Everything Sister Norma Pimentel said at WGU/AltaCair health equity conference

MISSION, Texas – An in-depth discussion on healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley took place at a recent conference hosted jointly by Western Governors University and AltaCair.The WGU/AltaCair event was titled “Accelerator 2023 RGV Health Equity Conference.” It was held at Mission Event Center. In their program notes, WGU/AltaCair explained why they hosted the conference.“The RGV region has 24.7 percent of familiars living below the poverty level, nearly triple the percentage for the United States, according to the RGV Health Connect Organization. The population struggle with diabetes, obesity, and cervical cancer among other health issues. “The Rio Grande Regional Hospital states that an estimated 76,000 people in the region have diabetes. The COVID-19 pandemic further augmented the challenges of RGV with economic depressions and heightened inequities. The four RGV counties – Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron counties – are among the poorest counties in the nation and access to healthcare is unaffordable for many residents.”One of the speakers at the conference was Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities RGV. Here is an audio recording of her remarks.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.