(Sharing 3/16/2026)Biweekly CHW message - Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths for people in the U.S. under age 50. Colon cancer survivor and Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores, diagnosed at age 46, shares her story here.

This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, encourage people to get screened starting at age 45 or possibly sooner if colon cancer runs in your family.  Shareable info:

• Flyer with risk factors and warning signs (MD Anderson): English | Spanish

• Flyer that explains stool-based vs. camera-based screening, and when to re-screen (American Cancer Society): English | Spanish

• In Texas, low-cost screening is available through Project 80%. Local participating clinics are CentroMed, CommuniCare and the primary care offices of the Center for Health Care Services.

• People with health insurance should have no out-of-pocket costs for camera-based screening ("colonoscopy"), even wif polyps are removed. What to Expect When Paying (American Gastroenterological Association). Most people do pay $10-$130 for pre-procedure meds, with higher costs for easier-to-take ones and name brands.  

• For people newly diagnosed, guides from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network are clearly written and designed to empower: colon cancer, rectal cancer

What Happens to Tax Refunds after Deportation?

• This was a question I got after the last update explaining tax resources. All immigrants, lawful and unauthorized, generally must file taxes in the same way as U.S. citizens. The IRS has shared information with ICE in the past, in violation of its own privacy rules.

• The answer: The person still gets their refund but faces logistical challenges.

• It may be hard to access bank accounts without a U.S. phone number for two-factor authentication. Banks may require ID and notarized affidavits. 

• U.S. checks deposited into foreign accounts will have 45-60 day holds and wire transfer fees.

• Plan ahead if you can. "Managing, Accessing and Closing a Bank Account" is one chapter in the Appleseed Network's Deportation Planning Manual, which also covers taxes, Social Security and veterans benefits, child custody and mental health resources. American Gateways offers a simpler planning toolkit here. 

Update: Measles and Other Infections

• Utah's measles outbreak is accelerating, and Mexico already has seen more cases in 2026 than it did in the entirety of 2025.

• If you're traveling , make sure you're fully vaccinated against measles. The attached flyer focuses on international travel but also applies if you're visiting Utah, Arizona or South Carolina.

• Programs for uninsured adults and uninsured/underinsured children are explained here.

• To help parents understand different vaccine guidelines (CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics), the Immunization Partnership made the attached flyers. Metro Health recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule.

• Texas respiratory virus levels are Low. In Bexar County, flu levels are Medium and falling. 

• Data dashboards: CDC | Metro Health | DSHS | TexWEB wastewater | Walgreens Respiratory Illness Index | National wastewater 

Navigation Resources of the Week

Here are some ways to get personalized answers to legal questions. Everything below is free.

General

·                     Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (eligible if under 125% of Federal Poverty Level)

·                     St. Mary's University School of Law Center for Legal and Social Justice (eligible if low-income)

·                     The annual People's Law School returns to St. Mary's University on Mar. 21, 9 AM-1 PM. Topics this year include accident and auto injury claims, small business basics, divorce, protective orders, CPS cases, guardianships, trusts, immigration, landlord-tenant issues, wills and powers of attorney. Learn more.

·                     Texas Free Legal Answers is an American Bar Association website where low-income people can confidentially post civil (non-criminal) legal questions up to three times a year.  English only. Volunteer licensed lawyers can choose to answer. If your question is not answered within 35 days, it is taken down

·                     Form Communities has a Virtual Court Kiosk where people can access and print legal forms, live chat with TexasLawHelp (English, Spanish, Vietnamese), and attend virtual court hearings, telehealth appointments and job interviews, 6851 Citizens Pkwy, Ste 100 (78229), M-F 9 AM-11 AM and 1 PM-3 PM, walk-in or by appointment. 

·                     The legal system isn't always the answer - Bexar County offers no-cost mediation. Mediation is faster and cheaper than going to court and makes sense when both sides are willing to negotiate, like for some disputes between neighbors, family members, buyers and sellers, and landlords and tenants. Learn more

Evictions

·                     City of San Antonio help line, 210-207-5910, and Eviction Help request form

·                     St. Mary's University Consumer Clinic Housing Hotline, 210-570-6135, M-F 8 AM-5 PM

Titles and Deeds 

·                     St. Mary's University Consumer Clinic Housing Hotline, 210-570-6135, M-F 8 AM-5 PM. Also see archived webinars from City of San Antonio 

Family Law

·                     For help during CPS investigations (eligible if under 125% of Federal Poverty Level): Family Early Defense Network, 844-888-6565, M-F, 9 AM-6 PM. Also see this video.

·                     People with parenting access and visitation questions can live chat with a lawyer at the Texas Access website Mondays & Wednesdays at 1 PM-5 PM and Fridays 1 PM-3 PM.

