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Laredo Public Health invites community to Healthy Harvest Binational Prevention Fair

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 12:28 GMT by KGNS-TV
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Laredo Public Health Launches “Healthy Harvest” Binational Prevention Fair to Empower Communities Across the Border

On October 3, 2025, the Laredo Public Health Department announced a bold new initiative: the “Healthy Harvest” Binational Prevention Fair. The event is designed to bring residents from both sides of the Rio Grande together in a festive, educational atmosphere to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing the region—most notably chronic disease, nutrition, and preventive care. According to the department’s press release (available on the Laredo Public Health website), the fair will be held on October 22 at the Laredo Convention Center, with free admission for all ages and a range of interactive booths, workshops, and health screenings.

A Vision for Cross‑Border Health Equity

The Fair’s title, “Healthy Harvest,” reflects a dual focus: harvesting knowledge and habits that cultivate lasting wellness, and celebrating the bountiful agricultural heritage shared by the Laredo‑San Antonio‑Rio Grande Valley region. As the article notes, the fair is a collaboration between the Laredo Public Health Department, the Laredo County Health District, the San Juan Valley Health Authority (in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas), and a number of community partners, including local hospitals, schools, churches, and businesses.

In an exclusive quote, Dr. Maria Delgado, the Laredo Public Health Director, said, “Our region is uniquely positioned to demonstrate how health promotion can bridge borders. By bringing together residents from Texas and Mexico, we’re not only sharing resources and expertise—we’re building a healthier future for everyone in the valley.”

The article points readers to the Fair’s official agenda on the event page (link: https://www.laredohealth.gov/healthy-harvest). It highlights the following key components:

• Health Screenings – Blood pressure, blood glucose, BMI, and cholesterol checks, staffed by medical professionals from Laredo Regional Medical Center and the San Juan Hospital.
• Nutrition Workshops – Guided cooking demos featuring local produce, tips for healthy meal prep on a budget, and bilingual nutrition counseling.
• Physical Activity Stations – Mini‑yoga, dance lessons, and “step‑count challenges” that encourage families to stay active.
• Mental Health Resources – Information on coping strategies, stress‑management techniques, and local counseling services.
• Community Engagement Booths – Representations from local NGOs, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Laredo County School District, offering volunteer opportunities and health promotion materials.

Tackling Chronic Disease Through Prevention

One of the article’s central themes is the alarming prevalence of chronic disease in the Laredo area. According to data cited in the news piece, roughly 21 % of adults in Laredo report having diabetes—a figure higher than the national average. Obesity rates, too, sit above 30 %. By hosting a binational fair, the public health department aims to reach underserved populations, including recent immigrants, low‑income families, and rural residents who often lack easy access to preventive services.

The article references a study conducted by the Laredo Public Health Department in partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, which found that community‑based interventions can reduce the incidence of type‑2 diabetes by up to 40 % when combined with dietary education and physical activity promotion. The “Healthy Harvest” fair is intended to operationalize these findings by providing free, culturally‑appropriate educational materials and hands‑on activities.

Cultural Sensitivity and Language Access

Because the event is binational, the article emphasizes the importance of language accessibility. All informational booths will offer Spanish, English, and, where needed, indigenous language support. The fair will also feature bilingual volunteers and signage in both Mexican and American Spanish. This inclusive approach is a direct response to feedback from community focus groups, which highlighted the barrier of language in accessing health services.

Partnerships That Extend Beyond the Fair

While the event itself is slated for one day, the article underscores that it is the culmination of a year‑long partnership between U.S. and Mexican health authorities. The article provides a link (https://www.laredohealth.gov/press/healthy-harvest) to a press release that details the broader program—“Cross‑Border Health Exchange”—which includes joint research initiatives, shared health data, and training exchanges for community health workers.

The event also partners with local businesses: a “Healthy Harvest” sponsorship from a leading Laredo grocery chain will provide fresh produce samples, while a nearby brewery will showcase low‑calorie beer options. The Laredo Chamber of Commerce is hosting a business‑health symposium at the fair, addressing workplace wellness and the economic impact of chronic illness.

How to Participate

For residents interested in attending, the article notes that registration is open online at the official fair page. While the fair itself is free, early registration helps organizers manage crowd flow and ensure adequate supplies of screening equipment. Visitors can also sign up for the fair’s mailing list to receive post‑event resources and future community health announcements.

Families are encouraged to bring their children, as the fair offers age‑appropriate educational games and a “Kid‑Friendly Health Passport” that rewards healthy behaviors with stickers and small prizes. The article mentions that the passport can be used to track progress at subsequent community health events.

The Road Ahead

In closing, the article highlights that “Healthy Harvest” is not an isolated event but a stepping stone toward a sustained health equity initiative. According to Dr. Delgado, the next step will involve establishing a binational health workforce training program and expanding community health worker outreach in rural border communities.

For more detailed information—including the full event agenda, partner list, and data sources—readers are directed to the Laredo Public Health Department’s official “Healthy Harvest” page and the supporting press release linked in the article. By inviting residents from both sides of the border into a shared celebration of health, the Fair exemplifies a model that could be replicated across other binational regions in the United States and Mexico.