Category Archives: Healthcare

South Texas College is offering a new pilot program to match the needs of low-income students with the ongoing demand for skilled first responders. The program will target 80 low-income students as well as existing firefighters and first responders. The goal is for participants to complete or re-certify their first responder certification. With a grant from AT&T, the pilot program will cover all costs associated with the first responder certification.…

A Home Away from Home

January 1, 2020

Beth Martinez

Healthcare News Comments

Placing a loved one in a care facility can be one of the most difficult decisions a family has to make. This is even more true when the loved one is suffering from an illness that affects their memory, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Moving them from the home they know and love to a new environment can prove to be challenging. Avalon Memory Care in Edinburg is working to…

EMS Students Go Hands On With Extrication Day

December 23, 2019

VBR

Education Featured Healthcare News Comments

It was quite an experience for Pedro Casillas and more than 40 of his peers as they helped save lives in a mock two-vehicle accident. It was part of Texas State Technical College Emergency Medical Services program‘s recent Extrication Day. “This was a great opportunity to practice what I’ve learned in the classroom,” said Casillas. “It was exciting to be able to showcase our skills to the local first responders who…

Unique Projects Trains Future Alzheimer’s Caregivers

December 19, 2019

VBR

Education Healthcare News Comments

It might seem unusual to see drawings of utensils or constant safety reminders around the home. Yet, these can be beneficial when caring for a loved one or patient with Alzheimer’s. These helpful visual cues can make the difference from a patient. Photos and other reminders can aid a patient in completing a task instead of experiencing frustration or confusion. South Texas College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program students recently had…

STC Announces BSN Program

December 5, 2019

VBR

e-Brief Features Education Healthcare News Comments

South Texas College is starting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, according to officials at a special event Nov. 25. Among those in attendance were the inaugural cohort of student nurses clad in green scrubs. Dr. Christie Candelaria serves as program chair of both the Associate Degree Nursing Program and the new BSN program. “I would treat this just like having a family,” Candelaria said about the start…

Finding Ways Out of the Darkness

December 1, 2019

Chris Ardis

Healthcare News Non-Profit Comments

In 2012, two suicide survivors teamed up to create the first Out of the Darkness Community Walk in the Valley. Melissa Zamora lost her dad to suicide when she was a child. Missy Moreno lost her brother to suicide in 2011. “We found that many people around us had been affected by suicide,” Zamora said. “Yet no one was talking about it. No one was talking about it because, as…

Valley Baptist Extending Services to Weslaco

December 1, 2019

Ricardo D. Cavazos, VBR content editor

Healthcare News Comments

The Valley Baptist Health System and its landmark hospital in Harlingen have long been synonymous with Cameron County. Its reach was extended in the county to Brownsville last decade with the purchase of an existing hospital. The health system is now making a huge strategic move. In Jan. 2020, it will open a micro-hospital in Weslaco. Valley Baptist executives say is a first move to further expand its footprint in…

Hidalgo Proclaims Home Care and Hospice Month

November 21, 2019

VBR

Featured Healthcare News Comments

The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court recently proclaimed November as National Home Care and Hospice Month. The proclamation is in honor of the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists and social workers who make a difference for those they serve. Accepting the proclamation was Texas Association for Home Care and Hospice Board President Jon Scepanski. “We help the elderly and disabled preserve their dignity and maintain their independence while receiving…

STC Hosts Information Sessions on High-Demand Careers

November 19, 2019

VBR

Community Events Education Featured Healthcare Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

South Texas College invites communities in Starr County to visit and explore high demand, high wage career opportunities in a series of information sessions in November and December. Sessions will take place at the Starr County campus, 142 FM 3167, Rio Grande City. The Emergency Medical Technology Program will open its doors from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Nov. 20,, Nov. 27 and Dec. 4. The Patient Career Assistant Program also welcomes the…

Development Makes the RGV Prosperous

September 1, 2019