by media | Feb 18, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr to Hold Vaccination Clinic for Adult Daycare Clients TOMORROW, Friday 2/19 @ 9 am
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and Hidalgo County Precinct 2 are partnering up to vaccinate clients from adult daycare centers located throughout the city. Over 850 vaccines will be administered at 9 am TOMORROW, Friday, February 19 at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd.) to individuals who have already pre-registered. This will be a closed point of distribution event.
“Our city and county leaders are working together to ensure that our elderly, who are most at-risk, have the opportunity to receive the coronavirus vaccination,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez. “The City of Pharr is proud to partner with Hidalgo County Precinct 2 and Commissioner Cantu to continue addressing this important population in our community,” added Hernandez.
Mayor Hernandez and Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Eddie Cantu will hold a small press conference at 9 am sharp.
“Vaccinating our elderly population is our top priority right now for three reasons: (1) They are our most vulnerable; (2) Statistics show that they are most likely to die if infected; and (3) The elderly often get admitted into the hospital, which affects all of us,” said Commissioner Cantu. “If we can successfully vaccinate our elderly, death and hospital rates should drop by up to 80%,” he added.
We advise all media to arrive early to set up. Should you need more information regarding the event, please contact Michelle Lopez, Pharr Chief Communications Officer via email at [email protected].
All media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr to Hold Vaccination Clinic for Adult Daycare Clients
WHEN: Friday, February 19, 2021, at 9:00 am
WHERE: Pharr Event Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd. Pharr, TX. 78577)
by media | Feb 18, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr and Vanguard Academy to Open Warming Shelter on THURSDAY, 2/18 at 7 pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is once again partnering with Vanguard Academy to open a Warming Shelter ahead of the inclement winter weather forecasted for this evening.
The shelter, located at the Vanguard Academy Gymnasium (1200 E. Kelly Ave.) in Pharr will open at 7 pm TONIGHT, Thursday, February 18, and will close at 10 am on Friday, February 19, 2021.
“While we are relieved to hear that ERCOT has authorized AEP Texas to restore power, we know that the process will take a while and encourage anyone in the city who is still without power to stay overnight at our warming shelter,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Temperatures are expected to drop and we want everyone to remain safe, healthy, and warm,” he added.
The City of Pharr will provide a cot to sleep. Those seeking shelter are encouraged to bring blankets, pillows, food/snacks, and any prescription medication they need. Pets are not allowed. Face masks are required. Space is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place including screening for guests, temperature checks, expanded space to allow physical distancing, hygiene access, and increased sanitation guidelines.
While the restoration of electric services throughout the state is underway and Pharr citizens are expected to have their electrical service back soon, the city is asking those families without power or those in need of a warm place to make plans to stay at the shelter as temperatures are expected to drop this evening.
“We understand this has been a difficult situation for many in our community and we are glad to hear that services are being restored,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “At this moment, we join AEP Texas in asking that citizens who remain without power turn off electric systems to allow for a smooth transition as the grid is restored and those with power to practice energy conservation to help prevent new outages,” added Hernandez.
AEP Texas also reminds all customers to unplug any electronic devices from the wall such as computers and televisions. Once power is restored, you should switch the devices back on gradually over the following 30-to-45 minutes. Taking this step will help prevent new outages as service is restored in your area.
The City of Pharr urges all citizens to continue conserving energy as crews work to restore the system and to stay safe as extreme winter weather is expected to drops temperatures this evening.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr and Vanguard Academy to Open Warming Shelter
WHEN: February 18 at 7 pm through Friday, February 19 at 10 am
WHERE: Vanguard Academy Gymnasium (1200 E. Kelly Ave. Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Feb 17, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Update on the Mental Health Unit and Special Response Team Call Out for Person in Crisis
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Police Department provides this update regarding the Mental Health Unit and Special Response Team that responded to a crisis earlier today:
At 7:44 a.m., Pharr PD received a call regarding a disturbance at the 900 block of E. Lucas Street. Responding Officer found a 38-year-old male standing in the front doorway carrying a rifle. The subject proceeded to aim the weapon in the direction of the Responding Officer and fired at least once. The Officer retreated and was not injured. Further investigation revealed the Responding Officer’s squad car was struck in the radiator in the front of the vehicle. The subject’s wife was outside of the house when this occurred and was not injured. The subject then barricaded himself inside of his house.
The Pharr PD quickly responded with our Special Response Team (SRT), Negotiators, and the Criminal Investigations Unit. When officers learned the subject may be experiencing a major life crisis, our Mental Health Unit (MHU) responded to assist as well.
Our MHU officer, who is also a trained negotiator, was able to communicate with the subject for over 2 hours. It became evident the subject was in fact having an emotional and mental crisis so the MHU Officer continued to maintain the open line of communication. During the time the subject was barricaded, he fired a weapon, later discovered to be a shotgun, inside of his home multiple times causing only property damage.
At one point the MHU Officer gained enough of the subject’s confidence to agree to come outside on his own. Our SRT team tactically engaged the subject at the front of his home. When the subjected began to retreat inside of his home, a member of the SRT Team fired a less than lethal weapon striking the subject in his leg. When a can of tear gas spray was thrown into the home, the subject exited the home where he was apprehended without further incident. The subject was treated and transported for further evaluation.
It is important to note that the intent of the Pharr PD, with the creation of the MHU, is to first provide anyone in crisis the appropriate help and resources they need. An investigation is still ongoing and criminal charges are pending. Another vital part of our MHU is to work with and assist the Hidalgo County’s District Attorney’s Office to help identify defendants with mental health issues in order to properly prosecute and help provide mental health treatment and resources as needed.
