The Center for Rural Health in South Texas (CRHeST) stands at the forefront of health access and health improvement in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. The center operates on a groundbreaking “whole-person, whole-community” model that addresses not just illness, but the environmental and non-medical drivers of poor health in rural populations. By integrating chronic disease prevention, emerging infectious disease surveillance, and workforce development, we bridge the gap between academic research and community service.
The center’s work is defined by community collaboration, cultural humility, and a commitment to improving the health of rural residents. Whether preventing diabetes, eliminating barriers to cancer screening, or addressing vector-borne threats such as Valley fever and Chagas disease, CRHeST collaborates with local partners to drive change. We envision a resilient region where thriving communities access high-quality, culturally rooted care. CRHeST transforms rural health systems, secures sustainable funding, and builds a future of wellness for all South Texans.
