The funds will be used to create a new water source for the corporation in the form of a groundwater well and a corresponding ground water treatment unit.
Currently the Corporation is limited to one source of water through their water rights for 476 acre-feet from the river per
year and must lease additional water to meet demands. With a new source of water, it should drastically decrease the need to lease additional water from other providers and create a dependable water source for the corporation, addressing the needs especially when going through drought conditions.
The UWSC Board of Directors would like to thank the Honorable Congressman Henry Cuellar, for assisting them in acquiring this funding. They would also like to thank Starr County Precinct 3 Commissioner Eloy Garza for his unwavering support of
They express their gratitude towards Engineer Isaac Hacuija for his vital work on this project. They would also like to convey their appreciation of their General Manager, Jorge Bazan and all the UWSC staff for their commitment to excellence in the daily service of all their members.
The UWSC’s Board of Directors expressed they look forward to continuing to work together for the betterment of the community.
ISD is extremely excited to welcome 38 new teachers to the The Gladiator Nation Family. The teachers attended the district’s New Teacher Orientation to meet the Roma ISD Administration, go through some trainings,
community on the first day of school, August 12th. Join us in welcoming them to their new home at Roma ISD, and encourage them in this important work!
They did an amazing job representing Starr County, District 12 4-H, and the great state of TEXAS!! So proud of our talented chefs, their County Extension Agent, Neida Martinez, and their parents for such an incredible achievement! Special thanks to all the sponsors & donors for supporting our Starr County 4-H youth! Congratulations to Starr County’s Vaquero Chefs National CHAMPIONS at the Great American Seafood Cookoff
Kudos to these young student athletes from Delia G. Garcia Elementary School who placed at the 2024 T.A.A.F State Track & Field Meet in Brownsville, TX!
David Flores earned 7th Place overall in the 50 Meter Dash and 14th Place overall in the 100 Meter Dash at State in the 6U Boys Division. Emma Lopez earned 21st Place overall in the 50 Meter Dash at State in the 8U Girls Division. Way to go Warriors!
Career and Technical Education
Annual Public Notification of Nondiscrimination
RGCGISD offers career and technical education programs in
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Architecture and Construction
Arts, Audio Visual Technology and Communications
Business, Marketing, and Finance
Health Science
Hospitality and Tourism
Human Services
Information Technology
Law and Public Service
Manufacturing Engineering
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Admission to these programs is based on non-discriminatory standards
It is the policy of RGCGISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Career and Technical Education
Annual Public Notification of Nondiscrimination
RGCGISD ofrece carrera y programas de educación técnica en:
Agricultura, alimentación y recursos naturales
Arquitectura y Construcción
Artes, Tecnología Audiovisual y
Comunicaciones
Negocios, marketing y finanzas
Ciencia de la salud
Hospitalidad y Turismo
Servicios Humanos
Tecnologías de la información
Derecho y servicio público
Fabricación
IngenieríaTransporte, Distribución y Logística
RGCGISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.
Es norma de RGCGISD no discriminar en sus programas, servicios o actividades vocacionales y brinda igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles designados por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o impedimento, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación de 1972, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.
For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator at 1S Fort Ringgold, Rio Grande City , Texas 78582 @ asalinas@rgccisd.org (956) 370-4629. Dr. Arcadio Salinas Jr. Assistant superintendent for Human resources & Title IX Director.
Continuous Notification of Nondiscrimination
As a sub recipient of funds local education agencies [LEAs] must take continuous steps to notify participants, beneficiaries, applicants, parents, employees (including persons with visual or auditory impairments), other interested parties, and unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the LEA or campus that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. A statement of nondiscrimination shall be included on publications and other materials that are distributed to or accessible by students, parents, applicants, beneficiaries, employees, unions, or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the district and other interested parties.
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Dr. Arcadio Salinas : asalinas@ rgccisd.org, ( Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Title IX Department Director @ 1 S Fort Ringgold ,Rio Grande City , Texas 78582 @ (956) 370-4629.
