Newsletter - December 2025

Disease Prevention and Treatment Month

INSPIRE! CONNECT! ENGAGE!

UNITE FOR GOOD!

Hello from DG ELAINE HERNANDEZ

December brings Rotary’s global Area of Focus on Disease Prevention and Treatment to the forefront—a reminder of our shared commitment to building healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities. Around the world, Rotarians work to expand access to essential health services, strengthen health systems, and reduce the burden of preventable disease.

Here in South Texas, our clubs have meaningful opportunities to contribute locally by supporting the important work of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Region 11.

For additional information, please visit our DSHS Public Health Region 11 website at https://www.dshs.texas.gov/regional-local-health-operations/texas-public-health-region-11.

A Call to Action for District 5930

This December, let us harness Rotary’s commitment to Disease Prevention and Treatment by strengthening our partnerships with the Texas Department of State Health Services Public Health Region 11. Together, we can create a healthier future for our neighbors, families, and communities across South Texas.

Rotarians are at their best when they serve as connectors—linking resources, people, and ideas to create lasting impact. By supporting local public health efforts, we don’t just advance Rotary’s mission—we save lives.

If your club is interested in connecting with DSHS Region 11 or planning a health-focused project, District leadership can help make the introduction.

Let’s make December a month of action and hope for our communities.

Hub Assemblies

In November, we celebrated two successful Hub Assemblies: a joint Coastal Bend – Heartland Assembly and the Lower Rio Grande Valley Hub Assembly. Rotarians gathered to meet new friends from other clubs in their Area or region, share best practices, and learn new ways to grow our membership, enhance our giving to the Foundation, and engage our members in meaningful service projects that transform their communities and create impact.

A special thanks is extended to our District Learning Committee, chaired by IPDG Dr. Zehra Surani and assisted by Kathy Preddy, and to our Hub leaders, AGs, and Club representatives who organized the events.

A shout-out to Lt. Governor Suzel Mendieta and her team of Assistant Governors (Daniel Korus, Meg Reese, and Thomas Cronnon) for partnering with the Coastal Bend Food Bank, which provided a comfortable setting for the learning event. And thanks to Lt. Governor Sandra Bowen, AG Danny Pena, and AG Norm Jenkins for encouraging their clubs to “Unite for Good” with the Coastal Bend Hub.

Los Fresnos ISD provided a lovely setting for the Lower Rio Grande Valley Hub’s assembly, organized by Lt. Governor Lucy Cadenas, and assisted by AGs Darlene Peterson, Anna Putegnat, and Juju Stringfield. I met with one of the Interact students who talked about having a global pen pal program through Rotary.

Latin X Health Summit – Brownsville, TX

Assistant Governor Luis Torres-Hostos, Dean of the UTRGV School of Social Work, moderated this year’s Latin X Health Summit in Brownsville on November 6, 2025. DG Elaine Hernandez participated on a panel about Disaster Preparedness and Infectious Disease Control. Thanks to Rotarians Dr. Paulina Sosa, organizer of the event, and Dernay Coley for their active participation in promoting public health in the Rio Grande Valley.

Elaine Hernandez, PhD

District Governor 2025-2026

District 5930 (South Texas)

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Why Disease Prevention and Treatment Matters

Rotary recognizes that healthy communities are the foundation of sustainable development. Disease prevention is not only about responding to illness; it is about building systems, promoting healthy behaviors, and ensuring that every person has the opportunity to live with dignity and well-being. Rotary’s efforts in this Area of Focus include:

Strengthening local health systems
Educating communities about disease risks and prevention
Improving access to maternal and child health services
Expanding access to clean water, nutrition, and basic care
Supporting mental health and community wellbeing
Addressing public health emergencies and disease outbreaks

South Texas faces unique challenges, including high rates of chronic disease, border-crossing health dynamics, rural service gaps, and limited access to preventive services in some communities. These are challenges Rotary Clubs are well-positioned to help address.

Health Programs in Public Health Region 11

The Texas DSHS Public Health Region 11 serves 19 counties across South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. Their mission is to protect and promote the health of all residents through disease surveillance, community partnerships, and health education.

