South Texas Health System Children’s

South Texas Health System Children’s South Texas Health System Children's is a freestanding pediatric hospital and part of STHS. Social media accounts are managed by Marketing.

South Texas Health System Children's is the first freestanding pediatric hospital in the Rio Grande Valley. The 107-bed hospital in Edinburg, Texas, features the region’s only exclusive pediatric emergency department, a Joint Commission certified asthma program, Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Institute as well as access to physicians in many specialty areas. We are unable to provide medical

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Rest Up for a Strong Start: As summer winds down, now is the perfect time to help children get back into healthy sleep h...
08/08/2026

Rest Up for a Strong Start: As summer winds down, now is the perfect time to help children get back into healthy sleep habits before the first day of school. Sleep plays a critical role in learning, behavior, athletic performance and overall well-being. Yet nearly half of U.S. children don't get enough sleep, per the National Sleep Foundation.

The good news? A few simple changes can help your child start the school year rested, focused and ready to succeed:

⏰ Gradually adjust bedtimes and wake-up times
🛏 Re-establish calming bedtime routines
📱 Limit screen time before bed
☀️ Encourage morning sunlight and daily activity
📆 Keep a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends

Most school-age children need 8 to 12 hours of sleep each night, and a well-rested child is better prepared to learn, focus and thrive in the classroom.

If your child has difficulty falling or staying asleep, talk with your pediatrician or a sleep specialist. The STHS Sleep Center offers comprehensive sleep studies for children and adults to help diagnose and treat sleep disorders. For more information, call 956-213-0403.

For more back-to-school tips, watch our South Texas Health Minute on ValleyCentral.com. https://bit.ly/4g3ivjd

Start the School Year Protected: As families prepare for a new school year, it’s easy to focus on backpacks, notebooks a...
08/07/2026

Start the School Year Protected: As families prepare for a new school year, it’s easy to focus on backpacks, notebooks and new clothes. But one of the most important items on your back-to-school checklist is making sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date.

Nearly 20 million children worldwide are missing routine, life-saving immunizations, per the World Health Organization. In the United States, preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough are making a comeback, highlighting the importance of keeping children protected through vaccination.

In Texas, students must provide proof of immunization before enrolling, attending or transferring to a public or private elementary or secondary school. Required vaccines include:

💉 Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap)
💉 Polio
💉 Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
💉 Hepatitis B
💉 Varicella (Chickenpox)
💉 Meningococcal
💉 Hepatitis A

Some vaccines require multiple doses to provide full protection. Talk with your child’s healthcare provider to ensure they are up to date on all recommended immunizations.

By vaccinating your child, you not only help protect their health, but also help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases in schools and throughout the community.

To learn more about Texas school immunization requirements for students in grades K-12, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services Immunization Requirements Guide. https://bit.ly/4wSFKDW

The Secret Ingredient: Nutrition plays an important role in a patient's healing journey. Long before a meal reaches a pa...
08/05/2026

The Secret Ingredient: Nutrition plays an important role in a patient's healing journey. Long before a meal reaches a patient's bedside, it has been carefully planned, prepared and reviewed to ensure it meets dietary requirements and supports recovery. Helping lead that effort at South Texas Health System Children's and STHS Edinburg is Severa Quintanilla, a dedicated supervisor in the Dietary Department.

Severa's remarkable healthcare journey began in 1974 at the former Edinburg General Hospital, where she started her career in housekeeping. More than five decades later, she continues to serve patients with the same compassion, work ethic and commitment that have defined her career.

Known for her exceptional attendance and team-first attitude, Severa's dedication extends beyond her daily responsibilities. After ensuring patient meals and trays are prepared and delivered, she's often found helping colleagues wherever needed, whether assisting with department tasks or rolling up her sleeves to help with the dishes.

"I enjoy my work, and I enjoy coming to my job," says Severa. "I get along with my coworkers, and we have a great team. Everyone is willing to teach, and no one hesitates to help if you're ready to learn."

Her kindness, positivity and willingness to serve have made a lasting impact on generations of employees and patients alike. She leads by example, demonstrating that excellence in healthcare extends far beyond the bedside.

Thank you, Severa, for more than 50 years of compassion, service and unwavering dedication.

Ready, Set, Learn! To help ease the financial burden on Rio Grande Valley families and build excitement for the new scho...
08/03/2026

Ready, Set, Learn! To help ease the financial burden on Rio Grande Valley families and build excitement for the new school year, South Texas Health System Children’s hosted its fifth annual Back-to-School Block Party last Saturday.

Representatives from STHS facilities and systemwide departments were joined by local businesses and community organizations to distribute free school supplies to area students. Children received essential classroom items, including notebooks, pencils, pens, crayons, colored pencils, glue and more.

Beyond the school supplies, families enjoyed a variety of arts and crafts activities, interactive games and family-friendly entertainment. Attendees also had access to free health screenings, valuable community resources and important health information to help prepare parents for the new school year.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Back-to-School Block Party a tremendous success. Together, we're helping local students start the school year prepared, confident and ready to learn.

Best of luck to all Valley students as they embark on the 2026-27 school year. Here's to a successful year filled with learning, growth and achievement!

Make a Difference for Families in Need: Ronald McDonald House Charities South Texas is inviting local businesses and org...
08/01/2026

Make a Difference for Families in Need: Ronald McDonald House Charities South Texas is inviting local businesses and organizations to support families of hospitalized children by becoming a Pantry Partner for the Ronald McDonald Family Room at South Texas Health System Children's.

Pantry Partners commit to keeping the Family Room kitchen stocked for one month, helping ensure parents and caregivers have access to food, beverages and everyday essentials without having to leave their child's side.

