Eagle Pass SAFE Hosts “Los Hombres Si Lloran” to Address Men’s Health

By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

Eagle Pass SAFE held its “Los Hombres Sí Lloran” community event Wednesday, September 30, 2026 evening, bringing local men together for an honest conversation about mental health and the pressures many carry in silence.

Held at The Riskind in downtown Eagle Pass, the event focused on challenges involving work, finances, family responsibilities, relationships, fatherhood, stress, anxiety, grief and uncertainty about the future.

“Los Hombres Sí Lloran,” which translates to “Men Do Cry,” challenged the belief that men must always appear strong, hide their emotions and handle personal struggles on their own.

Recent federal health data showed that approximately one in five American men experienced some form of mental illness.

However, only 41.6 percent of men experiencing mental illness received treatment, compared with 56.9 percent of women.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also reported that the suicide rate among men was nearly four times higher than among women.

The numbers highlight the importance of creating spaces where men can discuss their struggles and seek help before reaching a crisis.

The discussion was led by a panel of local professionals and community leaders that included EP SAFE Executive Director Elias Diaz, Ever Talamantes, a licensed professional counselor with the Maverick County Hospital District, and Jose Luis Perez, founder and CEO of Mentors That Care.

They were joined by Luis E. Sifuentes, a licensed professional counselor associate with Camino Real Community Services, and Victor Cruz, a licensed professional counselor with United Medical Centers.

Participants were able to submit questions anonymously, giving them an opportunity to raise personal or sensitive concerns without identifying themselves publicly.

Those attending listened to the panel, shared experiences and learned more about mental health and available support.

The event brought together EP SAFE, the City of Eagle Pass, the Maverick County Hospital District, the Maverick County Sheriff’s Office, Camino Real Community Services and Mentors That Care and encouraged local men to talk openly about the pressures they face and seek help when needed.

It also reminded those attending that they do not have to deal with stress, grief or emotional struggles alone.