From the Rio Grande Valley to the National Spotlight: Celebrating PAs in Our Communities

Three proclamations. Three opportunities to celebrate our profession. One proud PA.

This year, I had the privilege of attending PA Week proclamation presentations with the City of McAllen, the City of Edinburg, and Hidalgo County. I also helped organize the Hidalgo County proclamation, making that celebration especially meaningful. Seeing our profession recognized in the communities we serve was a proud moment as both a practicing PA and an educator.

Then came another reason to smile: all three appeared in AAPA’s national recap of PA Week proclamations.

Our Rio Grande Valley communities were part of a broader effort to recognize PAs and help more people understand the work we do.

More Than a Photo Opportunity

The photos are wonderful keepsakes, but these moments also create space for conversations.

What is a PA? How are we trained? Where do we practice? How do we contribute to the healthcare team?

For those of us who teach or practice medicine, the answers may feel familiar. For someone in the audience, however, a proclamation presentation might be their first introduction to the profession—or their first realization that becoming a PA could be an option for them.

As a PA educator, that possibility means a great deal to me. Our students are preparing to care for real people with real needs. Public recognition helps connect their hard work in the classroom and on rotations with the communities they will eventually serve.

Did You Know?

In its October 21 recap, AAPA reported that 26 governors, mayors, and other officials issued PA Week proclamations in 2026, surpassing the previous year’s total. Its Texas list included Edinburg, McAllen, Hidalgo County, Lubbock, and the State of Texas.

That is a reminder that local efforts can become part of a national conversation.

Turning Recognition into Connection

For me, these celebrations connect naturally with our community outreach.

Through activities such as Mini PA for a Day and Project Access, we can introduce younger students to healthcare careers, answer their questions, and let them see themselves in a future they may not have considered.

A proclamation opens a conversation\. A classroom visit, mentorship experience, or hands-on activity can help that conversation continue.

That is especially meaningful here in the Rio Grande Valley, where we have opportunities to connect our profession with the communities we know and care about.

PRO-PA Tip: Start Local

You do not have to hold a leadership title to help people understand the PA profession.

PA students can work with their student society, faculty, or state PA organization to explore a proclamation request. Practicing PAs can share a community need, speak at a career event, or mentor a student interested in healthcare.

If you are planning for next year, contact the relevant city or county office early and ask about its proclamation process. Requirements and timelines vary, so a little preparation can make participation easier.

Thank You, Rio Grande Valley

Thank you to the City of McAllen, the City of Edinburg, and Hidalgo County for recognizing the PA profession this year.

I was proud to attend all three presentations and grateful to be part of these celebrations. Seeing our communities included in AAPA’s national recap made those memories even sweeter.

Your turn: Have you attended a PA Week proclamation or helped organize one? What is one way you would like to introduce the PA profession to your community? Share your experience or idea in the comments.

Source: American Academy of Physician Associates. “PA Week Proclamations Surpass 2025 Numbers, Signaling Growing Support for the Profession.” October 21, 2026.

https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2026/10/pa-week-proclamations-surpass-2025-numbers-signaling-strong-and-growing-support-for-the-profession-across-the-country/