Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley have launched the Living Longer by Design initiative to address early diabetes risks among students.
Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, the partnership will connect school health screening data with UTRGV clinical expertise, faculty and student ambassadors. The goal is to help identify at-risk children earlier and connect families with medical and educational support.
More than 2,000 HCISD students currently show positive diabetes risk markers, according to the initiative. HCISD will provide the school-based connection with families, while UTRGV will draw on its College of Health Professions and Center for Excellence in Diabetes and Obesity.
Leaders from both institutions said the partnership is intended to move beyond simply informing families and create a continuous pipeline of prevention and care for children across South Texas.
