by media | Sep 13, 2021 | Media Releases, News
Pharr to Provide Sandbags to Residents TOMORROW, 9/12
The City of Pharr will be providing self-serve sandbags to residents in anticipation of inclement weather expected tomorrow through next week.
The sandbags will be distributed tomorrow, Sunday, September 12, beginning at 9 am until 6 pm. Residents must provide proof they are Pharr residents. Bags will be provided; residents must bag their own bags and are encouraged to bring their own shovels.
There is a limit of six (6) sandbags per household and twelve (12) sandbags per business.
Sandbags will be distributed at two locations:
Development and Research Center (850 W. Dicker Rd.)
Pharr EMS Headquarters (3000 N. Cage Blvd.)
by media | Sep 9, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
Pharr Responds to Gas Leak in South Pharr
The City of Pharr responded to an emergency 9-1-1 call reporting a major gas leak at 12:22 pm today, Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Pharr Fire and Hazmat crews were immediately deployed to the area of 200 E. Las Milpas Rd.
Officials determined that the gas leak posed no danger or threat to residents, and crews from Texas Gas are currently repairing the leak onsite; repairs are expected to take a few more hours.
The City of Pharr urges residents to exercise caution and patience and avoid the area if possible, as northbound and southbound traffic on S. Cage Rd. between Dicker Rd. and Anaya Rd. has been reduced to one lane.
by media | Sep 3, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
City of Pharr and UTRGV Celebrate Signing Ceremony for New School of Nursing Facility in Pharr
The City of Pharr and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley held a Signing Ceremony on Thursday, September 2, 2021, to celebrate the UTRGV School of Nursing facility expansion in Pharr. This project will increase access to healthcare in the area while helping to address nursing shortages in the region.
The new facility will be constructed in Pharr as part of a U.S. Department of Commerce $2 million grant from CARES Acts funding. The project’s goal is to address nursing shortages in the Valley and prepare it for COVID-19 response.
“The City of Pharr is extremely proud to partner with UTRGV to educate and train the future nursing workforce in our region,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “As a physician myself, I understand the need we have for nurses and as a Mayor, I am proud that this facility will be located here in Pharr, where access to UTRGV and all our regional hospitals are closely situated,” he added.
UTRGV’s School of Nursing continues to expand in Pharr and this is yet another example of the working partnership between the two entities. In 2019, the City of Pharr, PSJA ISD, and UTRGV broke ground on a natatorium. UTRGV plans to construct a sports medicine institute adjacent to the new facility in Pharr. The new building will give medical students the opportunity to practice, learn and work with the community to provide sports medicine therapy and care.
UTRGV President Guy Bailey said this collaboration with the City of Pharr is an important step in growing the School of Nursing and providing education opportunities for the Valley.
“We are grateful to the City of Pharr for its generosity and thank Mayor Hernandez for his support of the UTRGV School of Nursing,” Bailey said. “Together, we can help attract and retain the best and the brightest students as we further expand the Valley’s healthcare services.”
The federal funding for the state-of-the-art facility will be matched with $24 million in local investment, and the project is expected to create 750 jobs and $30 million in private investment, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The ceremony was attended by City of Pharr officials, special guests from the UTRGV School of Nursing, The University of Texas System Regent Nolan Perez, M.D., Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Vice Chair Dr. Fred Farias, State Representative Sergio Munoz, Jr., State Representative Terry Canales, representatives from Region One Education Service Center and PSJA ISD, Hidalgo County officials, UTRGV School of Nursing faculty and students, and other notable guests.
To view video of the Signing Ceremony, visit https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr/videos/1382329972162280.
by media | Sep 1, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
City of Pharr to Host Signing Ceremony Celebrating UTRGV School of Nursing Expansion in Pharr on Thursday, 9/2 @ 1:30 pm
The City of Pharr is proud to announce that it will be hosting a Signing Ceremony celebrating the UTRGV School of Nursing Facility expansion in Pharr. The ceremony will take place at 1:30 pm on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at 2800 N. Cage Boulevard (next to the Pharr EMS Headquarters). The event will be live-streamed on the city’s Facebook Page (@CityofPharr) and on the City of Pharr’s YouTube channel.
“This is a moment of great celebration in the City of Pharr as we continue to expand educational and workforce opportunities in our community while partnering with UTRGV to educate and train the future nursing workforce for our region,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This facility will serve as a catalyst to grow our nursing profession in the region and we are thrilled to see it become reality,” he added.
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced the $2 million grant in May stating the CARES Acts fund would go toward building The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Nursing. Special guests expected at the event include Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and members of the Pharr City Commission; UTRGV President Dr. Guy Bailey and leaders from the UTRGV School of Nursing; state and local officials; and other notable guests.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Signing Ceremony Celebrating UTRGV School of Nursing Expansion in Pharr
WHEN: Thursday, September 2, 2021, at 1:30 pm
WHERE: 2800 N. Cage Boulevard, Pharr, TX 78577 (next to the Pharr EMS Headquarters)
by media | Aug 30, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
Pharr EDC and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce to Host The Hub Job Fair on Wednesday, September 1st from 9 am to 1 pm at the Pepe Salinas Civic Center
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation in partnership with The Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, and Workforce Solutions will host a job fair featuring over 40 employers. The Hub Job Fair will take place from 9 am to 1 pm on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at the Pepe Salinas Civic Center (1011 W. Kelly Ave) in Pharr. There is NO FEE or registration required to attend.