RGCGISD tomará las medidas necesarias para asegurar que la falta de habilidad en el uso del inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales.
Para información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos de quejas, comuníquese con el Coordinador del Título IX en1S Fort Ringgold, Rio Grande City , Texas 78582, asalinas@rgccisd.org (956) 370-4629. Dr. Arcadio Salinas Jr. Assistant superintendent for Human resources & Title IX Director.
Rio Grande City La Grulla ISD no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, o discapacidad en sus programas o actividades y brinda igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles designados. La siguiente persona ha sido designada para manejar consultas sobre las políticas de no discriminación: Dr. Arcadio Salinas: asalinas@rgccisd.org., , ( Superintendent de Recursos Humanos & Titulo 9 ) @ 1 S Fort Ringgold, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 @ (956) 370-4629.
United Way of South Texas and HEB donated School Supplies to Roma High School
Roma ISD would like to thank The United Way of South Texas and HEB in Rio Grande City for donating 300 sets of school supplies in support of incoming Freshmen at Roma High School. Annually, the UWOST donates school supplies to support incoming freshmen in schools across Starr County as a way to encourage them in their new journey in their new school. Thank you to United Way and all their donors for doing their part to help our students succeed! We would also like to thank the Roma ISD Receiving Department for helping ensure the smooth pick up and drop off of the supplies.
OBITUARY
Celia Rocha Sandoval
November 09, 1956 † August 01, 2024
(Sandra R. Sandoval), Sergio Sandoval and Mauro Sandoval (girlfriend Shadai Leal). She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Claudette Sandoval, Annette Gasca, Arturo Gasca III, Ariana Sandoval, Aiden Sandoval, Sergio Evaristo Sandoval, and Alyssa Sandoval, also by her brothers and sistersRocha Family. She always put the Lord first and always wanted to help others.
Ester R. Garza, age 83, died peacefully in her sleep, on 7/26/2024, at home, surrounded by her loved ones.
Ester R. Garza is survived by her husband, Clemente Garza Jr., her 4 children, Maria Rebecca Garza (Miss Becky), Clemente Garza III, Ricardo Garza ( Mari), and Jose Angel Garza . She is also survived by her grandchildren Alexis Nicole Garza, Anissa Lynn Garza, Angel Macareno, and Trixie and Sir Charles Garza.(grandfurpets)
1st. Anniversary Mass
August 11, 1943 † August 13, 2023
While I was here I brought joy, laughter, and tears. I accomplished all of this over a period of eighty years. From the day of my birth, till my hour of death. I would’ve done anything for my family, Even give them my last breath. There are a lot of chapters in my book of life, But most of them, especially the chapter on love, is dedicated to my children Veronica, Georgina and Hector Jr. and my loving and caring wife Ayde M. Garcia. I ful�illed the purpose God sent me for, so now I’m walking back through heaven’s door. God smiled at me as he dropped a single tear.
Celia Rocha Sandoval, at the age of 67, entered eternal rest on Thursday, August 01, 2024, in Edinburg, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. Celia was born on November 09, 1956, in Rio Grande City. She was the daughter of Luz and Angelita Andaverde Rocha.
In Loving Memory of Hector R. Garcia
A special mass will be celebrated on August 11, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. at Immaculate Conception Church.
The Garcia Family
Celia was a loving mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, niece, and aunt. Celia was preceded in death by her parents by her loving son, Evaristo Sandoval Jr.(†)
Left to cherish her memory are her loving daughters, Lysette Rocha, Janette S. (David Guerra Jr.), Jazette S. (Arturo Gasca Jr.), also her loving sons, Virgilio
We would like to thank our relatives, friends, and neighbors for the beautiful flowers and plants, phone calls and words of comfort, cards, food, prayers and masses, and especially their presence during the hours of our deepest grief.
NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING FOR SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE
The Board of Trustees of South Texas College will meet on the 27th day of August 2024, at 5:00 p.m., at the Pecan Campus, Ann Richards Administration Building, Second Floor in the Board Room at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd., McAllen, Texas for the purpose of conducting a Public Hearing for the general public to be present and participate in the Hearing relating to the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 South Texas College Budget. A copy of the proposed budget may be viewed at the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd., Building P, Third Floor, Room 144, McAllen, Hidalgo County, Texas. At the termination of the Public Hearing, the Board of Trustees of South Texas College may adopt the budget for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 at such meeting or may adopt the budget at a subsequent meeting.
If any person needs special accommodations as specified under the Americans With Special Disabilities Act, please contact the Office of the President of South Texas College at (956) 8728366 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting.
SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE
BY: Dr. Ricardo J. Solis, President
Ester R. Garza was born on January 06, 1941 to Angela Garza Castillo in Rio Grande City, Texas. She was a lifelong resident of Rio Grande City where she attended school and graduated from High School. It was in school that she met the love of her life Clemente Garza Jr., to whom she was hopelessly devoted. She was an amazing, hard –working woman with a disarming smile, whose life revolved around her family and the “Texas Café”, the business established by her husband’s family. She was employed by the Margo Pharmacy in downtown Rio Grande City. For the majority of her life, Ester was a social, active woman who was deeply involved in the family business, community events, Little League, Band Boosters, Woodmen of the World and The Catholic Daughters. She loved baking, gardening and cats.
Ester was the embodiment of selflessness, generosity, and was known for being nonjudgmental. She also had a sense of humor and a beautiful laugh.
If Ester were asked what her greatest achievement in life was, she would respond “My children” She was the best mother ever. She worried about her children, protected them, rooted for them, supported them, and loved them unconditionally. She was more than happy to drop whatever she was doing to be there for them to talk to and believed in their ability to do anything they desired to do, such as Joey playing guitar and band, Becky playing tennis and band, Clemente III and Ricky being the best baseball players ever. At this time, our hearts are broken by this loss. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her, was to be truly blessed. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ester’s life. The family would like to thank Dr. Antonio Falcon, A Ray of Light Hospice, LLC, Sanchez Funeral Home, Mari Guerrero, and our wonderful Provider Maria Guadalupe Sanchez Delgado, who dedicated 14 years of her life to care for our beloved mother.
CITY OF ESCOBARES POLICE DEPARTMENT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Transportation Code 683, Subsection B, 683.012, of the Texas Department of Transportation that the City of Escabores Police Department, Roma, Texas will hold a public auction on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10:00am for said vehicles, equipment, portable buildings & property items. Location: 2101 I-69C, Edinburg, Texas 78542. Registration to bid will be from 8:00am to 10:00am and will require a picture identification. Items to be auctioned are vehicles, equipment, portable buildings and property items. All items will be sold “As IsWhere Is” to the highest bidder. Onsite Buyer’s Premium 12%, Internet Buyer’s Premium 14%. All sales are final and must be paid on the same day with cash, major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express), Debit & Credit with a 3.99% processing fee. Checks accepted day of auction only with certain conditions. For additional information, please contact Bond and Bond Auctioneers (956) 283-0422 Jose A. Camarillo AUC#17532.
Roma ISD students ended Summer Program with musical enchantment
Roma ISD Gladiator LIFE Center students of Blanca Garza and Roma High School students of Vanessa Deleon ended their Summer Program with musical enchantment courtesy Luis Cantu, Dr. Adrian Guerra, and the Mayne Family to make the two events extraordinary. (Thanks to Blanca Garza for the report.)
AC2E Middle School Gifted and Talented Youth attended a Region One empowerment summit
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD -- The Career and Technology Department’s Barber and Cosmetology Classes will be offering free haircuts for the Rio Grande City Grulla ISD community. Grulla High School on August 7th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the high school gym. Rio Grande City High School on August 9th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at their high school gym.
