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LAREDO, Texas - The Area Health Education Center (AHEC) of the Mid Rio Grande Border Area is now in its 25th year.

The nonprofit and is supporters are hosting a gala in Laredo on Thursday evening to celebrate.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at IBC Bank\u2019s Annex Ballroom located at 2418 Jacaman Road, Laredo, Texas.

AHEC is an outreach program under UT Health San Antonio and its mission is to enhance the quality of life in the communities it covers by increasing the number of well-trained health care workers; enhancing academic resources; and fostering a healthy lifestyle though community education programs.\xa0

Blas Casta\xf1eda is a founding member of AHEC and chairman of the gala committee. He said AHEC benefits the communities it serves through various educational programs. \u201cFamilies, leaders, health care providers and over 100,000 students of all grade levels have received services through AHEC multiple programs,\u201d he said.

Casta\xf1eda added: \u201cAHEC has been making long strides through their efforts to inspire the youth to stay focused on an education and to become productive citizens and serve as role models for their peers. As a founding Board member and a leader in the community, I have a commitment to AHEC and our youth and that is to make sure we prepare for the next 25 years of outstanding service to the community.\u201d

This podcast features an exclusive interview with Casta\xf1eda.

To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.