“The Pharr EDC is proud to work together with our local employers, and partners at Workforce Solutions to host this event as we aim to keep our workforce growing,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “With over 40 employers looking to fill positions in their businesses, there will be many opportunities for employment,” he added.
Employers in the areas of healthcare, government, education, construction, oil field, transportation, retail, customer service, restaurant chains, and more will be available to answer any questions, accept job applications, and conduct on-site interviews. The event is FREE and pre-registration is not required to attend. Applicants are reminded to come prepared with resumes and other documents necessary to apply.
All media and the public are invited to attend. Masks are recommended.
DETAILS
WHAT: The Hub Job Fair
WHEN: Wednesday, September 1, 2021, from 9 am – 1 pm
WHERE: Pepe Salinas Civic Center (1011 W. Kelly Ave., Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Aug 24, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
Pharr Mayor Hernandez, CPRIT Oversight Committee Member, Announces $2.5 Million Cancer Research Grant to UTRGV
In his capacity representing Pharr, the Rio Grande Valley, and the medical community of Texas, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., as a member of the Oversight Committee of the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), is proud to announce that CPRIT has awarded funding in the amount of $2.5 million to The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) for an Integrated Cancer Research Core Facility, the only specialized facility of its kind within 250 miles.
“This is very exciting news for the Rio Grande Valley and Texas,” said Hernandez. “This grant award further solidifies UTRGV’s fairly young medical school’s significant and emerging role as a leader in cancer research, and will provide researchers with countless opportunities for innovation and creativity to examine cutting-edge and breakthrough treatments for cancer patients,” Hernandez continued.
“As a community, we value the medical advancements that are being made here in our backyard, that are studying medical issues specific to our local demographics and informing the greater medical community-at-large,” Hernandez added. “I am honored to be contributing to the significance of this moment as a member of CPRIT’s oversight committee, as a medical professional, and as a leader in our South Texas community,” said Hernandez. “Many lives will be impacted by the medical research at this Integrated Research facility, and we should all be proud of UTRGV on this notable accomplishment and for being competitive among the most reputable medical schools in all areas of medical research,” Hernandez added.
According to CPRIT, the grant award process is “extremely competitive,” explained Wayne Roberts, CPRIT’s Chief Executive Officer. Roberts added, “Receiving such a significant grant as a new institution is a tribute to the UT Rio Grande Valley’s developing role in fast-tracking cancer research in the Valley and Texas.”
This grant award from CPRIT is timely, as UTRGV has just announced the creation of its new Cancer and Surgery Center, with oncology advisory services provided by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, according to a news release issued by the university yesterday. The Integrated Cancer Research Core Facility funded by CPRIT will likely inform and work alongside the new Cancer and Surgery Center as it advances cutting-edge research and clinical treatment services.
“UTRGV is committed to expanding medical care and conducting relevant research for the Rio Grande Valley community, and this CPRIT award will allow us to continue to fulfill our mission by helping us create an Integrated Cancer Research Core Facility,” UTRGV President Guy Bailey said. “I thank Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and the City of Pharr for their continued support of UTRGV and our School of Medicine, and everyone who helped our university obtain this impactful grant,” added Bailey.
“I knew in 2007, when I first coauthored legislation creating the CPRIT, that it would have a huge impact on our state,” said Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. “CPRIT’s grant confirms the prestige and impact that UTRGV has in our community,” added Lucio. “Not only is UTRGV a powerhouse for South Texas, but it will also now be known as a powerhouse for cancer research, further enabling those in our community, state, and nation to seek and receive the care and the much-needed help they deserve,” Lucio stated.
“I am pleased CPRIT made this award to UTRGV,” said Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. “Our legislative delegation has been meeting with CPRIT leadership advocating for financial support to expand our cancer treatment infrastructure in South Texas,” he added. “An important step in our efforts included the appointment of Dr. Hernandez to the CPRIT Board,” stated Hinojosa. “He understands the needs of our communities and is a strong voice for our region,” he continued. “Working together, we will ensure that Valley residents with cancer have access to top-notch researchers, facilities, and doctors available to them during their battle,” added Hinojosa.
Hernandez was appointed to the CPRIT’s Oversight Committee in February 2020 by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
“I am honored to serve and represent our community and Texas as a member of CPRIT’s Oversight Committee, and I want to acknowledge and thank State Senators Eddie Lucio, Jr., and Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa for believing in me and for their support in promoting my appointment,” Hernandez said. “Together, and along with CPRIT and now UTRGV, we are advancing scientific knowledge and contributing to life-saving prevention and treatment services for cancer patients,” Hernandez ended.
COURTESY FORWARD
View the full text of CPRIT’s grant announcement at:
https://www.cprit.state.tx.us/news-events/articles/cancer-prevention-research-institute-of-texas-awards-25-million-to-ut-rio-grande-valley/