RIO GRANDE CITY GRULLA ISD
e Rio Grande City Grulla ISD Transportation Department is ready for a new and safe school year. We emphasize school bus safety with our on-going hands-on school bus safety training to all of our students and sta . We ask that parents encourage their sons/daughters to follow bus conduct rules and school bus safety tips so our school bus drivers can concentrate better in providing a safer bus trip to and from school. If you have any questions regarding bus routes and/or campus schedules, please call us at 956-370-4847.
• Get to the bus stop ve minutes early.
• Sit quietly in seat.
• Be quiet at train crossings.
• Stand away from the curb at least ten feet from bus.
• Do not wear clothing with loose strings.
• Make sure backpack straps are short and do not get caught on handrail or in the bus door.
• When stepping o bus, look to make sure no cars are passing on the shoulder.
• Before crossing the street, take ve giant steps out from the front of the bus, or until the driver can see you.
• Drop o and pick up your children in your school’s designated areas, not the middle of the street.
• Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.
To our community motorists, we would like to remind them that in Texas it’s unlawful to pass a stopped school bus while the bus has activated its mechanical stop sign and ashing red lights for the purpose of receiving and discharging passengers. Also, the use of cell phones are not allowed in school zones and school property.
Texas School Bus Law
• Put away your cell phone. Cell phone use is banned in active school zones, and violators will face nes in school zones where signs are posted.
• Always obey school zone speed limit signs. Remember, tra c nes usually double in school zones.
• Be alert for children who might dart across the street or between vehicles on their way to school.
SCHOOL BUS SAFETY TIPS TIPS FOR DRIVING IN SCHOOL ZONE
On June 17 and 18th, RGCGISD seventh graders from AC2E middle school attended a Region One, gifted and talented youth empowerment summit at the Edinburg scenic wetlands and world birding center in Edinburg, Texas. This workshop/camp allows students the opportunity to participate in science activities and experiments under the guidance of Kelly Koller, a National Geographic explorer. Students spent the day exploring the birding center, collecting pond water, and conducting studies on water conservation. The Gifted and Talented Department would like to commend the students for taking time out of their summer to continue their love of learning
Mighty Gladiator Marching Band is kicking things off
The Roma High School Mighty Gladiator Marching Band is kicking things off. The Gladiator Marching Band is continuing their work to prepare their show and songs for the new school year. They will be ready to roar at the first pep rally of the year!
Their leadership team is getting ready for a spectacular new season. Welcome home Head Band Director Mireles!
BIDS FOR BANK DEPOSITORY
The Starr County Appraisal District will accept bids through September 9, 2024 from any bank in the State of Texas to serve as Depository for funds of the Starr County Appraisal District for a period of two years, commencing January 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2026.
All interested parties are asked to submit their bid in a sealed envelope by 2:00 P.M. on said day and addressed to:
Starr County Appraisal Board of Directors
Starr County Appraisal District 100 N FM 3167, Ste 300 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
All depository bids will be opened on September 11, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. at the Starr County Appraisal District office, 100 N FM 3167, Ste. 300, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582.
Discussion and/or action on the depository bids will follow on October 8, 2024 at the Board of Directors meeting at 12:00 noon or at the next scheduled board meeting at the same office.
The Starr County Appraisal District reserves the right to waive any information and to reject any and all bids or to accept that bid which is its sole and absolute judgment that will best serve the public’s interest.
For further information you may contact Ms. Sonia R. Garza, Chief Appraiser for the Starr County Appraisal District or Marissa R. Longoria, Finance Director at 956-487-5613.
For Immediate Release
Date: 8-7-24
Website Provides Information on Property Tax Rates
Property tax information for Starr county is available at www.starrcad.org. is is the o cial website on which property owners can easily access information regarding property taxes, including the amount of taxes that each entity that taxes a property will impose if the entity adopts its proposed tax rate. Property owners may also visit Texas.gov/PropertyTaxes to nd a link to their local property tax website.
