United Medical Centers Receives Prestigious Othli Award By Mexican Consulate at Eagle Pass During Independence Day Celebration
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
United Medical Centers received the prestigious “Ohtli Award” from the Government of Mexico during the “Grito de Independencia” celebration held Saturday, September 12, 2026 at San Juan Plaza in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Mexican Consul Vivian Juárez Mondragón at Eagle Pass presented the recognition to United Medical Centers for its extraordinary contributions to Mexican nationals and families living outside Mexico.
Accepting the award on behalf of the organization was United Medical Centers Board President Jose M. De Luna III.
The Ohtli Award is the highest recognition presented by the Government of Mexico through its Secretariat of Foreign Affairs to individuals and organizations whose work has improved, empowered or positively affected the lives of Mexicans living abroad.
The recognition highlighted the essential role United Medical Centers has played in providing accessible and affordable healthcare throughout the Texas-Mexico border region for more than 60 years as well as its partnership with the Mexican Consulate public health program titled “Ventanilla de Salud.”
UMC is the largest primary care provider in the region and serves residents throughout the Tri-County area of Maverick, Kinney and Val Verde counties along the Texas-Mexico border.
The organization operates under the guidance of Chief Executive Officer William Worrell, its administrative leadership team, medical professionals and employees who work to provide preventive care, early diagnosis and compassionate treatment to thousands of patients.
UMC offers family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, podiatry, dental care, laboratory testing, radiology, pharmacy services and WIC nutrition assistance.
Its clinics also provide immunizations, routine examinations, chronic disease management and screenings for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, breast cancer and cervical cancer.
Pediatric services include wellness child visits, school and sports physicals, immunizations and treatment for conditions including asthma and diabetes.
UMC’s pharmacy program helps patients obtain affordable medications while providing counseling and education regarding their safe and effective use.
The organization is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of De Luna as president, Maria J. Martinez as vice president, Benjamin Rodriguez as secretary, and Frank Mendoza as treasurer.
Other board members are Margarita Andrade, Francisco Martinez III, Gene Mireles, Sonia Rodriguez, Travis Huey, Juliet Martinez, and Lucero Salinas.
The Ohtli Award recognized not only the organization’s leadership but also the physicians, nurses, medical assistants, administrative employees and support staff who have served generations of families across the region.
Consul Vivian Juárez Mondragón personally led the traditional Grito de Independencia ceremony commemorating the call made by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla on September 16, 1810, which marked the beginning of Mexico’s struggle for independence from Spanish rule.
For United Medical Centers, the Ohtli Award represents a prestigious binational recognition of more than six decades of service and its continuing commitment to improving the health and quality of life of families throughout the border region.
