News
Foundations welcome new team members
April 16, 2024
The Paso del Norte Health Foundation and Paso del Norte Community Foundation are pleased to welcome two new members to our Foundation team: Mercedez Hernandez as the Operations Support Assistant and Alejandra Martinez as an Accountant I.
Mercedez is the friendly face you first meet when visiting our office. She provides administrative and general support for the Paso del Norte Health Foundation and Paso del Norte Community Foundation. Born and raised in El Paso, Mercedez has been in the customer care industry for over 10 years. Customer care has always been her passion. She makes…
PdNCF staffer appointed to Emergence Health Network Board
April 16, 2024
Congratulations to Kellie Burns-Franco, Director of Development for the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, on being selected to serve on the Emergence Health Network Board of Trustees.
The Emergence Board consists of seven individuals appointed by the County of El Paso and El Paso County Hospital District to serve for two years. Kellie was nominated by the County Judge.
In her role as Development Director for the PdNCF, Kellie is responsible for implementing a comprehensive community outreach, and communications plan to increase awareness of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation…
Collaboration and Improvements in the Mental Health and Substance Use Service System for our Community
April 16, 2024
The El Paso Behavioral Health Consortium (Consortium) gathered at El Paso Community College in March to acknowledge collaborations and improvements in the mental health and substance use service systems for children, youth, and families. Formed to assess the El Paso community’s behavioral health system in anticipation of future service needs and funding trends, the Consortium has been instrumental in driving positive change.
Panelists for the General Meeting of the Consortium included leaders from Aliviane, Inc.; Paso del Norte Center of Hope; El Paso Juvenile Justice Center,…
Celebrate Trail Day
April 16, 2024
Grab your shovels, gloves, and sun protection as we come together to enhance the Paso del Norte Trail and beautify our community. In celebration of Celebrate Trails Day, 25 trees were donated by Eastside Discount Nursery to be planted along the Playa Drain Trail from Mimosa Avenue to Durill Road.
“Celebrate Trails Day: Planting Roots with the Community” will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 8:30 AM, at 7499 Mimosa Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79915. Parking is available at Cedar Grove Pond Park and Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.
Planting trees along the Trail is essential,…
2023 Annual Report
April 16, 2024
The boards and staff of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, Paso del Norte Community Foundation, and Fundación Paso del Norte in Ciudad Juárez are pleased to announce the release of our 2023 Annual Reports.
The Paso del Norte region is home to the most well-respected bootmakers in the world. Handcrafted, durable, and resilient, cowboy boots are symbolic of our special region – and the work of our foundations to improve health, education, social services, economic development, and quality of life in our binational, tri-state region. It’s in our sole.
View our 2023 annual reports to…
Diabetes Alert Day!
March 19, 2024
Mark your calendar on March 26 for Diabetes Alert Day! This is an important opportunity to raise awareness and support for those with diabetes.
Take a FREE online diabetes risk test to see if you or a loved one are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Scores of five or higher indicate a higher risk and should be discussed with a healthcare professional or visit the El Paso Center for Diabetes for a free screening.
For more information, visit https://epdiabetes.org/now-what/.
Texas funders come together to improve mental health
March 19, 2024
Paso del Norte Health Foundation CEO, Tracy Yellen, joined representatives from Texas-based mental health funders for a semi-annual meeting in San Antonio. Hosted by the H.E. Butt Foundation and Methodist Healthcare Ministries, the funders group gathered to learn best practices in mental and behavioral health with sessions on the collaborative work of faith-based communities and the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council (STRAC).
The Health Foundation supports grants in the Paso del Norte region to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and increase access to mental health…
A Pawsitive fun walk along the Paso del Norte Trail
March 19, 2024
On a beautiful Saturday morning, more than 50 individuals laced up their walking shoes, grabbed their dog(s) leash for a pawsitive fun walk along the Paso del Norte Trail.
The Paso del Norte Trail hosted its first event of the year – Paws on the Trail. Participants gathered at the William W. Cowan Swimming Pool on Independence Drive to stock up on doggie treats before heading east along the Playa Drain Trail to Ysleta High School and back. The three-mile fun walk aimed to provide exercise for the attendees and their four-legged companions and showcase the beauty and accessibility and…
PdNHF staffer receives Graduate Certification in Public Health
March 19, 2024
Congratulations to Jana Renner, Senior Program Officer for the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, for completing her Graduate Certification in Public Health from UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.
Public Health is defined as the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and responding to infectious diseases.
Jana is responsible for developing strategic plans and leading grants, projects, and initiatives. She is also the lead program officer for the Health Foundation’s…
Funding to screen for diabetes at Hunt School of Dental Medicine and private dental practices
March 19, 2024
The Paso del Norte Health Foundation recently awarded a $166,990 grant to the Hunt School of Dental Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso to expand the school’s Diabetes and Dentist program.
El Paso County is facing a diabetes crisis, with an estimated 15% of adults affected by the disease. This percentage is higher than both Texas and national averages. Around 94,000 El Pasoans have been diagnosed with the disease, which places a significant burden on healthcare and communities.
The program would expand diabetes screening beyond the dental school to…