Taxing units regularly update this website during August and September as local elected o cials propose and adopt the property tax rates that will determine how much you pay in property taxes.
e website allows property owners to provide feedback on the tax rate process and provides the following property-speci c information for each taxing unit authorized to levy a tax on the property, including:
•property values;
•proposed tax rates;
•an estimate of property taxes that would be imposed under the proposed rates;
•dates and locations of public hearings on the tax rates; and
•other useful information on taxing unit budgets, revenue and rate calculations.
Continue to check the website for updates throughout the tax rate adoption process in August and September. Contact Starr County Appraisal District at (956) 487-5613 with questions regarding this website.
Did you know? -- A recent analysis of meta-studies found that exercise is a highly effective treatment for conditions such as anxiety and depression. Authors of the study, which was published in February 2023 in the journal BJM Sports Medicine, concluded that physical activity was 1.5
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 263.153 of the Texas Local Government Code & Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Transportation Code 683, Subsection B, 683.012, of the Texas Department of Transportation that the County of Starr Sheriff’s Office, Rio Grande City, Texas will hold a public auction on Saturday, August 24th , 2024, at 10:00 a.m. for General Surplus, Equipment and Vehicles which have been forfeited to the State of Texas under the provisions of Chapter 59 Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Location: 2101 I-69C, Edinburg, TX 78542. Registration to bid will be from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and will require a picture identification. Examples of items to be auctioned are cars, trucks, heavy equipment, personal computers, electronics, office furniture, surplus, etc. All items will be sold “As Is - Where Is” to the highest bidder. Onsite Buyer’s Premium 12%, Internet Buyer’s Premium 14%. All sales are final and must be paid on the same day with cash, major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express), Debit & Credit with a 3.99% processing fee. Checks accepted “day of auction” only with certain conditions. For additional information, please contact the County of Starr Sheriff’s Office, at (956) 487-5571. AUC#17532 - Jose A. Camarillo 2024
times more effective at reducing mild-to-moderate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression and psychological stress, than medication or cognitive behavior therapy. The study was an umbrella review and its authors concluded that physical activity should be a mainstay approach in the management of depression, anxiety and psychological distress. However, individuals who suspect they are dealing with any of these mental health issues are still urged to speak with a physician for assistance in treating their conditions.
THE COUNTY OF STARR SHERIFF’S OFFICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION
DPS Issues Safety Reminders Ahead of New School Year
As students begin heading back to school, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds all Texans to exercise heightened caution and adhere to safety measures implemented to protect students, staff and fellow drivers this school year. This includes tips on how to safely drop off and pick up your child from school, drive cautiously through school zones and talk to your family and loved ones about staying safe this school year and beyond.
“Going back to school is a memorable time for students and their families, and starting a new school year is the perfect time to start or continue practicing good safety habits,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “As students head back to the classroom, let’s be proactive, stay alert and take every necessary step to ensure our children, parents, teachers and staff have a safe and productive school year.”
Driving Tips:
•Give students extra room and don’t assume they are paying attention to your vehicle. Students are often distracted by mobile devices, listening to electronic devices or by other students, and they may not be paying attention to their surroundings.
•Don’t block crosswalks when stopped at a red light or stop sign.
•Follow the directions of school crossing guards.
•Watch for children on bicycles traveling to and from schools.
•Reduce your speed when you spot a school bus and know children may unexpectedly step into the road without checking for oncoming traffic.
•Be careful around railroad crossings. School buses are legally required to stop at them.
•Know the laws regarding school buses. According to Texas law, if a bus has alternating flashing red signals visible from the front or rear, drivers MUST stop before reaching the bus. Drivers can only proceed if the flashing lights are no longer activated, the driver signals you to proceed or the bus has resumed driving. Approaching drivers do NOT have to stop for a school bus that is operating a visual signal if the road is separated by a physical barrier or an intervening space. If a highway is only divided by a left-turn lane, it is not considered divided, and drivers must stop for school buses.
•Drivers who illegally pass a school bus face fines up to $1,250 for the first offense. For people convicted of the offense more than once, the law allows for
the person’s driver license to be suspended for up to six months. Criminal charges are possible if a driver causes someone serious bodily injury.
•Always obey speed limits and traffic laws in school zones.
