A new, regional initiative to improve the health of the whole Rio Grande Valley unveiled its first project Wednesday, August 25, 2004.  The Lower Rio Grande Valley Nutrition Intervention Research Initiative (LRGVNIRI), a coalition of local social service organizations, state universities, and federal agencies, is the first national program to focus on nutrition and chronic diseases among any Mexican-American population. 
   The first collaboration of the LRGVNIRI, "Nourishing the Future, a 187-page text, identifies some of the factors worsening health conditions in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties. 

   Now the LRGVNIRI will seek nearly $6 million to implement a strategy to confront those factors.   The Rio Grande Valley Partnership, experienced in securing state and federal funds for regional projects, is uniquely poised to assist in the formation and maintenance of this significant program.

   Once implemented, the LRGVNIRI program simultaneously will serve as a multi-site, multi-year clearinghouse for existing health-related programs as well as facilitate new ones that research community nutrition and food policy.  It will focus almost exclusively on this region, unfortunately characterized by high rates of poverty and a high prevalence of nutrition-related chronic diseases.

   '"We are honored to partner in this Initiative because we believe the long-term effects of it will impact not only the quality of life for all individuals in the Valley, but also the quality of business conducted here," explained Bill Summers, president/CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.  "As the health of the population improves, productivity by the labor force will increase and health care costs will decrease."

Accomplishments in Health:

1948	Relocated Weaver H. Baker Tuberculosis Hospital (600 beds) to keep medical facility in Valley (approved by Texas Board of State Hospitals and Special Schools with $2,700,000 appropriation)
1952	Distributed Anti-Polio Publicity Campaign
1975	Launched "seek and search" project, introducing young medical doctors in search of a place to practice to the Valley
1983	After 18-months of research, published "Valley Goals 2000," a 148-page master plan for the region; all goals for Valley, including a medical school, are realized
2004	Championed "Nutrition Intervention Research Initiative," first ever national study of health among any Mexican- American population