News

New grants awarded to engage youth in out-of-school programs

November 19, 2018

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation recently awarded four grants totaling more than $313 thousand under the Healthy Kids Priority Area – IGNITE initiative.

The goal of the IGNITE Initiative is to improve a range of health outcomes by engaging disconnected youth in the Paso del Norte region in high quality programs during out of school hours. The Health Foundation refers to “disconnected youth” as people between the ages of 7-18 who are not involved in out of school activities or participating in the labor market. Evidence indicates that youth who are involved in out of school programs…

A message from our Board Chair and CEO on our 2017 Accomplishments

November 19, 2018

It is exciting to share a brief overview of the Heath Foundation’s accomplishments for 2017. The Annual Report: Building Layers of Wellness highlights the work of our partners, the grants we awarded, and an accounting of the financial resources entrusted in our care. We invite you to look through our report and learn more about our impact to improve health in the region. Click on this link for more information.

Playa Drain Trail Celebration!

November 19, 2018

After two years of planning, meetings and construction, the Playa Drain Trail is now open for everyone to enjoy. Elected and senior leaders from the City of El Paso, County of El Paso Water and other community stakeholders joined the Health Foundation to celebrate the trail opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 8. Representative Cassandra Hernandez joined the Riverside High School drum line, cheerleaders and a host of mascots during the grand opening fun walk and scavenger hunt at Riverside Park on Saturday, November 10. As part of the scavenger hunt, participants…

Doña Ana Coalition assess alcohol outlet density

November 19, 2018

The statement of need is alarming. Over 18 percent of Doña Ana County high school seniors report their first drink of alcohol was before age 13.

By 12th grade, 72 percent of Doña Ana High School students self-report they have consumed alcohol, a troubling trend in a county where, since 1997, adults have reported the highest or second-highest rates in the nation for alcohol-related deaths from chronic liver disease, injury death, and motor vehicle traffic death.

“This is exceptionally concerning, especially given the fact that those who live closer to outlets are at a higher risk of…

El Paso Giving Day is less than 24 hours away!

November 13, 2018

Now in its third year, El Paso Giving Day has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Paso del Norte Foundation’s Community of Philanthropy.

But this year, we want to do even more. This year’s goal is to raise $300,000 for the more than 200 trusted local nonprofit organizations in our region.

“We’ve waited 365 days for this year’s El Paso Giving Day and we can’t be more excited that it’s back,” said Anna Alemán, Development Director for the Paso del Norte Foundation. “The importance of the nonprofit sector in our region has never been greater and through your donations, you…

2019 HEAL Letter of Intent

October 25, 2018

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation seeks Letters of Intent (LOIs) from eligible organizations to promote the Foundation’s Strategic Plan for Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL). Specifically, the Health Foundation seeks LOIs for funding in one of the interest areas that help meet the goals identified in the HEAL Strategic Plan:

• Sustainable programs to advance healthy eating or active living;
• Policy and program solutions related to the Food for Every Child Report;
• School health systems,…

Collaborating for Results at the El Paso Behavioral Health Summit

October 23, 2018

More than 200 regional mental health advocates recently convened at the El Paso Behavioral Health Consortium Summit “Collaborating for Results.”

1 in 5 adults in America experience a mental illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Mrs. Adrienne Kennedy, National Board President of the National Alliance on Mental Health was the keynote speaker. She discussed the “best-case scenario” that results when mental health, addiction services and related supports are available where and when people need them.

Members from the three Consortium Leadership Councils…

La Semilla is working with schools to develop health eating and active living

October 23, 2018

Across the Paso del Norte Region – from Hatch, New Mexico, to East El Paso – schools are learning just how delicious healthy eating can be with La Semilla Food Center’s Edible Education Program.

By the end of the 2018-2019 school year, 33 schools will have partnered with La Semilla to install school gardens and incorporate vegetable gardening, classroom cooking, and nutrition education into their lesson plans.

Now in its third year of funding from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, La Semilla has had more than 250 teachers attend its professional development workshops,…

Leadership training for positive change

October 22, 2018

Twenty-two nonprofit leaders in the region recently participated in a three-day “train the trainer” workshop on how to inspire and instruct nonprofit board members to more effectively serve their organizations. The REALIZE Board training program, led by the United Way of El Paso County with funding from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, commissioned BoardSource to train the cohort of nonprofit leaders on critical board member duties and roles to create positive change. These individuals will not only work within their organizations but will be called upon to help train other nonprofit…

El Paso Giving Day is only a few weeks away!

October 22, 2018

Our region’s only community-wide day of charitable giving is set for Thursday, November 15, 2018.

This year, you can contribute to one or more of 220 trusted local participating non-profit organizations. These diverse organizations, large and small, support a wide range of charitable causes from public television and public health to education and recreation.

The power of El Paso Giving Day comes in harnessing the collective impact of thousands of donors. Small donations - as little at $10 - can have a big impact when we all give together.

We’re proud El Paso Giving Day is part of…