•Remember, texting while driving is illegal in Texas.
In addition to driver safety tips in-and-around school zones and near school buses, it is imperative to have regular conversations with your children about school safety and situational awareness during an emergency or severe weather event. DPS reminds Texas families of critical safety tips to ensure parents, guardians and children are prepared to navigate any potential emergencies or natural disasters that may arise this school year.
Safety tips:
•Ensure the school has upto-date emergency contact information, including phone numbers for parents, guardians and alternate contacts.
•Keep a current, up-to-date picture of your child throughout the school year on your mobile device that shows identifying information. In the event of an emergency, law enforcement can quickly distribute an updated photograph of your child.
•Talk to your child about what to do in case of emergencies, such as fire drills, active shooter drills, tornado drills or other lockdowns.
•Remind your child to never talk to strangers or accept rides from anyone not previously approved by you.
•Familiarize yourself and your child with their school’s safety policies and procedures.
•Ensure your child knows which adults at school (teachers, counselors, etc.) they can go to if they need help.
•Continue to cultivate conversations throughout the school year on practicing smart safety at school.
DPS also reminds students, parents, teachers and school administrators about some other valuable safety tools:
The iWatchTexas program is a critical resource for reporting suspicious activity in schools and communities in order to help prevent dangerous attacks. Everyone is urged to download the free iOS or Android iWatchTexas mobile app prior to the start of the school year. Tips can be reported via the website, the mobile app or by calling 844-643-2251. All reports are confidential. Remember, iWatchTexas is not
for emergencies. If there is an emergency on a school campus or in a community, call 911 immediately. Also, the program can be used to report suspicious activity in areas other than schools.
•The Texas School Safety Center is another useful tool for school security. It’s part of Texas State University and offers valuable resources on school
safety for parents and members of the school community. It’s designed to be a central location for research, training and technical information for all school districts, charter schools and community colleges in the state. The Texas School Safety Center has staff experienced in school safety and can provide technical assistance or training, conduct program evaluations or offer resources to schools. Classes are also available online for the community.
•The Active Shooter Alert System is not school-specific but could be used in the event of a shooting at or near a school. The alert system is designed to notify people in close proximity to an active shooter situation through cell phones, local broadcast media and Texas Department of
Transportation Dynamic Message Signs (DMS). These alerts are used to encourage people to avoid the area or shelter-in-place, when a situation arises.
To request a DPS Safety Education Service Lieutenant or Sergeant to speak at your school please visit the DPS website. By utilizing all available resources, Texans can work together to keep our schools safe.
For the upcoming respiratory virus season, CDC recommends everyone age 75 and older receive the RSV vaccine
Today, CDC updated its recommendation for the use of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines in people ages 60 and older. For this upcoming respiratory virus season, CDC recommends:
Everyone ages 75 and older receive the RSV vaccine.
People ages 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV, meaning they have certain chronic medical conditions, such as lung or heart disease, or they live in nursing homes, receive the RSV vaccine.
This recommendation is for adults who did not get an RSV vaccine last year. The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning people do not need to get a dose every RSV season. Eligible adults can get an RSV vaccine at any time, but the best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall before RSV usually starts to spread in communities.
Today’s updated recommendation for people 60 and older replaces the recommendation made last year to simplify RSV vaccine decision-making for clinicians and the public.
Immunizations were available last year for the first time to protect people at increased risk for severe RSV, including infants and young children, and people ages 60 and older. Today’s updated recommendation is based on analyses of RSV disease burden among people 60 and older, as well as RSV vaccine effectiveness and cost-effectiveness studies. Those studies included the first realworld data since RSV vaccines were recommended for people 60 and older.
Healthcare providers should recommend RSV vaccines to their eligible patients, as well as discuss what other vaccines they will need this fall to help prevent respiratory infections.
“The CDC has updated its RSV vaccination recommendation for older adults to prioritize those at highest risk for serious illness from RSV,” said Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H. “People 75 or older, or between 60-74 with certain chronic health conditions or living in a nursing home should get one dose of the RSV vaccine to provide an extra layer of protection.”