Located just steps from patient rooms, the Ronald McDonald Family Room offers a welcoming space where families can recharge, enjoy a meal, take a shower, do laundry or simply find a moment of comfort during a difficult time.

By becoming a Pantry Partner, your organization can make a meaningful difference for families when they need support most.

To learn more about the program, contact Miriam Gelman at (956) 476-6489 or visit https://bit.ly/4aUCNbQ.

First-Day Confidence: With a record number of children expected to enter preschool this year, schools across the country...
08/01/2026

First-Day Confidence: With a record number of children expected to enter preschool this year, schools across the country are preparing to welcome a new class of young learners. But is your child ready for the transition?

Nearly 1.8 million children attended state-funded preschool during the 2024-25 school year, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research, a record high. Nationwide, 37% of 4-year-olds and 9% of 3-year-olds were enrolled in state-funded preschool programs, underscoring the growing number of young children preparing to take their first steps into the classroom.

For many children, starting school is an exciting milestone that can also bring feelings of uncertainty, anxiety and even tears. Separation anxiety is common in early childhood because parents serve as a child's primary source of comfort and security.

Fortunately, a few simple strategies can help ease the transition and build confidence before the first day:

🚌 Explain what to expect at preschool
🧠 Normalize feelings of anxiety
😊 Practice spending time apart
🏫 Visit the school before classes begin
🧸 Provide a comfort item or transitional object
👋 Create a consistent goodbye routine
😁 Stay positive and encouraging

If your child's separation anxiety does not improve after the first month of school, or if symptoms worsen, consider speaking with a mental health professional for additional support. For a confidential assessment, call the STHS Behavioral hotline, available 24/7, at 956-388-1300.

For more back-to-school tips, watch our South Texas Health Minute on ValleyCentral.com. https://bit.ly/4boefJH

Easing the Back-to-School Expense: As the first day of school approaches, many Rio Grande Valley families are preparing ...
07/31/2026

Easing the Back-to-School Expense: As the first day of school approaches, many Rio Grande Valley families are preparing for the expense of back-to-school shopping. To help ease the burden and ensure students start the year ready to learn, South Texas Health System Children's is hosting its 5th Annual Back-to-School Block Party this Saturday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the hospital's main parking lot.

Families can enjoy a morning of fun, education and community support, including:

🎒 Free school supplies*
🎉 Games and family-friendly activities
❤️ Free health screenings and wellness checks
🤝 Community resources and more

The event offers a great opportunity for families to prepare for the school year, connect with local organizations and access valuable health and wellness resources, all while enjoying a fun-filled morning together.

For more information, visit the STHS Children's Facebook Event Page. https://bit.ly/4pbvBii

*While supplies last

Celebrating Every Ability: Inclusion, empowerment and opportunity took center stage at South Texas Health System Edinbur...
07/31/2026

Celebrating Every Ability: Inclusion, empowerment and opportunity took center stage at South Texas Health System Edinburg last weekend during the inaugural Capable Kids Capabilities Expo.

More than 300 attendees came together to explore valuable resources, connect with community organizations and learn about programs and services designed to support children of all abilities and their families.

STHS Edinburg was proud to host this meaningful event, helping families from across the Rio Grande Valley access support, build connections and discover opportunities that foster growth and success.

Thank you to Capable Kids, participating vendors and everyone who attended for making this first-of-its-kind event a tremendous success. We look forward to continuing to support initiatives that celebrate abilities, strengthen communities and help every child thrive.

Making Every Welcome Count: Before any procedure, check-up, surgery or test at South Texas Health System Children's or S...
07/29/2026

Making Every Welcome Count: Before any procedure, check-up, surgery or test at South Texas Health System Children's or STHS Edinburg, every patient begins their journey through the admissions process.

Helping lead that effort is Lino Canales, an Admissions Supervisor who has dedicated 29 years to STHS. Responsible for overseeing patient intake, Lino and his team ensure every patient receives a warm welcome and a positive first impression of the compassionate, quality care the health system is known for.

Whether reviewing reports, managing financial operations or rounding with staff, Lino is focused on ensuring his team delivers exceptional service every day.

"This is a 24/7 facility," says Lino. "To succeed here, you must be dedicated to your work and always give your best effort."

For Lino, no two days are the same. He thrives on new challenges and enjoys working alongside his team to solve problems and help meet patients' needs efficiently and effectively.

"I enjoy what I do," he says. "If you don't enjoy your work, you won't give it 100%. I also enjoy working with my staff and helping them work efficiently."

Thank you, Lino, for your commitment to excellence and for helping ensure every patient feels welcomed and cared for from the very start.

A Special Tribute to Parents from Their Biggest Fans: For children, parents are so much more than caregivers; they are p...
07/27/2026

A Special Tribute to Parents from Their Biggest Fans: For children, parents are so much more than caregivers; they are protectors, role models and some of the most important people in their lives. Every day, parents make countless sacrifices to provide love, support and opportunities for their children to thrive.

During a health journey, that support becomes even more meaningful. For many patients at South Texas Health System Children, their parents are a constant source of strength, comfort and encouragement through every step of the healing process.

In celebration of National Parents Day on Sunday, July 26, patients at STHS Children's took the opportunity to thank the people who mean so much to them. Through colorful artwork, handmade crafts and heartfelt messages, they expressed their gratitude to the parents who are always by their side.

Thank you to all parents for your unwavering love, support and dedication. Your care makes a difference each and every day.

Address

1102 W Trenton Road
Edinburg, TX
78539

Telephone

+19563886800

Website

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