“I am grateful that today’s dangerous situation resulted in a peaceful outcome where there were no serious injuries to any officers, the subject, or any citizens. Our Pharr police officers responded quickly and their professionalism was displayed and had a positive outcome,” said Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey.
*Due to the sensitive medical nature of the call and subject, the name will not be released at this time.
by media | Feb 12, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr to Open Shelter in Response to Inclement Weather beginning TONIGHT, Friday, 2/12 at 7 pm
Pharr, Texas – In response to cold temperatures and expected freezing weather forecast for later this weekend into early next week, the City of Pharr is opening a severe weather shelter.
The shelter will open beginning at 7 pm TONIGHT, Friday, February 12, and will remain open through 10 am on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at the Vanguard Academy Gymnasium located at 1200 E Kelly Ave, Pharr, TX 78577.
“The City of Pharr is proud to partner with Vanguard Academy to provide our citizens in need with a warm shelter during these extreme temperatures,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We want to make sure that everyone who needs a warm and safe place to stay makes their way to our shelter,” he added. “Please make sure to plan accordingly as there is limited capacity,” continued Hernandez.
The City of Pharr will provide a cot to sleep. Those seeking shelter are encouraged to bring blankets, pillows, food/snacks, and any prescription medication they need. Pets are not allowed. Face masks are required. Space is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The temporary shelter spaces will meet COVID-19 safety protocols which call for COVID-19 screening for guests, temperature checks, expanded space to allow physical distancing, hygiene access and increased sanitation guidelines.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr to Open Shelter for those in need in Response to Forecasted Cold Weather
WHEN: TODAY, Friday, February 12, 2021, beginning at 7 pm through 10 am on Tuesday, February 16, 2021
WHERE: Vanguard Academy Gymnasium (1200 E Kelly Ave, Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Feb 12, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr Launches “Operation Senior Care” to Administer COVID-19 Vaccines at Homes Throughout the City TOMORROW, Saturday, 2/13 from 8 am to 4 pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr will launch “Operation Senior Care,” an event focused on administering COVID-19 vaccines directly to seniors at their homes. The vaccine recipients are individuals who are homebound, bedridden, not physically able to go to a vaccination clinic, and who have previously registered with the city. The event will be held between 8 am and 4 pm TOMORROW, Saturday, February 13, 2021.
Media interested in attending and covering the vaccine distribution must meet at 7 am at the Pharr Events Center (details below).
“Our senior citizens are the most vulnerable in our population and we understand that it can be difficult for them to attend a vaccination clinic,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “As a medical professional, they are one of our greatest concerns and I am glad that our City Commission, administration, and employees are all working together to lead the charge to ensure that our seniors are able to get the vaccine from the comfort of their homes,” added Hernandez.
City of Pharr EMT trained staff will be administering the vaccines, and includes firefighters, police, and emergency communications personnel. They will visit homes throughout the city and will provide 200 vaccines to members of the community who have already pre-registered and have a home visit appointment scheduled. The vaccines have been transferred from Doctors Hospital at Renaissance to the City of Pharr, which was approved this week as a vaccine provider.
“This is a major operation and the first of its kind to be launched in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Commissioner Caballero. “We are proud to partner with DHR, our EMTs, and City of Pharr employees to ensure that local senior citizens get the COVID-19 vaccine,” he added. “As a doctor caring for one of our most vulnerable populations, I know how important an opportunity like this is for our elderly who cannot physically attend a clinic,” he continued. “The City of Pharr will continue to work to effectively, efficiently, and expediently to make the vaccine available in our community,” stated Caballero.
Mayor Hernandez and Commissioner Ramiro Caballero, M.D. will also join the citywide operation as it takes place throughout the day.
Media interested in attending the event to follow operations and capture footage must plan to meet at The Pharr Events Center at 7 am with Daniel Ramirez, Pharr Communications Director. For more information, contact Mr. Ramirez at (956) 249-7183.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr Launches “Operation Senior Care” to Administer COVID-19 Vaccines at Homes Throughout Pharr
WHEN: Saturday, February 13, 2021, from 8 am to 4 pm
WHERE: Residences throughout Pharr
by media | Feb 10, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr Approved as Vaccine Provider
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr received exciting news today as it was approved by the State of Texas as the first city in Hidalgo County to become a COVID-19 vaccine provider. As a vaccine recipient from the Federal government, the State of Texas may distribute vaccines directly to the city. Additional Hidalgo County Hub providers like UTRGV, Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, and Hidalgo County Health Department can now transfer vaccines directly to the City of Pharr for dissemination.
The city went through a thorough application and review process with the Texas Immunization Registry (IMMTRAC2). Pharr had to purchase a refrigerator to store the vaccines at the required temperature as well as a data logger to track the daily temperatures to ensure the integrity of the vaccine storage. A total of approximately $5,000 was spent on the equipment, in addition to the cost of overtime training for staff.
“With two medical professionals on our city commission, and with the support of the entire city leadership, we are constantly researching opportunities to do everything we can to ensure that our community’s health and safety remain at the forefront of every decision we make as we respond to this pandemic,” said Pharr Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero.
“Pharr continues to innovate in ways that will serve our residents and support the health and safety of our community, and we are proud to now be able to provide this service,” Caballero continued.
Currently, Pharr is the ONLY city in Hidalgo County approved by IMMTRAC2 as a vaccine provider.
Details regarding distribution events will be released to the media and the public as they become available.