Telemedicine Continues to Connect Patients with Their Physicians
Have you used telemedicine to see your doctor? If so, you’re not alone: Three out of four Texas physicians use telemedicine to see patients, according to a survey by the Texas Medical Association (TMA).
Texas physicians’ adoption of virtual visits with their patients increased significantly during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many patients continue to use telemedicine to see their doctor.
“What we saw from the pandemic is that health care has evolved, and with it, access to care,” said El Paso infectious disease specialist Ogechika Alozie, MD, a former chair and current member of TMA’s Committee on Health Information Technology (HIT). He uses telemedicine for at least one out of 10 patient visits in his practice.
The federal government also found use of telemedicine for Medicare patients – seniors and people with permanent disabilities – jumped tenfold across all physician specialties during the start of the pandemic, from five million to more than 53 million.
According to the January 2023 TMA survey, approximately 75% of Texas doctors use telemedicine for about one in 10 visits.
Physicians choose telemedicine when it allows them to provide the same high-quality care as an in-person encounter. Doctors may choose a traditional examroom visit for more complex medical issues or those requiring physical examination.
“For me the largest decider of a telemedicine visit is the patient,” said Dr. Alozie. “It needs to be convenient for them. After that, it’s a question of their clinical condition and can I do what I need over a video camera; but for me it comes down to patient choice.”
The federal government study showed office visits and psychotherapy appointments were the most common services to see an increase in demand.
Behavioral health visits remain a driver.
Austin family physician
Jacob Childers, MD, refers patients to a digital psychiatry and counseling service to see mental and behavioral health professionals in virtual visits. He says telemedicine advancements present a win-win for patients and physicians.
“Telehealth opens a pathway to more appointment options and thus more timely care for patients and a more flexible work schedule for physicians,”
said Dr. Childers, who also is a member of TMA’s Committee on HIT. He sees many patients with behavioral health needs choosing telemedicine for otherwise inaccessible specialists due to distance, a lack of appointment times, or cost.
He also anticipates telemedicine acceptance will continue to increase as patients and physicians become more comfortable with using technology instead of an examroom interaction.
“I believe the right doctor, your doctor, is best equipped to assist you,” said Thomas Kim, MD, an Austin psychiatrist and longterm advocate of telemedicine for caring for his patients. “When your doctor is empowered and becomes skilled with telehealth, he or she will use that option when appropriate, indicated, or necessary.”
Dr. Childers also noted recent developments to expand broadband access across Texas, particularly in rural areas.
Texas passed legislation and a constitutional amendment in 2023 to increase funding for broadband service. TMA supported the initiative because expanding broadband can increase patient access to physicians’ care via telemedicine. An estimated 7 million Texans in 2.8 million households were without broadband internet access according to the Texas Comptroller in 2022.
Another legislative issue brewing could affect telemedicine use: Health insurance companies prefer not to pay physicians the same for a patient’s telemedicine care as an in-person visit. TMA believes health plans should pay doctors for a covered service (when the insurance policy covers the patient’s specific care or treatment) at the same rate whether it is delivered in a conventional in-office visit or a telemedicine visit. TMA will continue to push for Texas legislation supporting equal pay for equal medical care.
Congress recently adopted the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 which allows telemedicine payment parity for Medicare services through the end of 2024.
TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 57,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.
Sportsbook, no NFL team has ever won three consecutive Super Bowls. The Chiefs, who defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII in 2023 and the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, have a chance to be the first to accomplish that elusive feat. Other teams, including the Miami Dolphins between 1971 and 1973, and more recently the
New England Patriots between 2016 and 2018, appeared in backto-back-to-back Super Bowls, but neither franchise won three consecutive Super Bowls.
The Buffalo Bills appeared in four consecutive Super Bowls in the early 1990s, but notably lost all four contests. The Chiefs kick off their 2024 run at history at home versus the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, September 5. Did you know?