UTEP Dedicates Terrace to Paso del Norte Health Foundation in Honor of 30-Year Partnership Advancing Regional Health
PdNHF grants to UTEP’s work in health education and disease prevention totals $38.5 million
EL PASO, Texas (Nov. 6, 2025) – To commemorate the Paso del Norte Health Foundation’s 30th anniversary and recognize its commitment to improving community health, The University of Texas at El Paso hosted a dedication ceremony honoring the foundation’s partnership and shared mission to build a healthier region.
In recognition of the foundation’s transformative support, UTEP dedicated the terrace of the Health Sciences and Nursing Building today as the Paso del Norte Health Foundation Terrace. The ceremony also unveiled Health in Mind, Body and Spirit, a six-foot statue by artist Julio Sanchez De Alba, which symbolizes unity, collaboration and vision for a healthier region.
Since its inception, the health foundation has granted a total of $38.5 million to UTEP in support of work in health education and disease prevention -- from smoke-free initiatives and psychology internships to diabetes prevention and healthcare workforce development. The grant funding includes a $4.5 million matching grant awarded to UTEP in 2024 to support UTEP Health and the need to increase the number of graduates in nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy to elevate healthcare delivery.
“We are grateful for our 30-year partnership with The University of Texas at El Paso, leveraging the work of UTEP faculty, staff and students across disciplines to design and implement programs that improve health in the region,” said Amy Marcus, Board Chair for the Paso del Norte Health Foundation. “From classrooms and clinics to health education campaigns and community-based coalitions, UTEP’s grant-funded work supports innovation, collaboration, and impact in our region.”
“For more than 30 years, the Paso del Norte Health Foundation has stood beside UTEP as a steadfast partner with unwavering commitment to advancing the health and well-being of our community,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. “We are deeply grateful for their visionary support, which has helped us educate generations of healthcare professionals and expand opportunities that strengthen the vitality of our region.”
Over three decades, the Paso del Norte Health Foundation has invested in transformative initiatives across El Paso, southern New Mexico and Ciudad Juárez, including the adoption of smoke-free ordinances, the development of hike-and-bike trails, promotion of healthy eating and active living and the provision of critical resources to nonprofits and public health agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our continued partnership with UTEP reflects our deep belief in the power of education, collaboration, and innovation to shape a healthier future,” said Tracy J. Yellen, CEO of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation. “Together, we empower the next generation of healthcare professionals to support a healthier region.”
To learn more about the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, visit pdnhf.org.
Last Updated on November 06, 2025 at 12:00 AM | Originally published November 06, 2025
By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications
