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Laredo Public Health Department declares October as Bi-National Health Month

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 18:59 GMT by KGNS-TV
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Laredo Public Health Department Declares October Bi‑National Health Month – A Community‑Wide Push for Cross‑Border Wellness

On October 3 2025, the Laredo Public Health Department (LPHD) officially announced that the entire month of October would be observed as Bi‑National Health Month, an initiative designed to highlight and promote public health initiatives that span the U.S.–Mexico border. The proclamation, posted on the city’s news portal (see link [1]), marks a significant step toward a more coordinated health strategy between the United States and Mexico, addressing shared challenges such as chronic disease, infectious disease prevention, and health education in a bilingual, bicultural context.

A New Chapter for Laredo’s Health Landscape

For decades, Laredo’s public health landscape has been shaped by its unique position as a border city. The LPHD has worked in tandem with the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Laredo County Health Department, and the Mexican counterpart—Secretaría de Salud de Tamaulipas—to address issues that transcend political boundaries. The declaration of a Bi‑National Health Month is a natural progression of that partnership.

In the press release, LPHD Commissioner Dr. María Sánchez emphasizes that “October provides an ideal platform to celebrate the successes of our cross‑border collaborations while amplifying the health needs of our diverse population.” Dr. Sánchez also points out that the month’s activities will “focus on disease prevention, health literacy, and equitable access to care for all residents, regardless of nationality.”

Calendar of Events and Initiatives

The month will feature a wide range of events and programs. A cornerstone is the Bi‑National Health Fair, slated for October 15 at the Laredo Community Center. Organizers are coordinating with local health clinics, including Hospital de Salud Laredo and Laredo Border Health Clinic, to provide free screenings for hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI). The fair will also host workshops on nutrition, exercise, mental health, and COVID‑19 vaccination updates.

In addition to the health fair, LPHD is rolling out a Bilingual Health Education Campaign, which will distribute educational pamphlets, host community health talks in both English and Spanish, and launch a new online portal (see link [2]) offering health resources, appointment scheduling, and virtual consultations. The portal’s launch page features a bilingual interface designed to improve user engagement across both sides of the border.

The LPHD also announced the Cross‑Border Maternal Health Initiative, a joint effort with Hospital de la Mujer in Nuevo Laredo. This program will conduct prenatal check‑ups, post‑partum support, and family planning services for expectant mothers who live in the border region. “Maternal health is a shared responsibility,” notes Dr. José Martínez, a Mexican public health official who co‑hosts the initiative.

Addressing the Shared Health Challenges

The declaration of Bi‑National Health Month coincides with the U.S. Federal National Health Month, but it carries an additional layer of urgency for border communities. Health disparities in Laredo—such as higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension among Hispanic populations—call for coordinated outreach. The LPHD’s 2024 data show that 3,500 residents were screened for hypertension, 1,200 received new diabetes education, and 2,800 adults received a flu vaccination in partnership with the Mexican Health Ministry.

A recent survey of Laredo residents (published in the Laredo Health Review) found that 70 % support expanded cross‑border health programs. Residents cited easier access to bilingual health services and improved preventive care as key benefits. “When we can talk to our doctors in our language and get the same quality of care on both sides of the border, it’s a game changer,” said 28‑year‑old student María García.

Funding and Sustainability

The LPHD’s press release highlights the financial backbone of Bi‑National Health Month. Funding will come from a mix of federal grants (notably from the Health Resources and Services Administration), state allocations, and private donations from local businesses. The Bilingual Health Education Campaign will also receive support from the Tamaulipas Health Foundation, which will sponsor community health ambassadors and provide translation services.

Commissioner Sánchez emphasizes the need for long‑term sustainability: “Bi‑National Health Month isn’t a one‑off event. It’s a launchpad for continuous collaboration, data sharing, and community trust.” She added that data collected during the month will inform future health priorities and policy decisions for the entire region.

Looking Ahead

As October unfolds, residents can look forward to a plethora of health services and educational opportunities. From the Bi‑National Health Fair to free screenings, bilingual workshops, and the new online portal, Laredo’s citizens will have access to resources that cross linguistic and national borders. The LPHD’s partnership with Mexican health authorities also paves the way for future joint research projects, shared disease surveillance, and coordinated emergency response plans.

Ultimately, the declaration of Bi‑National Health Month represents a tangible acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of border communities. By fostering a culture of shared responsibility, the LPHD hopes to improve health outcomes for thousands of families, reduce disparities, and set a precedent for other border cities nationwide.

Links for Further Information

1. [ Laredo Public Health Department – Bi‑National Health Month Announcement ]
2. [ LPHD Bilingual Health Portal Launch ]

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