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Hidalgo County proclaims March TBI Awareness Month; local clinic announces immediate scanning services
Summary
The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court proclaimed March 2026 as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month, heard medical testimony about TBI detection and care coordination, and heard an announcement that a new local diagnostic center will offer quicker scans for residents.
Hidalgo County’s Commissioners Court unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month and heard presentations from regional trauma-care leaders about prevention, early recognition and rehabilitation.
Dr. Ivan Melendez told the court that traumatic brain injuries are far more common than many residents realize and that early recognition and treatment improve outcomes. “The earlier you seek treatment, the better you’re going to have,” Dr. Melendez said, describing the range of symptoms that can follow even seemingly minor head trauma.
Alyssa Melendez, who identified herself as a survivor and an EMT, described how a drunk-driving crash changed her life and underscored the need for both public education and timely access to care. “Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month is more than awareness. It’s about resilience, education, and reminding our communities how important prevention and support truly are,” she said.
Nathan Ramon, executive director of TRACV, described regional pilots to speed prehospital communication — including sending CT images ahead to hospitals and piloting whole-blood programs in ambulances — so hospital teams can activate earlier. “Recognizing early symptoms and getting help sooner rather than later will save lives,” Ramon said.
James Gonzales, who identified himself as owner of the South Texas TBI Institute, told the court his clinic has opened local diagnostic services to reduce wait times that previously forced Valley residents to travel to Houston for appointments. Gonzales said the Institute aims to provide faster access to scans and diagnostics for veterans, athletes and other residents in need.
The court approved the proclamation and thanked the presenters; no additional funding decisions were recorded at the meeting. Officials said the proclamation is intended to prompt outreach and coordination among emergency medical services, hospitals and rehabilitation providers.
