Paso del Norte Health Foundation

Logo Paso del Norte Health Foundation

Paso del Norte Health Foundation is a prominent non-profit organization based in the Paso del Norte region, which encompasses parts of West Texas, Southern New Mexico, and Northern Mexico. Established with the mission to improve the health and wellness of the people living in this tri-state area, the foundation plays a critical role in addressing public health challenges and promoting healthy lifestyles through various initiatives, programs, and partnerships.

History

The foundation was created through the sale of Providence Memorial Hospital to Tenet Healthcare Corporation in 1995. This transformative event in the region's healthcare landscape led to the establishment of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, which has since become one of the largest foundations in the area dedicated to health promotion and disease prevention.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation is to lead, leverage, and invest in initiatives, programs, and policies that promote health and prevent diseases in the Paso del Norte region. Its vision is to ensure that the people in this region have the knowledge, resources, and environment needed to live healthy lives.

Programs and Initiatives

The foundation focuses on several key areas to achieve its mission:

• Healthy Eating and Active Living: Programs under this category aim to reduce obesity and promote physical activity and nutrition among the population.
• Tobacco and Alcohol Prevention: Initiatives focus on reducing tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, particularly among youth.
• Mental Health and Emotional Well-being: Efforts are made to improve access to mental health services and to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
• Healthy Kids: Programs are designed to ensure children have access to healthy food, opportunities for physical activity, and safe environments to grow and thrive.

Partnerships

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation collaborates with a wide range of partners, including local governments, educational institutions, non-profits, and healthcare providers, to amplify its impact. These partnerships are crucial for implementing comprehensive health programs and policies across the region.

Impact

Over the years, the foundation has made significant contributions to improving public health in the Paso del Norte region. Through its funding and initiatives, it has supported community-based health promotion, disease prevention programs, and research on health issues affecting the local population.

Challenges and Opportunities

The Paso del Norte region faces unique health challenges due to its binational, bicultural, and bilingual characteristics. Addressing health disparities, improving access to care, and promoting health equity remain critical areas of focus for the foundation. The foundation views these challenges as opportunities to innovate and strengthen cross-border collaborations for a healthier region.

See Also

• Public Health
• Non-profit Organizations
• Health Promotion
• Disease Prevention