Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – In celebration of the annual It’s Time Texas Community Challenge Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) in collaboration with the cities of Pharr, San Juan, and Alamo hosted their first-ever community kickoff event at the PSJA Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2023.
More than two-thirds of Texas adults and one-third of Texas children are overweight or obese. The situation has led to epidemics of preventable chronic diseases that erode our quality of life while piling on billions in associated healthcare costs.
According to their website, It’s Time Texas is a non-profit organization composed of innovators, opinion leaders, and an army of motivated Texans. Their programs, events, and partnerships empower Texans to lead healthier lives, build healthier communities, and contribute to a healthier state.
As part of the PSJA Family Health & Wellness initiative, PSJA ISD is once again taking on the annual It’s Time Texas Community Challenge sponsored by H-E-B. The fun 8-week competition unites and mobilizes schools, businesses, organizations, community members, and mayors toward the common goal of transforming their community’s health. This year the Challenge is taking place from Jan. 9, 2023, through March 5, 2023.
PSJA ISD has engaged in the statewide competition for several years now, earning 1st place in the large school district category consecutively in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
“The It’s Time Texas Challenge has motivated me to continue my personal health journey that I started three years ago, I am a competitive person, and getting those points to be on top helps me to keep going,” said It’s Time Texas Community Challenge participant and Director of Learning Support (504 And Dyslexia) Debra Salinas. “For the second year in a row my son, Anthony has joined the challenge as well and is now my motivation to continue to succeed. We are in this together!”
As part of the event, hundreds of students, staff, city partners, and community members walked together to kick off the start of this year’s competition.
The event included inspirational remarks from our district and city leaders, a fresh fruit and vegetable distribution courtesy of the PSJA Child Nutrition Program in collaboration with the RGV Foodbank, Zumba classes for all in attendance by the PSJA Wellness Program, and vaccinations provided by the PSJA Health Services Department.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us for this event,” said PSJA School Board President Dr. Cynthia Gutierrez. “We are proud to come together as a district and Tri-City community to promote health and wellness for all. Thank you to our dedicated staff and community partners for leading these efforts.”
To learn more and take part in the challenge visit: www.psjaisd.us/challenge
