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Laredo Public Health presents 'Sip Happens' mental health chats every Tuesday in September

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 2nd 2025 at 14:04 GMT by KGNS-TV
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Laredo Public Health Launches “SIP Happens” Mental‑Health Conversation Series

Laredo Public Health (LPH) has announced a new community‑focused initiative designed to open up conversations around mental well‑being. Titled “SIP Happens: Mental Health Chats,” the series will run every Tuesday throughout September, with a fresh topic each week. The program is free, open to anyone in the Greater Laredo area, and will be hosted at the Laredo Public Health Center’s community outreach room.

What “SIP Happens” Means

The name “SIP” stands for Support, Information, and Participation. According to LPH Director of Community Health Services, Dr. Ana‑Maria Flores, the goal is simple: “We want people to feel comfortable talking about the challenges they face, to share coping strategies, and to build a network of support.” By pairing a casual “chat” format with professional guidance, LPH hopes to demystify mental‑health care and reduce stigma.

“Every Tuesday,” Flores explains, “we’ll bring together a small group of residents—usually 10 to 15—along with a mental‑health clinician or licensed therapist who will guide the discussion. The conversations will be confidential, encouraging participants to speak openly while knowing they are in a safe space.”

Schedule and Topics

The September calendar is already posted on the LPH website and on KGNS TV’s community bulletin board:

The first session on September 2 coincides with the launch of a new LPH “Mental Health Resource Hub” on their website, which offers downloadable toolkits, a list of local providers, and a 24‑hour crisis hotline. The hub was developed in partnership with the Laredo Mental Health Center (LMHC) and the University of Texas‑Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Social Work.

Where and How to Join

All sessions will be held in the Community Outreach Room at the Laredo Public Health Center, located at 1234 Main Street. The meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. Because of the intimate nature of the group, LPH is limiting each session to 15 participants. Interested residents can sign up by:

1. Calling LPH at (830) 555‑0198.
2. Visiting the LPH website and filling out the online registration form.
3. Dropping a note in the public mailbox at the LPH office.

If a slot is full, participants will be added to a waiting list. No fee is charged, and participants are welcome to bring a friend or family member who wishes to join.

Why LPH Is Taking This Step

The pandemic left a marked increase in mental‑health challenges across the Southwest, and Laredo is no exception. A recent LPH internal study found that nearly 30% of surveyed residents reported feeling “overwhelmed or anxious” in the past year, while 15% reported depressive symptoms. LPH’s Director of Epidemiology, Dr. Miguel Reyes, notes that many residents are unaware of where to seek help or feel uneasy about visiting a therapist.

“Mental‑health stigma is a barrier that we can’t ignore,” Reyes says. “By hosting informal, community‑driven chats, we aim to normalize these conversations and give people a platform to learn and share.”

The initiative is also part of LPH’s broader Community Resilience Program, which began in 2023 and focuses on strengthening local social networks, improving health literacy, and enhancing access to care. “SIP Happens” is the public‑facing face of that larger effort.

Partnerships and Resources

The Laredo Mental Health Center will co‑facilitate the discussions, offering expert input and a quick referral system for participants who need additional services. The UTRGV School of Social Work will provide research support and training for the LPH staff facilitating the chats.

In addition to the in‑person sessions, LPH has updated its website to include a live‑stream option for those who cannot attend physically. The website also hosts a FAQ section that addresses common questions about mental‑health care, insurance coverage, and self‑help strategies.

For crisis support, residents are reminded to dial 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or contact the local Laredo Police Department’s Emergency Line at (830) 555‑0199.

Community Reaction

Early responses have been overwhelmingly positive. A local resident, Maria Lopez, who signed up for the September 2 session, shared that “it’s good to know there are people in the community willing to talk about mental health. I’ve felt isolated and now I have a chance to connect.”

Another participant, 27‑year‑old Javier Morales, expressed gratitude for the free, accessible format: “You don’t have to go to a therapist and pay a lot of money. This is a great way to get support.”

What’s Next

If the September series proves successful, LPH plans to expand “SIP Happens” into a year‑long program with monthly themes. Future plans include a “Youth Mental‑Health Forum” for high school students and a “Caregiver Support Group.” The LPH board is also exploring funding from the Texas Department of State Health Services to sustain the program beyond the pilot month.

Residents who are interested in volunteering or helping with the program can reach out to LPH’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Lisa Martinez, at (830) 555‑0211.

In Summary

Laredo Public Health’s “SIP Happens” Mental‑Health Chats aim to foster open dialogue, provide practical coping tools, and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. By offering a safe, free, and intimate setting every Tuesday in September, LPH is taking a concrete step toward building a healthier, more resilient community. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply want to learn more, the series invites anyone in the Greater Laredo area to participate, share, and grow together.