It’s that time of year again, the most wonderful time of the year -- No, I'm not referring to the holidays, but to Binational Health Week! Binational Health Week, a joint initiative between the governments of Mexico and the United States, brings together health professionals, community organizations, and local leaders with the goal to improve the health and well-being of local Mexican and Latine communities. Ventanillas de Salud -- health promotion offices that are located in Mexican Consulates across the US -- work hard to better the health of their communities year-round, but they really pull out all the stops during Binational Health Week.  Migrant Clinicians Network is the fiscal sponsor of three Ventanilla de Salud offices in Austin, Eagle Pass, and Del Rio, Texas. In this post, we celebrate the three offices’ celebrations, their many partners, and the communities they serve.

Each year, Binational Health Week focuses on a new theme of preventive health to raise awareness and promote a culture of prevention. This year, our three Ventanillas de Salud celebrated the theme, "Juntos por la prevención", by hosting a series of health fairs and forums open to everyone, regardless of nationality or immigration status. During these events, the community had the opportunity to participate in and benefit from direct health services, prevention activities, and health promotion related to chronic diseases, communicable diseases, mental health, women’s health, and more.
 


In Austin, Roxana Pineda, MPH, Ventanilla de Salud Coordinator with Migrant Clinicians Network, kicked off Binational Health Week with a wonderful ceremony honoring and thanking all the partners who came together to offer a wide range of services.  Throughout the week, visitors to the Mexican Consulate in Austin had the opportunity to connect with different local organizations every day. These organizations hosted resource booths and information sessions, providing the community with access to services that support their health and well-being. Participants had access to numerous health services, including glucose testing, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, bone density tests, kidney function tests, and BMI measurements. Those who joined the celebration also had the opportunity to receive free vaccinations, eye exams, and help with completing their MAP applications.  

During this week, Austin’s Ventanilla de Salud hosted nine health fairs and one virtual session, reaching a total of 812 individuals and delivering 1,442 services. The combined value of the vaccination services was $27,151, while screenings were valued at $97,751, for a total of $123,750 in services dedicated to community health and disease prevention, in one week.  

These services were made possible by the combined efforts of the following organizations:  United Healthcare, National Kidney Foundation, CVS Project Health, U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association, Austin Public Health, Autin Public Health Neighborhood, Austin Public Health Equity, Central Health, WIC, Lone Star Circle Care, Big Pink Bus, Sustainable Food Center, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Superior Health Plan, Natera, Lirios Pediatrics, Avance, Dia Health, Integral Care, The Source Mobile Unit, Austin Smiles, Southwest Key, AHF, Prevent Blindness, Cuidado Casero, Sonrisas Dental, Austin Community College, Mexicanas en Austin, Wisdom en Familias, Planned Parenthood, Sendero, Austin Police Department, Dell’s Children Health Plan, It’s Time Texas, People Community Clinic, El Buen Samaritano, Open Eyes & Beyond Borders, CommUnity Care, SAFE, CAPE, UT - DaLE, UT Social Resource Center, NAMI, Yolanda Kuri Coach Neurociencia, Beauty Couture, Austin Public Library, Psicología Migración, Amhiga Hispana, Con Mi Madre, Las Comadres, and EGBI. Thank you to our many partners!  

Meanwhile, at the VdS in Del Rio, a total of 421 services were provided to the community during Binational Health Week! Marizza Patino, Del Rio Ventanilla de Salud Coordinator, collaborated with local health partners and organizations to offer a range of services. These included 30 glucose tests, 30 blood pressure checks, and 26 anthropometric measurements. There was truly something for everyone: 26 individuals received assistance with wheelchair fittings, another 26 benefited from dental cleanings, and 26 families with young children went home with diapers and wipes. To encourage a fun and balanced approach to health, Marizza also organized Zumba classes, where 33 participants enjoyed the physical and mental benefits of moving their bodies.  The week was also packed with preventive services, with 52 individuals receiving flu shots and 60 others taking home COVID tests. 

This was made possible by our great partners: Consulado de Guatemala, Walgreens, BCFS Health and Human Services, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, WIC, CHIC Community Health Improvement Coalition, DIF Municipal Acuña Coahuila (MX), CBP, San Antonio Dental Association, DSHS, Frontline Med Services, Nelda Tarango Zumba Instructor, Revolution Cycling Studio, Valverde County Community Center, Maverick County Hospital District, United Medical Centers, Texas Community Bank, Border Federal Credit Union, AHIA Insurance, and Del Rio City Government. 

Similar to the Austin and Del Rio VdS offices, Mirtala Barrón, Eagle Pass Ventanilla de Salud Coordinator, hosted events and forums where local organizations and partners provided the community with essential health information and services. Health checks and tests were conducted, including 418 glucose tests, 506 blood pressure checks, and 47 BMI measurements. Additionally, 44 HIV tests, 38 hepatitis tests, and 12 colon screenings were performed. In line with this year's “Juntos por la prevención” theme, the week also emphasized preventive care, with 179 flu shots and 50 COVID-19 vaccines administered, along with the distribution of 350 COVID-19 take-home tests, 100 hand sanitizers, 50 safe travels kits, and 50 safe children kits. 

These amazing services were made possible by: Southwest Texas College, Maverick County Hospital District, Programa VIH, AHEC, HEB, Walmart, Texas Department of Health, United Medical Center, Lincoln Heritage, Maverick Nursing and Rehabilitation, New Life, Universidad Pedagógica de Piedras Negras IBC-Voluntariado, Health Care Services LLC, MHP Salud, WIC, South Texas Aging & Disability Resource Center, Chest Eye Center, Driscoll, Candles for Life, Walgreens Pharmacy, Eagle Pass Library, City of Eagle Pass, Texas. 

You can learn more about the Ventanillas de Salud offices that are sponsored by Migrant Clinicians Network, including how to connect with them to hear about future health fairs, on our Ventanillas page.