Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Health, Research, Community
By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga
For a region home to more than 1.4 million people, the Rio Grande Valley faces significant health challenges, including high rates of diabetes and hypertension and a disproportionate burden of cancers such as liver, gallbladder, stomach, and cervical cancer.
Understanding these health challenges is at the center of research taking place at the UTRGV School of Medicine, including efforts to better understand the connections between chronic disease, cancer risk, prevention, and overall health.
The School of Medicine, through the UTRGV RCMI project is bringing researchers, healthcare professionals, community health workers, and community members together to share that work and discuss the health priorities that matter most to Valley communities.
The UTRGV School of Medicine will host its 2nd Annual Research in Action: Partnering with Our Community Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at the UTRGV Community Engagement and Student Success Building in Edinburg. 
The forum will highlight cancer and health research taking place in the Rio Grande Valley, with a focus on projects developed in partnership with the community. Discussions will explore cancer prevention, chronic disease, community engagement in research, and health priorities affecting Valley residents. Throughout the day, researchers, healthcare professionals, community health workers, community organizations, and Valley residents will have opportunities to learn about ongoing research, share their experiences, and discuss ways community members can help inform current and future research efforts.
The event comes as the UTRGV School of Medicine continues to expand its efforts to address cancer health research through the Rio Grande Valley Cancer Health Disparity Research Center (RGV-CHDRC), supported by a $18.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health/NIMHD.
The center is conducting research on cancer diseases affecting Valley communities, including cervical and liver cancer, while also examining social and behavioral approaches to improve health outcomes.
"Our research is strongest when we bring our community to the table and listen to their experiences, their concerns, and their priorities," said Dr. Subhash C. Chauhan, director of the UTRGV South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research and Lead PI of the UTRGV RCMI Project. "This forum gives us an opportunity to share the work we are doing, but just as importantly, to hear directly from the people we hope our research will benefit. By working together, we can help make our research more meaningful to the needs of the Rio Grande Valley."
RESEARCH IN ACTION
The forum will feature presentations, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and interactive activities, including:
- Presentations on cancer and health research underway in the Rio Grande Valley and how researchers are working with local communities,
- A pilot projects panel featuring seven researchers who will share their current projects and the health issues they are working to address,
- A community health worker panel highlighting the experiences of those who work directly with Valley residents and help connect communities with healthcare and research,
- A research poster session featuring projects focused on cancer, chronic disease and other health priorities affecting the Rio Grande Valley,
- Small-group discussions where community members can share their experiences, concerns and perspectives on cancer and health in the Valley,
- Opportunities for researchers and community members to connect, exchange ideas, and identify ways the community can participate in current and future research.
The forum is intended for community members and organizations, healthcare professionals, researchers, community health workers, and others interested in cancer and health priorities affecting the Rio Grande Valley.
The 2nd Annual Research in Action: Partnering with Our Community Forum will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the UTRGV Community Engagement and Student Success Building (ECESS), Room 1.300, 1407 E. Freddy Gonzalez Dr., Edinburg, Texas.
The event is organized by UTRGV’s RCMI project (Rio Grande Valley Cancer Health Disparity Research Center: U54 MD19970)
For more information, email rgv-chdrccommunity@utrgv.edu or call 956-296-4112.
UTRGV — The Valley’s University
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is The Valley’s University, deeply rooted in the communities it serves and committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across the region. From keeping a high-quality education affordable and expanding healthcare services to preparing the workforce, advancing research, and supporting economic growth, UTRGV is putting its people, expertise and resources to work for the Rio Grande Valley. The Valley and UTRGV rise together, building a healthier, stronger and more prosperous region.