EDINBURG, Texas - Adrian Sanchez, an MRI technologist at South Texas Health System Edinburg, has been recognized as STHS Veteran of the Year.
The recognition is an annual award given to a member of the STHS staff who proudly served in our nation’s military.
Sanchez was recognized at a celebration event for Rio Grande Valley veterans and their families. It was hosted by South Texas Health System Behavioral.
Tom Castañeda, system director of marketing and public relations for STHS said the Salute to Veterans Concert & Community Fair was held to “recognize veterans’ valor in their service to our country while also raising awareness on mental health struggles within the veteran population.”
At the event, STHS Behavioral were on hand to talk about the COMPACT Act, which expands the inpatient and outpatient mental health services for veterans experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as the services available at the facility.
Castañeda said STHS Behavioral is working to break the stigma surrounding mental illnesses within the veteran community.
“Serving in the armed forces is a brave and noble act, especially since protecting our nation can have serious and long-lasting repercussions on those who serve and their loved ones. Along with the risk of death and physical harm, serving in the military can have a great impact on one’s mental health. In fact, about 11-20% of veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness,” Castañeda said.