Key programs include:

Communicable Disease Prevention

Tuberculosis (TB) Prevention and Control
HIV/STD Testing, Outreach, and Counseling
Infectious Disease Reporting and Outbreak Response
Border health efforts addressing binational disease transmission

Immunizations and Public Health Preparedness

Childhood and adult immunization programs
ImmTrac2 state immunization registry
Emergency preparedness planning and response training for communities

Maternal & Child Health

Services focusing on prenatal health, newborn screening, early childhood development, and maternal health education

Chronic Disease Prevention

Diabetes and heart disease prevention
Nutrition and physical activity programs
Tobacco prevention and cessation support

Environmental & Consumer Health

Public sanitation and food establishment inspections
Mosquito-borne disease control (Dengue, Zika, West Nile)
Safe water and community environmental hazard prevention

These programs sustain the health of families, workers, and vulnerable populations across Region 11—and they thrive through community partnerships.

Ways Rotary Clubs Can Support Public Health Region 11

Rotary Clubs can make a tangible impact by partnering with local health offices to strengthen community outreach, expand health education, and promote access to services. Opportunities include:

1. Host Community Health Education Events

Clubs can collaborate with DSHS staff to offer presentations on:

Chronic disease prevention (diabetes, hypertension, cancer)
Immunization awareness
Mental wellness and stress management
Infectious disease awareness, including TB and respiratory illnesses

2. Support Public Health Outreach Campaigns

Rotarians can volunteer or promote:

Mobile clinics and vaccination drives
Health fairs and screening events
Distribution of educational materials
Emergency preparedness training sessions

3. Partner on Binational and Border Health Initiatives

Given the unique landscape of South Texas, Rotary clubs can collaborate with DSHS and Mexican counterparts to:

Support cross-border disease prevention education
Strengthen preparedness for public health emergencies
Promote health services to migrant and mobile populations

4. Assist Through Service Projects

Clubs can organize or fund projects that align with public health needs, such as:

Hygiene kits for shelters and vulnerable families
School-based immunization support
Clean water, sanitation, and mosquito mitigation efforts
Support for chronic disease education programs in low-income areas

5. Help Expand Awareness

Rotary can amplify DSHS messaging by sharing essential health alerts, program opportunities, and resources through club newsletters, websites, and community communication networks.

A Call to Action for District 5930

This December, let us harness Rotary’s commitment to Disease Prevention and Treatment by strengthening our partnerships with the Texas Department of State Health Services Public Health Region 11. Together, we can create a healthier future for our neighbors, families, and communities across South Texas.

Rotarians are at their best when they serve as connectors—linking resources, people, and ideas to create lasting impact. By supporting local public health efforts, we don’t just advance Rotary’s mission—we save lives.

If your club is interested in connecting with DSHS Region 11 or planning a health-focused project, District leadership can help make the introduction.

Let’s make December a month of action and hope for our communities.

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Lone Star PETS is the combined efforts of ten Rotary International Districts. They all converge on the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the DFW International Airport to jointly provide the best possible training for future Presidents of Rotary clubs.

Registration open: HERE

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Please welcome the new members to our Rotary District 5930. We hope to meet them in the upcoming events and together make a difference.

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We invite all clubs to participate in our second annual Membership Olympics.

Our 2025-2026 District 5930 Membership Olympics kicked off on May 31, 2025, at the District Assembly.

The NINE Game Challenges must be completed and submitted not later than

March 31, 2026.

CLICK HERE

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DISTRICT FOUNDATION COMMITTEE:

What is the Rotary Foundation?

For the 17th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, the largest and most utilized independent charity evaluator in the United States. READ MORE...

The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.

Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.

With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.

Our mission

The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.

What impact can one donation have?

For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio.
$50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness.
$500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children.

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DISTRICT PUBLIC IMAGE COMMITTEE:

Time to revisit your Club Logo

Want to refresh your club logo? Or are you wondering if you’re using it correctly? It’s easy to make updates and create new logos with our Brand Center templates. Review guidelines and do’s and don’ts on the Logos and Graphics page.

