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Cliff Despres

Cliff Despres, who has more than a decade of experience in journalism and public relations, is communications director for Salud America! and its home base, the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio.

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Articles by Cliff Despres

Dr. Amelie Ramirez Gets $400,000 Komen Grant to Study Therapeutic Yoga for Breast Cancer Survivors


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Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, a cancer researcher at the Institute for Health Promotion Research and the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, is receiving a 2-year, $400,000 leadership grant to study cancer survivorship from Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization. Ramirez aims to enhance recovery for cancer survivors. In a group of Latina breast cancer survivors in South Texas, Ramirez will compare two rehabilitation approaches — standard physical therapy and therapeutic yoga — to see how they impact health-related quality of life, fatigue, and physical function over 16 weeks. Therapeutic yoga involves controlled movement, breath regulation, and meditative practices. "By focusing on the whole person and listening to survivor experiences, we hope ...

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Honoring Latino and All Military Heroes on Memorial Day


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Memorial Day is May 31, 2027. We at Salud America! are honored to recognize all U.S. military personnel, including the Latinos, who have served and died for our country. Latinos in the Military: History Latinos have a “proud and indeed enviable” record of military service that dates back all the way to the Civil War, according to a U.S. Army history website. About 20,000 Latino serviceman and women participated in Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990-1991, 80,000 in the Vietnam War in 1959-1973, and more than 400,000 in World War II in 1939-1945. Latinos have earned more than 40 Medals of Honor, according to the Department of Defense. “Whether their heritage can be traced to Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, or one of dozens of other Spanish-speaking countries or ...

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Watch Webinar: Zeroing in on Alzheimer’s, Brain Health, and Caregiving in At-Risk Populations



Alzheimer’s Disease is a rising health issue for Latinos and many others. To ensure support for those affected and their caregivers, UT Health San Antonio hosted a webinar, “Zeroing in on Alzheimer’s, Brain Health, and Caregiving in At-Risk Populations,” at 11 a.m. Central on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Webinar host Dr. Amelie Ramirez, leader of Salud America! and the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio, joined experts from the San Antonio CAPAS research program, a representative from Genentech, a community health worker, and a Latino caregiver to focus on the impact of Alzheimer’s in South Texas and beyond. Panelists discussed the state of Alzheimer’s among Latinos and all people, early signs, early diagnosis, and what the condition means for ...

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San Antonio, Get Help Quitting Smoking with the Quitxt Study!



Hey San Antonio, ready to quit smoking?! Join the Quitxt Study in English or Spanish to take a powerful step toward quitting smoking. The study features Quitxt, a free bilingual text messaging program that helps Latino young adults in South Texas to quit smoking. Quitting smoking can help you save money and help with more independence, better fitness, better breath, and better health. "No matter where you are on your quitting journey, our Quitxt Study is here to help you every step of the way," said Dr. Patricia Chalela, study leader and tobacco researcher at UT Health San Antonio. QUIT SMOKING WITH QUITXT! What Is the Quitxt Study? The Quitxt Study aims to understand the impact of Quitxt, UT Health San Antonio's bilingual, evidence-based text messaging smoking ...

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Today vs. 1998: How Much Lower Is Tobacco Use among U.S. Latinos?


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In 1998, the U.S. Surgeon General released a landmark report calling for tobacco control interventions for Hispanic and Latino and other populations. Has this goal been met? To find out, Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez of UT Health San Antonio analyzed public health efforts since 1998 and identified a mix of replicable successes and remaining challenges in tobacco control, according to her recent article in JNCI Monographs. "Although progress has been made in the years since the report's release, [Latino and other] tobacco users continue to have limited access to cessation medication and support services," Ramirez wrote. "Cultural barriers and tobacco industry marketing have also complicated cessation efforts." "Despite these challenges, some outreach and cessation efforts have shown ...

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Dr. Rebecca Jones: Sharing Community Engagement Strategies for Cancer Control


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Dr. Rebecca Jones, assistant director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio, shared important community engagement strategies at the 2026 AACI Catchment Area Data Excellence (CADEx) Conference on March 9, 2026, in Atlanta. The event brought together National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center data experts, geospatial statisticians, and representatives from government and industry to address emerging topics in cancer prevention and control analytics. Jones was part of a panel that explored how to use catchment-area data to improve access and outcomes. "Panelists discussed how data inform their choices, focusing on the importance of community engagement for understanding where barriers exist and how access can be improved. Listening sessions ...

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Creando Conexiones: Creating a Patient-Centered Cancer Health Research Agenda in South Texas


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In South Texas, risk is high for liver cancer, cervical cancer, and pediatric leukemia. To pave way for responsive research, the Creando Conexiones: Creating a Patient Centered Cancer Health Research Agenda in South Texas (Creando Conexiones) project aimed to outline patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (PC-CER) priorities and topics identified by South Texas cancer survivors, caregivers, and stakeholders affected by these cancers. The result is the Creando Conexiones: Cancer-Related Health Outcomes Research Agenda. Let's explore the agenda. Developing the Creando Conexiones Research Agenda Dr. Rebecca Jones of the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio launched the Creando Conexiones program with a $250,000 from the ...

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Recap: 2026 Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations Conference



Cancer remains a large health threat in South Texas and beyond. To improve cancer understanding and outcomes, Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez of Salud America! and UT Health San Antonio hosted the 5th biennial Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations conference on Feb. 18-20, 2026, at the Plaza San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas. Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations drew over 300 researchers, doctors, leaders, and students for an open dialogue on cancer. Discussion covered new studies in clinical best practices, treatments, effective community interventions, advocacy, policy, and professional training in cancer research. "We still have work to do, but I am excited and proud to charge into the future with such a passionate group of people for ...

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Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations Conference to Target Cancer in South Texas and Beyond


advancing cancer research in latinos and all populations conf 2026

To spur solutions that improve cancer care in South Texas and across the United States, UT Health San Antonio and its Mays Cancer Center are hosting the 5th biennial Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations conference on Feb. 18-20, 2026, at the Plaza San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas. Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations is expected to draw over 300 researchers, doctors, community leaders, and survivors for an open dialogue on the latest cancer research and how to improve cancer outcomes for all people. Media is invited to attend. “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations is where we gather to share timely research from every stage of the cancer continuum to improve genetic studies, clinical best practices, and community ...

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