This is your weekly news roundup, which takes a quick look at some developments in government, politics, education, environment and other topics across El Paso.
Suspected Overdoses Reported at ICE Facility Camp East Montana
At least three people recently experienced suspected overdoses at Camp East Montana, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in East El Paso, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso. Two incidents that took place May 23 and May 24 involved two men, ages 35 and 34, and were related to an overdose of psychiatric medication and self-harm, according to records obtained by the El Paso Times.
Escobar sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and acting ICE Director David Venturella questioning how detainees were able to obtain large enough quantities of medication or illicit drugs to overdose while under federal supervision. Escobar also questioned whether DHS or ICE were conducting an active investigation into the incidents, what follow-up care the detainees received and how the detention center’s contractor will be held accountable.
DHS and ICE did not respond to a request for comment from El Paso Matters.
In March, ICE replaced the contractor running the embattled Camp East Montana following multiple deaths, a measles outbreak and reports of inhumane treatment, but retained its medical subcontractor, Loyal Source Government Services.
Escobar and other visitors to Camp East Montana have described the medical services at the facility as neglectful. A federal report released earlier this month found numerous violations of health and safety regulations, including failure to test detainees for tuberculosis and not placing an at-risk detainee in a suicide-resistant cell for monitoring.
“Equally troubling is the possibility that these suspected overdoses may not have been accidental … which raises harrowing questions about mental health treatment and suicide prevention inside the facility,” Escobar said in the news release.
Cooling Centers Open as Temperatures Rise
The city and county of El Paso have activated cooling centers at multiple sites throughout the Borderland for residents to take respite from the heat and help prevent heat-related illness and injury during the summer months.
There is no cost to enter the air-conditioned cooling centers – community and recreation centers, libraries and other public facilities.
Heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion are more likely to occur in infants, young children, older adults, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions. The warning signs include heavy sweating, nausea, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, confusion, pale, clammy skin or a rapid, weak pulse. Severe cases may include unconsciousness and high body temperature.
County cooling centers are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Aug. 15 except for the Juneteenth holiday, Friday, June 19, and the Independence Day weekend, Friday and Saturday, July 3-4.
County cooling center locations:
- Agua Dulce Community Center, 15371 Kentwood Ave. in Horizon City
- Fabens Community Center, 201 N.W. Camp St. in Fabens
- Canutillo Community Center, 7351 Bosque Road in Canutillo
- La Fe Montana Vista Community and Resource Center, 14618 Greg Drive
City cooling centers are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday through Saturday; and closed Sundays at the following recreation centers:
- Valle Bajo, 7380 Alameda Ave.
- Marty Robbins, 11600 Vista del Sol Drive
- Galatzan, 650 Wallenberg Road
- Nations Tobin, 8831 Railroad Drive
City public libraries are also available for cooling centers.
The Extreme Weather Task Force is accepting fan donations at all El Paso and Horizon fire stations. Residents in need of a fan may dial 211 to check eligibility and receive assistance.
Former YMCA in Northeast El Paso Reopens Under New Nonprofit
The Carl Robinson Beat the Heat Retreat at the site of the former YMCA Bowling Family branch in Northeast El Paso opened June 17.
The nonprofit, named after the late Northeast city representative and former county commissioner, took over the facility in May after the YMCA and city ended its lease.
The city and the nonprofit, founded by Robert and Sarah Osterland, reached a new lease agreement that calls for an initial five-year term at a discount rate of $12,000 per year. Under the lease, the nonprofit will have to make some renovations to the facility.
The Heat Retreat offers programs including aquatics, fitness, summer camps and senior programs, and monthly memberships ranging from $30 to $75 as well as income-based memberships. Those interested in income-based memberships are encouraged to visit the facility at 5509 Will Ruth Ave.
The YMCA in April ended its lease with the city after the two entities could not agree to new terms, rent and repair costs. The YMCA had operated the city-owned facility under a $1 a year agreement since 1960. The city’s lease renewal offer included an increase in the rent and required facility maintenance, among other changes.
TTHEP, UTEP Name Students in Fourth Cohort of Medical Preparation Program
Six local high school seniors earned spots in the fourth cohort of MedFuture, a collaborative program overseen by the University of Texas at El Paso and Texas Tech Health El Paso, which prepares college undergraduates for medical school.
The students were introduced Wednesday, June 17, during a ceremony hosted by UTEP and TTHEP.
The program identifies and recruits exceptional students, who will enroll at UTEP and, if they meet the pre-med requirements, are guaranteed a spot in TTHEP’s Paul L. Foster School of Medicine.
The members of this year’s cohort are Shayan Arabi Mianroodi, Coronado High School; Maya Flores, El Paso High School; Mandana Kargar, Montwood High School; Jazlynn Martinez and Maite Rodriguez, San Elizario High School; and Catherine Whitlatch, Franklin High School.
MedFuture students receive extensive pre-medical support as they complete their undergraduate studies. One example involves intensive first-year biological sciences research. They also participate in UTEP’s New Scholar Orientation and MedFuture Orientation.
“Through MedFuture, we are creating a pathway for talented young people to pursue their dreams of becoming physicians, while encouraging them to build their careers and serve patients here in the Borderplex,” said Richard Lange, TTHEP president. “Their success will have a lasting impact on the health of our communities for generations to come.”
More than 60 students from 25 regional high schools applied for this year’s program. Representatives from TTHEP and UTEP Health judged the applications. They based their selections on academic merit, commitment to medicine and potential to become exceptional doctors.
UTEP Health is a full-spectrum initiative that involves the university’s School of Pharmacy, colleges of Nursing and Health Sciences, and other health programs and professions. Its research focuses on health issues unique to the border.
The post Questions follow reported ICE facility overdoses; El Paso cooling centers open appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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