City of Pharr Awarded Healthy Brain Initiative Grant to Address Brain Health
City of Pharr Awarded HBI Grant (Pictured L to R):Commissioner Bobby Carrillo, Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero, Commissioner Michael Pacheco, Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, Maxine P. Vieyra, South Texas Alzheimer’s Program Manager, Gregory Sciuto, Region 7 Leader and Executive Director, San Antonio & South Texas, Dr. Cynthia Gutierrez, the Director of Public Health for the City of Pharr, Commissioner Daniel Chavez, and Commissioner Ricardo Medina.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr was selected by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map Strategists. The announcement and grant presentation was made during the City of Pharr’s Commission Meeting on Monday, February 5, 2024.
Maxine P. Vieyra, South Texas Alzheimer’s Program Manager, and Gregory Sciuto, Region 7 Leader and Executive Director, San Antonio & South Texas, presented the grant to the city commission. Dr. Cynthia Gutierrez, the Director of Public Health for the City of Pharr’s newly created Public Health Department accepted the grant on behalf of the city and spoke about the importance of the project and her role in securing the grant. The initiative will allow the City of Pharr to enhance its capacity to address cognitive health and dementia for the citizens of Pharr.
“We are grateful for this amazing opportunity to work closely with our citizens and community to address brain health in our community,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Our goal is to help make a difference and work towards educating, informing, and creating healthy habits for Alzheimer’s awareness,” he added. “It is an honor to be the only city chosen in Texas and we look forward to being a model for our local, regional, and national communities on this project,” continued Hernandez.
Through this initiative, the City of Pharr will designate a part-time HBI Road Map Strategist, a systems change agent working to advance brain health equity. Working in support and coordination with public health partners across the community, the Road Map Strategist will conduct a public health needs assessment, train local officials and key community partners, and lead the implementation of public health action on dementia, guided by strategies from the Healthy Brain Initiative State and Local Road Map for Public, 2023-2028.
“We are proud to partner with the Pharr Department of Health on the Healthy Brain Initiative. Everyone deserves a life with the healthiest brain possible. Together, we take on the important work of increasing public knowledge about brain health, risk factors for dementia, and the benefits of early detection and diagnosis, all while advancing equity in our community,” said Gregory Sciuto, Region 7 Leader and Executive Director, Texas Alzheimer’s Association San Antonio & South Texas.
The City of Pharr was one of ten grantees in the cohort. Other recipients included:
Panhandle Public Health District (Nebraska)
Lamar County Health Department (Georgia)
Oneida County Health Department (Wisconsin)
Waukesha County Public Health (Wisconsin)
Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit (North Dakota)
Northeast Tri County Health District (Washington)
Kitsap Public Health District (Washington)
Clay County Health Department (Illinois)
Davis County Health Department (Utah)
People living with dementia and their family caregivers require support as cognitive, behavioral, and physical functioning changes over time. A strategic public health response is needed to mitigate this impact on all communities, and the addition of the HBI Strategist will help to improve the City of Pharr’s response.
“In 2022, there were more than 1 million unpaid caregivers who provided care to Texans with Alzheimer’s, most of whom were family members,” said Emilie Prot DO MPH, Regional Medical Director, Public Health Region 11 Texas Department of State Health Services. “I want to congratulate the City of Pharr Health Department for their grant award,” she continued. “Their important initiative will bring awareness and educate our community about Alzheimer’s Disease to understand the burden and connect families to resources,” Dr. Prot added.
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing — and growing fast. More than 6 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s.
An estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s in 2023. Seventy-three percent are age 75 or older.
About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older (10.7%) has Alzheimer’s.
Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women.
Older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older Whites.
Older Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older Whites.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr Announces FREE Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremonies with Judge Jerry Muñoz, WED 2/14 @ 2 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024
Pharr, Texas – Love is in the air, it’s time to say “I Do!”. The City of Pharr is delighted to offer FREE wedding ceremonies on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, from 2 pm to 5 pm at the enchanting Pharr ONE French Garden located at 1121 E. Nolana Loop.
Couples looking to tie the knot on this special day are invited to participate in the ceremony officiated by Judge Jerry Muñoz.
To be part of this memorable event, interested couples must obtain a marriage license 72 hours in advance. Marriage licenses can be secured at the Hidalgo County Clerk’s Office, located at 100 N. Closner, Edinburg, TX 78539.
As an added bonus, all couples who participate in the free wedding ceremonies will have the opportunity to showcase their love with a photo on a digital billboard.
Couples can reserve their spot by calling (956) 787-1986.
The public and media are invited to attend ceremonies.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr to Offer FREE Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremonies with Judge Jerry Munoz
WHEN: Wednesday, February 14, 2024 from 2 pm – 5 pm
WHERE: Pharr ONE French Garden (1121 E. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577)
PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Michael L. Martinez
(956) 272-9803 [email protected]
Pharr Police Department Announces Decrease in Pharr Crime Rates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
Pharr, Texas – Chief Juan Gonzalez of the Pharr Police Department announced a reduction in the city’s crime rates based on the Uniform Crime Reporting system. Chief Gonzalez presented statistics outlining the positive trend in crime reduction.
Key Statistics: 2020 Crime Rate: 19.6%
2021 Crime Rate: 18.9%
2022 Crime Rate: 17.9%
Chief Gonzalez emphasized the department’s consistent success in steadily decreasing the crime rate by approximately 1% annually over the last three years. “We are proud to report this positive trend and remain committed to further lowering the crime rate to enhance the safety of our citizens,” stated Chief Gonzalez.
Looking ahead, Chief Gonzalez shared the department’s expectations for 2023, anticipating a continued decrease in crime by 1-2%. Detailed figures for 2023 will be released later this year.
The Pharr Police Department acknowledges the collaborative efforts of law enforcement personnel, community members, and partners in achieving this notable decrease in crime rates.
“Our Pharr PD is dedicated to keeping our citizens and community safe,” Chief Gonzalez affirmed.
Anyone in the City of Pharr can report crime or suspicious activity by calling the Pharr Crime Stopper hotline at (956) 787- 8477, or by using the City of Pharr 311 App.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Karina Lopez
Phone: (956) 402-4332
Email: [email protected]
Pharr EDC to Host Wall Raising Ceremony for Ocotillo Capital Partners TODAY, 1/23 @ 10 am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) will host a Wall Raising Ceremony to celebrate Ocotillo Captial Partners’ newest expansion, Capote Building H. This will now be the eighth building in the Capote International Business Park!
The event will take place at 10 am TODAY, Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 1201 E. Capote Central Ave. in Pharr, Texas.
“We are excited about the opportunity to deliver another building to the Pharr market in conjunction with the Capote International Business Park,” said Nick Dyer, Principal, Ocotillo Capital Partners. “Warehouse space is sorely needed in the Pharr-McAllen market and we hope to be able to fill some of that need,” he continued. “We recognize that cross-border trade is a major part of the growth story of the Rio Grande Valley and we feel privileged to be able to contribute to that growth,” stated Dryer.
This new construction is a Class A Industrial building with an unmatched location adjacent to the Pharr International Bridge (primary commercial crossing for the McAllen MSA). The building will be a 160,000 SF concrete tilt wall building that will be divisible and features will include 36’ clear height, ESFR fire protection, abundant dock doors with pit levelers at each door, a full 180’ wide truck court for trailer storage, and a secured truck court. It is expected to be completed in June 2024.
“With the Pharr International Bridge continuing to be one of the top ports of entry, the demand in the City of Pharr for more facilities like this one continues to increase,” said Victor Perez, Pharr EDC President/CEO. “Developers such as Ocotillo Capital Partners are helping to fill the gap for logistics, cold storage, distribution, and other international trade facilities that are needed,” added Perez. “We are here to facilitate opportunities and provide resources for all interested businesses,” he said.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Wall Raising Ceremony
WHEN: Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 10 am
WHERE: 1201 E. Capote Central Ave., Pharr, Texas 78577
City of Pharr Announces Job Opening for Assistant Bridge Director Position
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is pleased to announce an exciting job opening for the position of Assistant Bridge Director at the Pharr/Reynosa International Bridge.
The Assistant Bridge Director will play a key role in planning, directing, and coordinating administrative tasks and fiscal reporting for the Pharr International Bridge. Responsibilities include overseeing and managing activities related to the bridge’s operations, among others. The City of Pharr is seeking highly qualified and motivated individuals to apply for this leadership position. Applications should include a resume, cover letter, and any relevant supporting documents.
