Message from the Director

Dr. Richard A. Chamberlain

 I am humbled and honored to lead the City of Laredo Health Department, an organization fueled by the dedication and compassion of our remarkable public health workforce. Every day, our team of selfless professionals works tirelessly to fulfill our mission of providing culturally competent, quality services that promote optimal health, prevent disease, and protect the safety of our diverse community. It is with immense pride that I share the progress and commitment we have made towards achieving our vision of providing access to resources for optimal quality of life, health, and well-being for all.

Our public health workforce is at the heart of our success. Throughout the challenges faced during these times, they have shown unwavering resilience and determination to safeguard the health and safety of our community. Their dedication to providing essential programs and services has been nothing short of inspiring. Together, we have witnessed the profound impact of their efforts as we continuously strive to achieve health equity and ensure that no one is left behind.

As we progress, our foundational programs and services remain strong pillars of our commitment to the people of Laredo. From maternal and child health to infectious disease prevention, from promoting healthy behaviors to fostering environmental safety, we are steadfast in our resolve to make a lasting difference in the lives of our fellow residents. Our pursuit of excellence and leadership drives us to constantly innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our community.

Our vision for a healthier and thriving Laredo fuels our passion to go above and beyond. We firmly believe that access to quality health resources is a fundamental right, and we are dedicated to breaking down barriers that stand in the way. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we will continue to champion health equity, advocating for equal opportunities to lead healthier lives for everyone.

I extend my deepest gratitude to our public health workforce for their unwavering dedication, to our partners for their collaboration, and to our community for entrusting us with the privilege to serve. Your support and trust inspire us to strive for excellence in everything we do. Let us join hands and embark on this journey towards a healthier, more equitable Laredo, where every resident can achieve their optimal quality of life, health, and well-being.

Leadership 

Dr. Luis Cerda is an International Medical Graduate from Zacatecas, Mexico, and the Clinical Services Administrator for the City of Laredo Health Department. I oversee all of the clinical programs, including Immunizations, Tuberculosis, Primary Care, Women's Health, HIV, STD Prevention, Hep C, Nurse-Family Partnership, Assisted Outpatient Treatment Programs, Community Mental Health, and others. I have been working at the Laredo Health Department for over ten years, where I have had the fortune to work at different divisions at a supervisory level. I am a Certified Epidemiology and Infection Control in North America; I have a Masters's Degree in Public Health and Management from Capella University; I also have a Doctoral Degree in Health Care Administration from the Virginia University of Lynchburg. I completed the Green Belt Lean Six Sigma Certification at Emory University and am a certified community health worker. I believe healthcare should be affordable for all Laredo and Texas residents. Good health by practicing preventive medicine is the most affordable type of healthcare. We must encourage and empower our community to make lifestyle changes for better healthcare outcomes. I work with a dedicated group of healthcare professionals in my division that our patients and I depend on. There is no success if we all do not succeed at the same time. I am what I am because we all are.  

Amelia Solis Serves as the Epidemiology Administrator for the City of Laredo Health Department. She provides leadership for the Autism Spectrum Surveillance, Environmental Health, Epidemiology/Public Health Preparedness, and Laboratory divisions. Amelia received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Biology from Texas A&M International University and received her Master of Public Health from The University of North Texas Health Science Center. As an infectious disease epidemiologist with a strong interest in promoting a One Health approach to complex human, animal, and environmental health problems, Ms. Solis is passionate about the development of innovative approaches to foster transdisciplinary learning and collaboration. She currently holds the chairwoman seat for the Seven Flags Healthcare Preparedness Coalition Committee which provides support to hospitals, in conjunction with other health organizations, and stakeholders. 

 Aryana M. Valdez serves as the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Administrator for the City of Laredo Public Health Department. She graduated from United High School and then pursued higher education at the University of Texas at Austin where she graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Nutrition. Completing her Dietetic Internship at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX, has allowed her to practice as a Registered Dietitian since 1999.

Aryana has worked as a Clinical Dietitian at a local hospital where she provided nutrition education to individuals with diverse healthcare needs. She then transitioned to a local school district’s Child Nutrition Department for 23 years. The first 10 years with the district she was a Registered Dietitian that oversaw employee trainings, menu planning and special diets. Her last 13 years, she was promoted to Operations Manager where her responsibilities encompassed various facets of food program management, including compliance with state regulations, employee relations and training initiatives.

Aryana’s decision to join the Laredo Public Health WIC program reflects her passion for promoting health and wellness from early childhood to community health. Since joining Laredo Public Health, she has joined various committees including liaison for the Laredo Center for Urban and Agriculture Sustainability, the Food Policy Council, Early School Readiness and Intervention Committee, Nurse Family Partnership Community Advisory Board and the Laredo Breastfeeding Coalition.

Angel J. Montes serves as the Community Health Administrator for the City of Laredo Public Health Department, leveraging over 25 years of experience across healthcare, business, technology, and local government. Beginning his career at age 15 as a hydration aide for geriatric residents at Regent Care Center, Angel gained an early understanding of the importance of health across all stages of life.

A graduate of Alexander High School in Laredo, Texas, Angel earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems and Data Analytics from Texas A&M International University, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration focused on Management. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration (DHCA) at Oklahoma State University and holds certification as a Community Health Worker.

Angel finds his calling in public service and gains fulfillment from serving his community. He adopts a servant and transformational leadership style, putting the citizens of Laredo first, followed by his team, and then himself. This approach fosters an environment where community health needs shape departmental strategies, employees feel empowered, and public health initiatives are effectively implemented. Angel emphasizes that “A balance between innovative ideas and empirical data is crucial to develop tactical community health strategies.” He believes public health is serious business, a conviction that drives his commitment to evidence-based solutions.

In his role, Angel is committed to advancing the department’s mission to improve the quality of life for Laredo’s citizens. Angel also contributes to several committees, including the Drug and Alcohol Committee (DAC), the Blue-Ribbon Committee for People with Disabilities (BRC), the Laredo Center of Urban Agriculture and Sustainability Committee (LCUAS), and the Suicide Prevention Committee (SPC).

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Staff