Border Health Policy
Promotora Certification: The Office of Border Health and its staff have participated for nearly ten years in promoting the role of the community health worker (promotora) in community health education and health care intervention. The office has produced numerous articles on the topic. Staff members have made many presentations at local, statewide and national meetings on the subject. They have participated in policy meetings designed to develop specific recommendations. The Office has had representation on two committees of the Texas Department of Health that have developed guidelines and procedures for the certification of community health workers.
Medical Education on the Border: The Office is an integral part of the planning activities for a new Texas Tech four-year medical school to be located on the Border in El Paso. This effort has involved the development of strategic initiatives, curriculum planning, and cost analyses. The goal is to admit a first class of students drawn heavily from the Border within the next three years.