Laredo’s Mental Health Month 2025

Gathoni Njenga
6 days ago
3 min read

A Community-Wide Push for Holistic Well-Being

Why Did Laredo Declare May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month?

In May 2025, Laredo’s leadership, led by Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño and the Laredo Public Health Department, officially declared May as Mental Health Awareness Month. The move aims to address rising mental health concerns across the city by focusing on therapy, medication, and lifestyle interventions that contribute to long-term well-being.

Dr. Julie Bazan, Executive Director of the Area Health Education Center (AHEC), shared that one in five Americans live with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. “We have to normalize seeking help,” she urged. “And that starts with having open, stigma-free conversations.”

What Are the Key Components of Laredo's Holistic Mental Health Approach?

Laredo’s strategy for mental health emphasizes six lifestyle pillars:

Balanced nutrition
Regular exercise
Consistent sleep
Stress management
Avoidance of harmful substances
Positive social relationships

According to Richard Chamberlain, Executive Director of Laredo Public Health, these pillars are part of a sustainable, non-clinical approach to long-term mental wellness.

To complement this, the city introduced a 12-week Lifestyle Medicine Challenge to encourage residents to build healthier habits. This initiative includes access to fitness classes, nutrition guidance, and wellness tracking tools.

📊 As of April 2025, Laredo reported 11 suicides, setting a troubling pace that could surpass last year’s total of 18, according to the Webb County Mental Health Coalition.

How Is the Community Addressing Mental Health in Schools?

Local education leaders have joined the effort. United Independent School District (UISD) has partnered with Webb County to spotlight student and staff wellness during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Superintendent Gerardo Cruz and Assistant Superintendent Rebecca Coss-Morales reaffirmed the district’s duty to support emotional and behavioral well-being in schools. As part of this push, UISD has expanded its PILLAR Mental Wellness Program, offering four free confidential counseling sessions to all full-time staff.

Students can also access mental health support via free telehealth sessions through a partnership with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

What Mental Health Resources Are Available in Laredo?

The city has developed multiple channels to support residents:

Area Health Education Center (AHEC) – Provides mental health education and access to local care resources. Call: (956) 712-0037.
PILLAR – A nonprofit offering screening and treatment support for mental health and substance abuse.
TAMIU Community Counseling Center – Offers counseling services and workshops for the public.
Juntos for Better Health – Distributes mental health care boxes at libraries and recreation centers.

How Can the Community Help Fight Mental Health Stigma?

Here are a few ways residents can contribute:

Talk about it: Sharing personal stories helps others feel less alone.
Spread facts: Correct misconceptions using resources from places like NAMI and the CDC.
Show up: Join Mental Health Month events in your community.
Support someone: Sometimes just asking, “How are you really doing?” makes all the difference.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical or mental health condition. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional or licensed mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.