You’ll also find a link to a Learning Center course, Our Logo: Representing Rotary, where you can learn why it’s important to use Rotary’s logos correctly and consistently in all your communications.

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upcoming club events

Submit your story, upcoming event, or project before the 20th day of the month. Follow the steps HERE

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Nominations for District Governor 2028-2029

The deadline for 2028-2029 Nominations for District Governor is December 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (CST).

Interviews will be conducted on January 31, 2026, in Kingsville from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m., format and location to be determined.

Review the qualifications to be considered as a candidate for the position of District Governor Nominee, a job description, Nominee Data form, Elections Guidelines, and a club nomination resolution.

Review the requirements here

Visit: www.Rotary5930.org

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Rotary Leadership Institute International District 5930 Congratulations

Congratulations to six Rotarians representing various Rotary clubs in Rotary District 5930 South Texas who participated in the virtual Lone Star Division Rotary Leadership Institute International (RLI).
Each participant highlighted below received their Lone Star RLI Part II Certificate of Completion! They are now eligible to take RLI Part III.

Deena Cazalas Corpus Christi Evening
Lynne Hurlburt Corpus Christi
Arlina Larson Edinburg
Silvia Martinez-Pacheco Southside Corpus Christi
Ciara Perez Harlingen Sunburst
Al Shuford Victoria

The virtual Lone Star RLI course offering on September 2nd and 4th, 2025, was supported by certified faculty members from District 5930, including Andy Hagan, District 5930 RLI Chair; Debbie High, LSRLI Co-Chair; Laura Narvaez; and Victor Rivera.
Please join us in welcoming Dee Dee Arismendez, a member of the Alice Rotary Club, and Sulu Modak, a member of the Southside Corpus Christi Rotary Club, as our newest additions to the Lone Star Division RLI Certified Faculty team in District 5930. Congratulations to Dee Dee and Sulu.
The virtual Lone Star RLI faculty certification on October 8th and 9th, 2025, was supported by certified faculty members from District 593, 0 including Debbie High, LSRLI Co-Chair, Victor Rivera, and Andy Zamarripa.

We invite all Rotarians and Rotaractors interested in enhancing their leadership skills, whether just beginning or continuing your RLI Journey - go to https://rotary5930.org > Membership > Rotary Leadership Institute to see the RLI course offerings, dates, times, & registration information.

The Rotary Leadership Institute International is not an official training program of Rotary International

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Money smart: building your financial future

Rotary District 5930 & IBC Bank present

A free financial webinar series, hosted by IBC Bank & Rotary District 5930, will start in September to help you protect, grow, and plan your financial future.

The following one-hour financial seminars will be held virtually through zoom:

I. Introduction to Cyber Fraud and How to Protect Your Money

II. Changes in the Central Bank and How They Will Affect Your Financial Future

III. Wisdom of Personal Finance

IV. Building a Legacy of Giving, Saving & Preparing for the Future

Get the zoom link

Interact Awards 2025

Each year, over 15,000 Interact clubs across the world serve their communities and build international understanding. To celebrate their impact, Rotary International hosts an annual campaign: the Interact Awards. Interact clubs are invited to submit a vertical video (9:16, in the style of a social media reel) that showcases their club experience and service initiatives. By participating, Interact clubs have the opportunity for their submission to be named “Best Video” or “Runner Up” and receive funds to support their next service project.

This year, the Interact Awards theme invites Interact clubs to showcase how Interactors Unite for Good and build peace in the world. Submit a vertical video, 2:00 minutes or less, that shows how your Interact club engages with peacebuilding. Submissions are due by 1 December 2025 at 23:59 Chicago Time (UTC-6). After you submit your video to the form below, we encourage you to share your video to Instagram (if your Interact club has an account) with #2025InteractAwards.

See more information

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Money Smart: Building Your Financial Future
Zoom
Dec. 17, 2025 7:00 p.m.

New Member & Sponsors Orientation via Zoom
Zoom
Jan. 19, 2026 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

View entire list

Register Now for the Rotary International Convention 2026 in Taipei, Taiwan.

Register HERE