·                     Grandparents and others raising relatives' children may be interested in "Legal Stability for Children in Kinship Care: Custody and Authorizations," a webinar Mar. 18, noon-1 PM. Register

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

·                     Texas Advocacy Project (dating & domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking), 800-374-HOPE, M-F, 9 AM-5 PM

·                     LASSA attorneys support Texas survivors of sexual assault at 844-303-7233 option 1, M-F, 9 AM-5 PM. Also see these videos from Texas Law Help.

Immigrants

·                     Catholic Charities' Caritas Legal Services

Low-Income Veterans

·                     San Antonio Legal Services Association, 2nd Fridays, 1 PM-4 PM at 202 Connelly St. (78203), and Tu-W-Th 10 AM-3 PM at the American GI Forum, 610 N. Main (78205). This month they'll have an extra Connelly St. session Mar. 23, 1 PM-4 PM. Also see this video series from the Texas Veterans Legal Aid Coalition.

·                     The Texas Legal Services Center offers free legal advice by phone, 800-622-2520 option 2, M-F, 8 AM-5 PM.

Seniors

·                     Legal Hotline for Texans Over Age 60 provides help with Medicare, long-term care and estate planning--advice only, no documents or court assistance, 800-622-2520 option 3, M-F, 8:30 AM-5 PM

Upcoming Events and Opportunities  

• The South Central AIDS Education Training Center hosts "Viviendo Valiente: CHW HIV Education" April 1 & 2 (all day, lunch provided, 14 hours CE). Increase your HIV knowledge so you can care for Latinos, particularly those of Mexican origin, by using culturally responsive strategies at the individual, group, and community levels. Space is limited. Info and registration link

• Most ACA Marketplace users need to file a Form 1095-A with their taxes. The Health Collaborative is available to answer questions about this process at 210-761-3420. 

• Mar . 17, 8 AM--1 PM, food, clothing, diapers, women's health class (9:30 AM-10:30 AM), vaccines and more at West Avenue Compassion, 10715 West Avenue (78213)

• Mar. 17, 24 and 31, 10 AM-11 AM, parts 3-5 of an Alzheimer's Association dementia education webinar series, flyer attached. Register 

• Mar. 17, 1 PM-2:30 PM, From Strategy to Action; Practical Tools for CHW Integration & Sustainability, a webinar from Envision. Info and registration

• Mar. 18, 6 PM-7 PM, online fentanyl awareness training from SACADA. Register.

• Mar. 19, 9 AM-1 PM, Communicare women's health bus at the YWCA, 2318 Castroville Rd. (78237)

• Mar. 19, 9 AM-1 PM, mammograms at Coker United Methodist Church, 231 East North Loop Road (78216), no appointments needed. For questions call 210-233-7199 or email Sonia Cavazos, scavazos@mhm.org 

• Mar. 19, 4 PM-6 PM, Food Uniting Neighbors (F.U.N.), with produce bags, food samples from ¡Por Vida! Restaurants, ¡Viva Health! nutrition activities and more, Lou Hamilton Community Center, 10700 Nacogdoches Rd. (78217). Info

• Mar. 20 & 27, mammograms at the YWCA, 503 Castroville Rd. (78237). Make an appointment at 210-433-9922 x212 or 243, or email amora@ywcasa.org or bgarcia@ywcsa.org. 

• Mar. 20, 8 AM-4 PM, 2nd Annual Down Syndrome Symposium and resource fair, Morgan's MAC, 5210 Thousand Oaks Drive (78233). Register

• Mar. 20, noon-1 PM, Communicating with Confianza health literacy ECHO: Supporting and Advocating for People with Disabilities. Learn more and register

• Mar. 20 & 27, noon-3 PM, Yanawana Herbolarios People's Clinic, Maverick Park, 1000 Broadway (78215). More info

• Mar. 21, 8:30 AM-3:15 PM, Gun Safety and Suicide Prevention Forum by Texas Doctors for Social Responsibility, virtual and in-person at Estancia del Norte, 37 NE Loop 410 at McCullough (78216). Info and registration

• Mar. 21, 10 AM-1 PM, Safe Kids Day. Learn simple ways to prevent injuries while enjoying fun activities and giveaways, Lowe's, 3302 Goliad (78223). Info. Pre-register for childhood vaccinations by calling 210-368-7020.

