Local Ag Group Plans Educational Diabetes Programs

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Starr county residents have a far higher risk of developing diabetes than the general population in the United States.  Research show that over 50% of individuals over 35 years old are directly affected by diabetes or are a first degree relative of a diabetic.

The diabetes task force established by Texas AgriLife Extension Service works towards planning educational program that help residents gain knowledge,  on how to prevent or manage diabetes.  The task force works at identifying resources that can be channeled into the county to assist residents.

On December 8th the task force met to review the results of the 6 week pilot project “Yo Puedo Controlar Mi Diabetes” conducted in the spring of 2010.  The curriculum includes 6 novelas filmed in Starr county,.

Plans are underway for 2011 and further training opportunities for facilitators of the Yo Puedo curriculum.

Diabetes Task Force Meeting

(Seated Right to Left)
Emiliana Guerra – Dietitian Rio Grande City CISD
Dora Garza – Texas Dept of State Health Services
Priscilla Martinez – Colonias Unidas
Yolanda Morado – County Extension Agent-FCS

Not shown are:
Hilda Guerra – UT Health Science Studies
Diana Solis – School Nurse Rio Grande City CISD
Sylvia Garza – Texas Dept of Health