Canutillo Independent School District appoints Dr. Maria Fuentes as the new Public Health Emergency Manager (PHEM).
As the new PHEM, Dr. Fuentes is committed to provide CISD students, staff and community with updated evidence-based information following the local, state and national health guidelines to ensure a safe learning experience for all our students. Currently, all COVID-19 protocols for returning back to school for in-person learning are the main priority to ensure a positive experience for all staff and students as well as to provide the confidence the community needs.
“I’m honored to be joining the Canutillo ISD team and look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead as the Public Health Emergency Manager,” said Dr. Fuentes.
Dr. Maria Fuentes is a U.S. ECFMG Certified M.D. and graduated with a Master in Public Health from The University of Texas at El Paso in 2018. Her research studies have focused on public health interventions and infectious diseases that affect the health of the community of El Paso, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria, environmental health and now COVID-19.
“Dr. Maria Fuentes brings her diverse background as a healthcare executive, health economist, physician, and health policy expert to Canutillo ISD,” said Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz. “With 10 years of experience in health care as a practitioner, medical authority, and now as a researcher make her a valuable asset to our team,” he continued.
She is now pursuing her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, also at UTEP, studying the different factors that impact vaccine hesitancy among the Hispanic population. She is also a strong advocate for the autism community and always looking to assist her community by looking for new educational opportunities, and programs that support the arts for people with different abilities.
Please visit our website for current information on back-to-school opening safety protocols for the upcoming 2021- 2022 school year.