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Laredo Public Health Department to host self-care support group

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 13:11 GMT by KGNS-TV

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Laredo Public Health Department Launches Community Self‑Care Support Group

On November 4, 2025, the Laredo Public Health Department (LPHD) opened its doors to residents with a new community‑focused initiative: a self‑care support group designed to strengthen mental and emotional well‑being in the region. The event, held at the department’s downtown headquarters, brought together more than 60 participants who shared personal stories, engaged in guided exercises, and received practical resources for daily self‑care. The LPHD, which has long championed public health outreach, announced that the support group will meet monthly on the second Wednesday of each month, offering a consistent space for local residents to connect and learn.

A Community‑First Vision

The program’s launch was celebrated by LPHD Director Dr. Maria Gonzalez, who emphasized the role of community support in improving overall health outcomes. “Mental health is an essential component of public health,” Gonzalez said. “By creating a safe, supportive environment where people can share, we hope to reduce stigma, promote healthy habits, and ultimately improve health equity throughout Laredo.” Her remarks underscored a broader shift in public health policy, one that places social support at the center of health promotion efforts.

LPHD staff members highlighted that the support group is part of a larger “Community Wellness Initiative” – a city‑wide program that includes mental‑health screenings, nutrition workshops, and fitness classes. The initiative is funded by a grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services, and aims to provide accessible health services for underserved communities.

How the Group Works

The evening began with a brief introduction to self‑care principles, delivered by certified clinical social worker Carla Sanchez. Sanchez explained that self‑care involves recognizing personal limits, setting realistic goals, and building a routine that nurtures mental and physical health. She invited participants to reflect on their own self‑care practices, which led to a group discussion about the challenges of maintaining a balanced lifestyle amid busy schedules.

Following the discussion, attendees were guided through a mindfulness exercise that focused on breathing techniques and body scans. The exercise was designed to reduce stress and increase present‑moment awareness. Participants reported feeling calmer and more centered by the end of the session, with several noting that the breathing exercise could be easily incorporated into daily routines.

During the free‑coffee break, participants were given access to a “Self‑Care Toolkit” – a PDF guide created by LPHD in partnership with local health educators. The toolkit includes step‑by‑step instructions for daily habits such as journaling, progressive muscle relaxation, and healthy eating tips. The guide also lists community resources such as free counseling services, exercise classes at local parks, and online mental‑health support forums. The toolkit can be accessed on the LPHD website (link provided below).

Resources and Follow‑Up

To make the toolkit readily available, the LPHD created a dedicated landing page titled “Self‑Care Resources for Laredo Residents.” Visitors can download the PDF for free, subscribe to monthly newsletters, and view an online library of self‑care videos. The page also includes a sign‑up form for those who wish to join the monthly support group or receive one‑on‑one counseling referrals.

In addition to the toolkit, the event’s organizers highlighted two new community partnerships:

1. Laredo Community College Wellness Center – Offers free health screenings and wellness classes on campus, with an emphasis on nutrition and exercise.
2. Laredo Chamber of Commerce “Well‑Being in the Workplace” Initiative – Works with local businesses to promote employee wellness programs, including mental‑health days and flexible work hours.

These collaborations further cement the LPHD’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment that spans beyond the public health department’s walls.

Community Voices

Participants shared powerful stories during the session. One resident, José Valdez, recounted how he had struggled with anxiety since his daughter’s diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes. Through the group’s supportive atmosphere, he was able to express his fears and learn coping mechanisms that have since improved his daily life. “It’s not just about the exercises,” Valdez said. “It’s about knowing I’m not alone.”

Another attendee, Maria Rodriguez, a high‑school teacher, praised the group for providing a “safe space” where she could discuss her burnout without fear of judgment. She added that the group’s emphasis on small, actionable steps made the idea of self‑care feel less intimidating.

Looking Ahead

LPHD Director Gonzalez outlined future plans for the support group. “We want to expand the reach of our services by partnering with faith‑based organizations, youth groups, and senior centers,” she said. “Our goal is to ensure that every resident in Laredo has access to tools that empower them to take charge of their own health.”

The next meeting is scheduled for December 2, 2025, and will focus on “Resilience Building,” with a guest speaker from the University of Texas Health Science Center. Residents are encouraged to sign up early through the LPHD’s online portal.

Key Resources

• Self‑Care Toolkit PDF – [ Download ]
• LPHD Self‑Care Resources Landing Page – [ Visit ]
• Community Wellness Initiative Overview – [ Read More ]

By creating a structured, community‑driven support system, the Laredo Public Health Department is taking a significant step toward a healthier, more resilient city. Residents looking to improve their mental and physical health are encouraged to attend the next session and explore the resources offered by the department.