Montemorelos University (UM) has been elected for a second consecutive term to serve as Executive Secretariat and Executive Coordination of the Nuevo León Network of Health-Promoting Universities (RENUPS) for the 2026–2028 period.

The selection followed a voting process held last month at the International Center of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL). The swearing-in ceremony of the new Executive Board took place on March 5 in Monterrey during the network’s 42nd Assembly.

According to Dr. Roel Cea, director of UM’s Health-Promoting University (UPS), the event reaffirmed the commitment of participating institutions to work collaboratively to strengthen well-being across university communities.

Montemorelos University President Ismael Castillo, who serves as Executive Coordinator and Technical Secretary of the network, emphasized the importance of this collaborative platform for advancing health initiatives in higher education.

“We are truly very pleased because we are founders of this network alongside several universities in Nuevo León. We have enjoyed strong cooperation and continuous support from the Autonomous University of Nuevo León,” he said.

Castillo also highlighted the diversity of initiatives promoted by universities across the state to foster well-being both on campus and in surrounding communities.

“For Montemorelos University, this is an opportunity to share our message of health,” he added.

During his remarks, Castillo shared the meaning of the acronym ADELANTE, a concept the university promotes as part of its holistic health approach: “A stands for water, D for rest, E for exercise, L for sunlight, A for fresh air, N for nutrition, T for temperance, and E for hope.”

Cea, who also serves as the president’s representative to the network for the Executive Secretariat, said the renewed responsibility provides an important platform to “continue promoting the Adventist health message across secondary and higher education institutions in Nuevo León from within the leadership structure.”

Collaborative work to promote university health

Health-promoting university networks are part of a global movement led by public health organizations aimed at integrating wellness into the academic, community, and social life of educational institutions.

He further explained that RENUPS focuses on strategic areas such as accident prevention, equality and inclusion, mental health, holistic well-being, and addiction prevention.

Over the past two years, through its leadership roles in RENUPS, Montemorelos University has contributed to strengthening the network through initiatives led by its Health-Promoting University program, said Adriel Vega, operational coordinator of UPS programs at UM.

Among the most notable efforts are community medical and dental brigades that provided free health services in communities such as Los Naranjos, La Cáscara, and Cabezones in the municipality of Montemorelos.

Community initiatives such as Health at Home were also implemented, involving home visits to promote healthy habits and provide health guidance to families in various neighborhoods.

Additionally, prevention programs were developed, including Zero Diabetes, focused on promoting physical activity and preventing chronic diseases among children and youth; Zero Cavities aimed at oral health education and care; and Zero Blindness, dedicated to the detection and treatment of vision problems.

These efforts were complemented by conferences, seminars, and online educational sessions on healthy eating, holistic wellness, and disease prevention, reaching thousands through digital platforms, Vega said.

Outlook for the 2026–2028 term

According to UPS leadership at Montemorelos University, the institution will continue strengthening its health promotion programs and expanding its impact in both university and community settings.

The work plan includes advancing multidisciplinary health brigades, promoting healthy lifestyle education strategies for university students, and strengthening interinstitutional collaboration among universities.

Through these efforts, Vega said, the university aims to continue demonstrating leadership and social commitment within the network, contributing to healthier, safer, and more inclusive university communities.

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site.