Migrant Clinicians Network is well known for our extensive health trainings and support that we provide across the nation – but we are also committed to providing health and wellness resources and connection in person. Ventanilla de Salud (VdS) is a network of health outreach programs operating out of each of the Mexican Consulates in the US. MCN is the fiscal sponsor for three Ventanilla de Salud offices in Austin, Del Rio, and Eagle Pass, Texas.

Over the past three months, the Ventanillas de Salud at the Mexican Consulates in Eagle Pass, Del Rio, and Austin have been bustling with activity. Our dedicated team members, Mirtala Barron, Marizza Patiño, and Roxana Pineda, MPH, have been working tirelessly to offer a wide range of health services and community resources to the local Latinx community. They have provided essential health screenings, vaccinations, and valuable information—all at no cost.

Eagle Pass

As temperatures began to rise in May, so did the energy at the Ventanilla. In Eagle Pass, Mirtala Barrón, the Ventanilla coordinator, provided engaging sessions on vision care, hypertension, and asthma, plus educational sessions on osteoporosis, chronic degenerative diseases, mental health, and sexually transmitted diseases. At the popular Mother's Day Event, a health fair and motivational conference, 500 participants received blood pressure and glucose screenings, enjoyed inspiring talks from motivational speakers, and listened to local music while building community. June’s educational outreach on breast cancer awareness and mental health empowered attendees with the tools to take control of their health.
 

Yoga events added a peaceful balance to the month, reminding everyone that wellness encompasses both body and mind. In July, the focus shifted to preparing for the back-to-school season with a healthy twist. The Eagle Pass Ventanilla offered sessions on stress management and healthy eating, COVID-19 education, and health talks and activities addressing various conditions, including autism and cancer. Through these initiatives, the Ventanilla in Eagle Pass was able to reach over 1,000 individuals.

Del Rio

Del Rio’s Ventanilla, managed by Marizza Patino, focused on movement and well-being in May. One of the standout events was the virtual event “Caminemos con Gusto," where 582 individuals took advantage of nutrition and mental health education, hygiene and cleanliness workshops, and physical activity promotions. Other health events featured diabetes screenings, diagnostic exams, and health promotion, reaching a total of 1,370 individuals in May alone. In June and July, Del Rio kept up the momentum with a strong focus on health screenings and educational workshops. Whether it was checking blood pressure and glucose levels or learning about financial health, hygiene, or cancer nutrition, the Ventanilla in Del Rio was determined to cover all the bases. In three months, the Del Rio VDS reached a total of 2661 individuals.

Austin

In Austin, May’s focus was on accessibility. Roxana Pineda, MPH, Austin VDS coordinator, organized health screenings that were easy to access, offering tests for glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. But it wasn’t just about the screenings; Austin VDS made sure that resources like MAP and WIC were readily available, helping residents connect with the services they needed. In celebration of Children's Day and Mother's Day, a breastfeeding room was inaugurated at the Consulate General of Mexico in Austin, providing mothers with a dedicated space to feed their babies. This initiative was made possible thanks to the generosity of Frank Fuentes and the US Hispanic Contractors Association (USHCA) of Austin.

June saw a continuation of vital health services, with regular health screenings, HIV testing and adult vaccines, and plenty of resources available. And with the Austin Public Library’s Bookmobile joining in, there was a perfect blend of health and education, keeping the community engaged on multiple levels. Austin wrapped up July with a grand health fair that truly had something for everyone. Eye exams, kidney exams, cognitive evaluations, and osteoporosis screenings, plus mammograms by appointment. Throughout these events, Austin VDS successfully administered 235 vaccines, conducted 550 health screenings, and made 73 referrals for further medical care.

All three Ventanillas participate in the monthly virtual "Charlas entre Mujeres" series, a safe space for women to discuss issues important to their health and well-being. These popular one-hour weekend virtual get-togethers feature a new topic led by a local expert and peer-to-peer networking. Be sure to follow the Ventanillas to learn about the next Charla and other events:

• Connect with VdS Austin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VentanillaSaludAustin
   
• Connect with VdS Eagle Pass on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ventanilla-de-Salud-Eagle-Pass-Tx-1598327940380211
   
• Connect with VdS Del Rio on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064329602880
   
• Read more about MCN’s partnership with the three VdS offices on our Ventanilla de Salud page.