Launching the “Every Cancer, Every Story” Webinar Series for South Texas


Woman watching webinar

Cancer is a serious health threat in South Texas. To improve cancer education and care for these communities, the Mid Rio Grande Border Area Health Education Center (MRGB AHEC) is launching the “Every Cancer, Every Story: A Series of Conversations” in collaboration with the UT Health San Antonio Mays Cancer Center Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE). The series will feature cancer-education webinars in June (brain), July (bone), September (prostate), and November (pancreas). “All cancers are equally important. They all impact on the quality of life for the individual, family, and community. The research shows that the earlier the detection, the earlier the treatment. Therefore, providing education on these types of cancer could lead to saving lives,” said ...

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Tell EPA: Protect Our Drinking Water from PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’!


Girl holding a glass of water

In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruled in favor of legally enforceable standards that limit toxic “forever chemicals,” also known as perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), in drinking water.   Human exposure to PFAS is linked to adverse health effects, such as increased cancer risk.  However, the current federal administration is revisiting the EPA’s ruling, claiming that the former administration didn’t follow proper channels to lawfully regulate the use of four key chemicals in the PFAS family, CNN reports.   The EPA’s regulatory process is underway to repeal some PFAS limitations and delay implementation of others.   Submit a model comment created by Salud America! to tell EPA to maintain protections for safe ...

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5 Important Ways to Celebrate Cancer Survivorship


Cancer Survivorship

May is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time to celebrate and support those who have gone through a cancer journey! Let’s look at five ways to celebrate, honor, and support cancer survivors. 1. Read about Real Latino Cancer Survivors At Salud America!, we’re inspired by personal stories of cancer survivorship. That is why we showcase amazing Salud Heroes like Marielle Santos McLeod, who survived colon cancer and now champions the patient voice through advocacy work. “It allows me the opportunity not only to be a [patient leader], but to also share the importance of why our [involvement in research] matters,” Santos McLeod said. Read more about these Salud Heroes: Read more about these Salud Heroes: Brittney Millard: Helping Patients and Persevering Through ...

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Arnoldo Rodriguez: Surviving Cancer to Advocate for Better Care in South Texas



Arnoldo Rodriguez prides himself in keeping a professional appearance.   Whether it be in his position as an educator, school administrator, executive, or in educational sales, the McAllen, Texas, resident always dressed to impress.   That’s why Arnoldo knew when he put on a crisp suit and the once-clinging fabric hung loosely at his arms, he knew something wasn’t quite right.   Around this time, he would also get excessively tired despite his penchant for exercise.   Everything pointed in one direction, and his swollen lymph nodes confirmed the worst ¾ he had cancer.  Months of unsuccessful lymphoma treatment led him to participate in a clinical trial and it was that decision that led him on the path to patient leadership.   “The clinical trial was my ...

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Honoring Latino and All Military Heroes on Memorial Day


latino military hero rocky versace for memorial day

Memorial Day is May 25, 2026. 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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Get Help Navigating a Blood Cancer Diagnosis with Workbooks


Mother and daughter viewing resources on laptop.

In the United States, 1.8 million people are living with or in remission from a type of blood cancer, either leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), or myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). A blood cancer diagnosis can bring up many worries, emotions, and even confusion. That is why Blood Cancer United is aiming to help people with navigating their diagnosis journey with updated Survivorship Workbooks. Let’s take a look into what these workbooks consist of and how they can help families and communities maneuver cancer diagnoses. download the workbooks! Workbooks Help Blood Cancer Patients Stay Informed Blood Cancer United’s workbooks cover a range of topics related to blood cancer: Care plans Long term and late effects Healthy behavior ...

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


Genentech webinar 2026 - alzheimer's dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease is a rising health issue for Latinos and many others. To ensure support for those affected and their caregivers, join UT Health San Antonio’s 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, will join 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 will discuss the state of Alzheimer’s among Latinos and all people, early signs, early diagnosis, and what the condition ...

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How Can You Promote Healthy Vision Month?


Man taking eye exam.

The month of May is Healthy Vision Month, a time to consider how our vision impacts our overall health and understand the importance of eye health. “When you make healthy lifestyle choices, like eating a balanced diet and staying physically active, you are also protecting your vision. In fact, there are several health conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, that can increase your risk of some eye diseases,” according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). With the help of NEI, let’s prioritize our eyes for Healthy Vision Month. Get an Eye Exam A comprehensive dilated eye exam helps check for eye diseases early on. “Even if your eyes feel healthy, you could have a problem and not know it. That’s because many eye diseases don’t have any symptoms or warning ...

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