Hidalgo County issues proclamations for diabetes awareness and World Stroke Day; health systems respond

Hidalgo County Commissioners Court issued two health-related proclamations during Wednesday’s session: one recognizing the community partnership Unidos Contra La Diabetes and another declaring Oct. 29, 2025 World Stroke Day.

Joanie Visi Nai Scasta, identified as director of internal operations representing Precinct 2, read a proclamation recognizing Unidos Contra La Diabetes for community partnerships that raise awareness around type 2 diabetes. The proclamation noted the initiative’s community partners include hospitals, clinics, foundations and faith-based organizations and highlighted the Rio Grande Valley’s higher diabetes rate.

The court also declared Oct. 29 World Stroke Day. Belinda Reyes read the proclamation describing stroke as a preventable medical emergency and outlining the FAST acronym (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call). Representatives from Rio Grande Regional Hospital, DHR and South Texas Health System spoke after the proclamation, thanking the court and noting local efforts to improve stroke prevention, prehospital care and coordination among hospitals and emergency services. One hospital representative said their system cared for more than 1,000 stroke patients last year and emphasized that improved prevention and coordination reduces the burden on hospital systems.

Why it matters: Proclamations are ceremonial but reflect county-health partnerships and public awareness campaigns that lead to preventive services and screenings. Health-system remarks emphasized the role of first responders, hospital coordination and the community in reducing stroke incidence.

Speakers quoted in this article are cited from the meeting transcript and include proclamation readers and hospital representatives.