Overview of the BEC
The Border Epidemiology and Environmental Health Center (BEC), under the direction of Dr. Hugo Vilchis, is an advanced public health research and intervention center at New Mexico State University. Its mission is to improve the health status of the border population.
The BEC was created in 1998 by New Mexico State University as the vehicle to support and coordinate binational health activities and provide technical advice to staff of the New Mexico Department of Health and other health agencies. The benefit of having the BEC at NMSU is evident by the number of binational and interstate initiatives, activities, and organizational communication and linkages established through its efforts. In addition, the BEC acts in behalf of the US-Mexico Border health Commission as an extension to promote and implement binational and interstate projects in New Mexico and Chihuahua. Its location at the US-Mexico border makes it particularly important because it attracts the Department of Health and academic community to address health issues and problems of the border in a regional/binational approach.
We have more than 10 projects and programs in the areas of Research, Education, and Community Health interventions. Several of our projects has been awarded and/or recognized by national and regional organization.
The BEC is located at the main campus of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Find directions to the BEC office here.
Quick links to other sites!
BIEN! NetworkNMSU Department of Health Science
NMSU College of Health & Social Services
New Mexico Out Reach Office of the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission
U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission
New Mexico Border Health Council
New Mexico Office of Border Health