Free Paso del Norte is an initiative of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, www.pdnhf.org.
Recognition of Board Leadership and Volunteers
December 9, 2024
The Paso del Norte Health Foundation (PdNHF), along with our sister foundations—the Paso del Norte Community Foundation (PdNCF) and Fundación Paso del Norte—hosted a Volunteer Reception to honor the exceptional individuals who serve on our boards and committees. Their time, expertise, and dedication to our shared mission are invaluable. We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Annette Cordova-Hoy, PdNHF Board Chair, and Rick L. Francis, PdNCF Board Chair, for their outstanding leadership and service this year.
A heartfelt thanks also goes to PdNHF Board Members Sereka Barlow,…
Improving mental health services in our region
December 9, 2024
Congratulations to the City of Alamogordo’s Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) for successfully completing its final Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training forum. Since 2018, the program has trained over 440 first responders from 39 agencies, equipping them to address mental health crisis effectively.
With funding from the Health Foundation’s ThinkChange Initiative, the MCRT has expanded to a five-person team, including clinicians, to address Otero County’s mental health needs. Recent achievements included hosting their first autism awareness event, creating opportunities for…
Diabetes Call for Letters
December 4, 2024
The Paso del Norte Health Foundation (Health Foundation) seeks Letters of Intent (LOIs) from eligible organizations to provide or support diabetes prevention, early detection, and management programs. Programs may be related to pre-diabetes, type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. Population, systems, and individual-level strategies will be considered. The following categories are of particular interest.
- Diabetes Education and Awareness
- Development of Curriculum for cooking classes for individuals living with diabetes
- Capacity and Systems Improvements
- Public…
Paso del Norte Trail: Funding and Progress Update
November 19, 2024
El Paso County recently received $10.1 million from the Transportation Alternatives program, administered by the Texas Department of Transportation, to support a 2-mile trail segment of the Paso del Norte Trail in the Mission Valley, which will complete 7.3-miles of the Paso del Norte Trail from Fabens to Tornillo.
Phases 1 and 2 of this trail project, one in Fabens and one in Tornillo are currently being designed. Construction is scheduled to be completed by December 2026, and the segment connecting the two trails is expected to be completed by December 2027.
The [Paso del Norte…
Smoke-Free Summit Drives Tobacco-Free Initiatives in Our Community
November 19, 2024
The Paso del Norte Tobacco Control Network (TCN) recently hosted its Smoke-Free Summit, gathering over 100 dedicated professionals from various organizations committed to building a tobacco-free community. This event provided attendees with the latest insights, trends, and strategies for combating commercial tobacco use.
From 2023 to 2024, current (previous 30-day) use of any tobacco product declined among high school students from 12.6% to 10.1%, largely driven by the declines in high school e-cigarette use (from 10% to 7.8%). During 2024, e-cigarettes remained the most commonly used…
Diabetes, Now What? media campaign receives national recognition
November 19, 2024
The Diabetes “Now What?” media campaign, the Diabetes “Now What?” television commercial Risk Factors, and Signs and Symptoms recently received a Platinum MarCom Award and an honorable mention for the “Now What?” website.
Thank you to our partners, the El Paso Center for Diabetes, Diabetes Alliance, and CultureSpan Marketing, for assisting with content material and creation. [Click…
NAMI Texas provides insight into mental health resources for our community
November 19, 2024
NAMI Texas recently held its Annual Conference in El Paso, bringing together individuals, families, mental health providers, and stakeholders from El Paso and across Texas to explore the latest advancements in mental health care.
The three-day event featured an array of local, regional, and state speakers, workshops, poster presentations, and networking opportunities. A highlight was the screening of “Spyral,” a film that included a personal video from Randy White about his wife Michelle’s struggle with bipolar disorder.
NAMI Texas is a vital resource for our community, offering…
Dive into the holiday spirit with healthy recipes
November 19, 2024
‘Tis the season for joy, togetherness, and delightful holiday feasts!
Are you looking for wholesome, healthy side dishes and delectable desserts to share with your loved ones this festive season? Look no further! Indulge in the holiday spirit and spread the cheer with these mouthwatering creations from Common Threads.
Common Threads works to improve community health through the power of food and nutrition. They take an innovative approach by offering both in-person and on-demand virtual cooking and nutrition education classes taught by trained chefs…