• Mar. 21, 9 AM-1 PM, District 4 health fair with health screenings and giveaways, St. Clare Church, 7701 Somerset Rd. (78211). Info

• Mar. 21, 10 AM-2 PM, Black Family Wellness Expo, Antioch Sports Complex, 314 Eross St. (78202) Info

• Mar. 22, 1 PM-4 PM, UH Vida Open House, 3611 Jaguar Parkway (78224). Info

• Mar. 24, 10 AM-11 AM, Interpersonal Neurobiology: Integration Brain, Body and Relationships in Trauma-Informed Care, webinar from the Institute for Trauma-Informed Care. Register

• Mar. 25, 9 AM-2 PM, Latched Community Resource Day for people who are pregnant or have children under 3 years old, 8102 Midcrown (78239). Register

• Mar. 25, 10 AM-11AM, TEPHI panel discussion on journeys to becoming a CHW. Virtual. Flyer and registration link

• Mar. 25, 6 PM-7 PM, Rest & Renewal: An Invitation to Reset and Reconnect, an opportunity for CHWs and others advancing anti-racist practices to stop, step away and recharge. Convened virtually by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Info and registration link

• Mar. 26, 8 AM-5 PM, Communicare women's health bus at Coker United Methodist Church, 231 East North Loop Road (78216), appointments preferred, call 210-233-7199 or email Sonia Cavazos, scavazos@mhm.org 

• Mar. 26, 10 AM-11 AM, Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse, from ChildSafe, online. Register

• Mar. 26, 1:30-3:30 PM,  free cardiac screenings for young athletes from AugustHeart, 4940 Broadway Suite #226 (78209). Register

• Mar. 27, 9 AM-11 AM, Bexar County CHW Partnership coffee, conversation -- and professional headshots, if you RSVP to bccp.chw@gmail.com. United Way Eastside Resource Center, 215 Coca-Cola Pl. Ste 203 (78219)

• Mar. 28, 10 AM-2 PM, WEHR health fair including vision, dental, well woman, pediatric services and vaccines, Windcrest United Methodist Church, 8101 Midcrown (78239). Info and pre-registration

• Mar. 28, 2 PM-6 PM, StrongHER: A Celebration of Women's Wellness, with health screenings, fitness activities, HPV vaccines and more, Second Baptist Church Community Center, 1330 E. Commerce (78220). Info

• Mar. 28, 8 AM-4 PM, American Red Cross resource fair including health screenings, Joe Ward Community Center, 435 E. Sunshine Dr (78228). People who live nearby in District 7 can request a smoke alarm home visit during this event with this form.

• Mar 29, 10 AM-noon, Catholic Charities health fair at Holy Redeemer, 1819 Nevada (78203), flyer attached.

• Mar. 29, 10 AM-2 PM, free dental screenings and vision exams in the Bexar County Precinct 1 satellite office parking lot, 3505 Pleasanton Road (78221)

• Mar 31, 3 PM-4 PM, TEPHI Grand Rounds: Hepatitis B and Recent Updates in Pediatric Immunization Schedules. Register

• Each week, Westcare puts out a packed, magazine-format roundup of upcoming community events—read it by clicking here. 

• San Antonio Compassion posts flyers for resources and upcoming events here.

Logistics—How Do I Get…  

VACCINES 

• Uninsured? For recommended childhood vaccines and some adult vaccines, click the green buttons on this page for Texas Vaccines for Children and Adult Safety Net providers.

• Insured? Use a pharmacy--it's fast and no-cost to you. The American Pharmacists Association offers this pharmacy map -- filter by walk-in vaccine access, handicap accessibility, hours of operation and spoken languages. (No matter what the map says, it still helps to make an appointment.) 

• Homebound seniors: Medicare will pay a doctor or other care provider to give flu, COVID-19, Hepatitis B and pneumococcal vaccines in the home, more info here.

• Everyone is still eligible for COVID vaccines this year, and it is still covered by insurance. Hate the side effects? Look for the non-mRNA formulation (the "protein vaccine" here). 

  • No prescription is required at the major national pharmacy chains.

  • For those without health insurance, this is the best discount coupon I've found ($89 as of January 2026)--still pricey, but cheaper than the treatment pills. 

• If you are unable to get the vaccine, remember the old standbys of clean air, frequent handwashing, masking, staying away from others who are sick (and also when you're sick). More info

TESTING

• The federal program for free home tests has ended. Some health insurers still cover these.

• How to Use Home COVID and Flu Tests:

  • Lab tests are preferred for people with symptoms. If you are unable to obtain a lab test, then repeat your home COVID test every 48 hours for a total of at least two tests.

  • If any result is positive, stay home and away from others for at least 24 hours—until your symptoms are getting better and you’ve haven’t had a fever for at least 24 hours (without taking fever reducers). What to Do If You Feel Sick (CDC)

• Before throwing out an expired home test, see if the expiration date was extended by checking the Expiration Date column of the FDA’s List of Authorized At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests.

TREATMENT 

• Medications must start quickly (within 5 days of symptoms for COVID, within just 2-3 days for the flu)—so don’t delay getting a test and a diagnosis. 

• If you are at risk for complications and need antiviral pills: Low-cost online visits are available. Some people are eligible for co-pay assistance from the drug manufacturer. Learn more.