EAGLE PASS, Texas — September is recognized as Life Insurance Awareness Month, and local State Farm Insurance Agent Stephany Valdez is using the occasion to remind families that life insurance is about more than simply purchasing a policy. Valdez said the larger purpose is protecting loved ones and helping provide financial stability when families may need it most. “Life insurance is about more than a policy. It is about protecting the people we love and providing financial s

EAGLE PASS, Texas — For several days this September, purple appeared across Eagle Pass — on businesses, posters, bracelets and throughout the community. But behind the color was a message far more important: No one should have to face life’s most difficult moments alone. The Eagle Pass Support Hub brought residents together for a community-wide suicide prevention initiative that transformed awareness into conversation, connection and action. The effort included Paint the Town

By Elias Diaz, LMFT Long before someone asks for help, we have already taught them something about what will happen when they do. A child learns it when their tears are met with patience or ridicule. A man learns it when admitting he is overwhelmed changes the way others see him. A survivor learns it when telling the truth about violence is met with support or questions about what they did to deserve it. These everyday responses can shape whether someone feels safe enough to

Maverick County Hospital District physicians are now providing robotic-assisted surgery using the new da Vinci Xi Surgical System, marking a major collaboration to expand advanced surgical care along the border. EAGLE PASS, Texas — A new era of surgical care is beginning in Maverick County as the Maverick County Hospital District launches a robotic-assisted surgery program in collaboration with Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center. The new service provided by MCHD physicians D

Procedure led by Dr. Samantha Bernal marks the official beginning of robotically assisted surgical care in Eagle Pass. EAGLE PASS, Texas — Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center successfully completed its first robotically assisted surgery Monday using the recently acquired da Vinci Xi surgical system. Dr. Samantha Bernal led the medical team that performed the inaugural procedure, introducing the advanced surgical platform to patients in Eagle Pass and surrounding communities.

Maverick County’s first independent-living shelter for domestic violence survivors is complete and will officially open Oct. 1, marking the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a major new resource for local families. EAGLE PASS, Texas — A new chapter in support for domestic violence survivors is about to begin in Maverick County. Manos Unidas has completed its new Independent Living Program and will officially open the confidential shelter on Oct. 1, intentionally

Sobre la autora: Valeria B. Wheeler es abogada mexicana, madre de tres hijos, esposa del editor de Stay Healthy, y Directora Ejecutiva de Mission: Border Hope, donde encabeza iniciativas humanitarias y alianzas comunitarias en apoyo a familias de la región fronteriza. Su hija Vivecca, diagnosticada con Síndrome de Williams, ha fortalecido su vocación por la defensa y el bienestar de los niños, brindándole una perspectiva personal sobre el desarrollo infantil, la atención espe

New recommendations focus on practical, realistic changes — from eating more fruits and vegetables to choosing whole grains, healthy proteins and water over sugary drinks. AUSTIN, Texas — Texans now have a new set of nutrition recommendations designed specifically with the state’s families in mind. The Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee has released the first nutritional guidelines created by Texans for Texans, offering practical steps residents can use to improve their healt

From depression and anxiety to grief, trauma, substance use and suicidal thoughts, United Medical Centers is connecting local families with licensed mental health professionals close to home. EAGLE PASS, Texas — Asking “How are you today?” can be a simple question — but for someone struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma or thoughts of suicide, it can also open the door to getting help. As communities place greater attention on mental health and suicide prevention, United

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and with the 2026–2027 school year now underway, families are encouraged to make sure children — and adults — are up to date on recommended vaccines. EAGLE PASS, Texas — August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month, a timely reminder of the important role vaccines play in protecting children, adults and entire communities from preventable diseases. The message carries added importance as the 2026–2027 school ye

By Elias Diaz, LMFT Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | Certified Clinical Trauma Professional | Co-founder, Eagle Pass Public Health Coalition About the Author: Elias Díaz, LMFT, is an Eagle Pass native and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 10 years of clinical experience. He specializes in depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic illness and relationship issues and has helped lead community initiatives aimed at expanding access to mental and behavioral he

Life insurance can help provide financial protection for the people who depend on you. In Eagle Pass, State Farm agent Stephany Valdez is ready to help local families understand their options and find coverage that fits their needs. EAGLE PASS, Texas — We insure our homes, vehicles and businesses, but protecting our family’s financial future can be just as important. Life insurance is designed to provide financial support to beneficiaries after the death of a loved one. Depen

Maverick County Hospital District welcomes dermatologist Dr. Elbert Marion Belk, expanding access to specialized care for patients in Eagle Pass and reducing the need to travel outside the community. EAGLE PASS, Texas — Healthy skin is an important part of overall health, and access to a dermatologist can make a major difference in identifying and treating skin conditions before they become more serious. The Maverick County Hospital District (MCHD) recently welcomed Dr. Elber

Smartphones, computers and tablets have become part of everyday life, but hours spent staring at screens can leave eyes dry, tired and uncomfortable — making regular eye care increasingly important. From checking a cellphone first thing in the morning to working on computers, completing school assignments and watching television at night, many people now spend a significant portion of their day looking at digital screens. That increased screen time is placing new demands on o

Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a High Performing Hospital for Diabetes, giving local patients another reason to choose quality care close to home. EAGLE PASS, Texas — Patients living with diabetes no longer have to look far for high-quality care. Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a High Performing Hospital for Diabetes, highlighting the level of care available right he

August is National Breastfeeding Month, and United Medical Centers is helping local mothers and families access breastfeeding education, nutrition services and support through its WIC program. EAGLE PASS, Texas — United Medical Centers’ WIC Program recently celebrated World Breastfeeding Week with a special community event recognizing mothers, infants and families while highlighting the importance of breastfeeding support. Under the direction of Manrique Fuentes, the UMC WIC

Under the leadership of Yaraida Alexander, Manos Unidas continues expanding services for the community with a new facility providing domestic violence survivors safety, stability and a path toward independence. EAGLE PASS, Texas — Manos Unidas, in partnership with the City of Eagle Pass, is preparing to celebrate a major milestone for the community with the opening of what the organization describes as Maverick County’s first Independent Living Shelter for survivors of domest

Memorial Funeral Chapels in Eagle Pass and Funerales Socorro in Piedras Negras help families plan ahead, make their wishes known and reduce difficult decisions for loved ones in the future. EAGLE PASS, Texas — Planning ahead for funeral arrangements is not about expecting the worst. For many families, it is about making thoughtful decisions today so loved ones have fewer worries tomorrow. Preplanning allows individuals to make their wishes known in advance, including preferen