Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Court proclaims Mental Health, Sexual Assault and STI awareness months; health officials warn of rising syphilis rates
Summary
Hidalgo County Commissioners Court issued proclamations recognizing mental‑health, sexual‑assault and STI awareness periods; NAMI and local public‑health officials stressed the need for culturally responsive resources, testing and treatment amid rising syphilis rates in the region.
The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court adopted proclamations recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month, Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month, and STI Awareness Month.
Liana Gutierrez, communications coordinator for NAMI South Texas RGV, thanked the court for recognizing mental‑health awareness, highlighted a newly released Spanish mental‑health resource guide and invited residents to a NAMI Walk on May 9 at Richard Florida Stadium.
Rosa Hernandez, forensic nurse manager at DHR Health’s Safe Haven program, said the community must work together to support survivors and described sexual violence as a public‑health issue requiring coordinated services from forensic nurses, law enforcement and advocacy groups.
During the STI awareness segment, Dr. Milellus (identified in the meeting as a public‑health speaker) warned of a sharp increase in syphilis and congenital syphilis locally and statewide. “We have an incidence of approximately 373 cases per 100,000,” Dr. Milellus said, then estimated roughly 5,000 county residents may have syphilis with many unaware they are infected. Mauro Ruiz, communicable‑disease manager for Public Health Region 11, said regional public‑health teams are stretched and thanked the county for the proclamation.
The court encouraged residents to use available resources (including the 988 crisis line and local clinics) and to share educational materials; officials emphasized prevention, testing and treatment.