Key Responsibilities:
Assists the Operations Manager and Bridge Director in managing the operations of the Bridge and its properties, coordinating repair and maintenance efforts with other City departments and external sources.
Collaborates with the Operations Manager to approve work schedules and substitutes as required.
Provides support to the Operations Manager in overseeing the supervision of cashiers, toll collectors, and maintenance personnel.
Works alongside the Bridge Director in preparing agenda items for Bridge Board meetings, and other meetings, as assigned.
Additional duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in personnel management, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent qualifications.
Two (2) to three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in the Human Resources field.
Comparable training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
Hold a current valid class “C” driver’s license from the Texas Department of Public Safety with a satisfactory driving record.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.
About the Pharr International Bridge
The Pharr International Bridge serves as one of the most important ports of entry for the U.S.-Mexico border. It handles both commercial and passenger operated vehicles, and crosses about a hundred and seventy-five thousand vehicles a month. The Pharr Bridge is also the only full-service commercial crossing in Hidalgo County and is the number one produce crossing in the nation. Pharr ranks 3rd in the nation for trade with Mexico, behind only Laredo and El Paso, and currently ranks as the 7th largest border crossing in the U.S. in terms of value for imports and exports.
Pharr Celebrates 2024 State of the City Address Themed: “IMPACT”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr held its annual State of the City Address themed “IMPACT” on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the Pharr Events Center.
The Master of Ceremonies and Keynote Speaker was Dr. Milton Louis Gonzalez, a distinguished educator, TEDx presenter, and multi-talented professional, serving as a podcaster, life coach, psychotherapist, and an international motivational teacher affiliated with the esteemed John C. Maxwell team.
This year’s theme, “IMPACT,” highlighted Pharr’s incredible commitment and the great strides the city has made over the past few years to make a lasting impact of change for citizens and the community.
“Sometimes, we may not see nor understand the Big picture, but each action we take is making a significant impact in contributing to making an improvement in the lives of our Pharr families, who we hold at the core of every decision we make,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. in his opening remarks. “Let us ask ourselves what is the impact we are making, and what is the legacy that we leave behind,” he added.
Mayor Hernandez proudly announced that the state of the City of Pharr is meaningful, intentional, and making a significant impact on Pharr families and our future.
He began his address by highlighting some of the major long-term, multi-year projects the city has taken on including transportation, the Pharr Bridge Expansion, Pharr Connect, drainage, Pharr EMS, the Baldrige Award, quality of life, educational partnerships, and workforce/business opportunities.
While reflecting on and discussing the great strides of success the city had in 2023, Mayor Hernandez covered topics including international trade and commerce, the Pharr International Bridge, strategic partnerships, the Pharr EDC Foundation, transportation, financial growth, public safety initiatives, educational collaborations, advancements and partnerships in health, legislative efforts, transportation expansions, drainage improvements, city services, city events, and infrastructure developments.
Continuing tradition, Hernandez ended his address by awarding the “Mayor Leo “Polo” Palacios Service Award,” bestowed annually on an individual who embodies the spirit of the award’s namesake. This year’s recipient was Felix Chavez, Jr., the owner of Junior’s Supermarket, which has been in business in Pharr for over 43 years.
Each year, the City of Pharr donates excess funds raised from the State of the City event funded by sponsor donations to nonprofit or community organizations that are working to improve conditions and the quality of life of families in Pharr and the surrounding areas.
Mayor Hernandez presented two local nonprofit organizations each with a $5,000 donation. The Capable Kids Foundation and the Pharr American Legion Post #101 were recognized.
The event concluded with the final award—the Team Pharr Award, which was presented to the Office of Strategic Excellence (OSE) led by OSE Director Melanie Cano, a small, three-person team that works toward enhancing city operations and efficiency. Under its leadership, the City of Pharr earned the prestigious Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence.
Mayor Hernandez concluded his address by stating, ” It is up to us to do our part to leave the world a little better than we found it, to make an IMPACT with the gifts, talents, and opportunities which we have been blessed.” He added, “So, I leave you with this question – what is the IMPACT you are making today, and what is YOUR legacy that you’ll leave behind?”
