The anniversary celebration officially kicked off with recognitions from both the City of El Paso and El Paso County, including an official City proclamation and County resolution honoring the Foundation’s impact and contributions to the region over the past 20 years.

Founded in 2006, the MCA Foundation was established with a bold vision: to create a center of excellence for healthcare and life sciences that would strengthen the regional economy and improve quality of life for the community. Over the past two decades, the MCA has played a key role in bringing together healthcare institutions, academic partners, researchers, innovators, and community leaders to foster collaboration and growth within the medical and life sciences sectors.

Today, the Medical Center of the Americas campus stands as a thriving hub for patient healthcare, medical education, scientific and translational research, innovation, and commercialization, supported through partnerships with Texas Tech Health El Paso, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, University Medical Center of El Paso, El Paso Children’s Hospital, and the Veterans Administration Wellness Center.

“Over the past 20 years, MCA has helped shape the mission of a medical center through a stronger healthcare and life sciences ecosystem for our region,” said Carlos Ortega, CEO of the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation. “This anniversary is not only a celebration of our organization, but an affirmation of the partnerships, vision, and community collaboration that have made this progress possible. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to this journey and remain committed to building an even stronger future for our region.”

Throughout the years, the MCA Foundation has led initiatives focused on workforce development, research advancement and commercialization, healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, startup companies, and STEM education. The MCA’s work reflects the importance of forward-thinking economic development strategies focused on healthcare and life sciences that build local talent, strengthen regional institutions, attract outside investment, create high-skill career pathways, and improve quality of life for future generations.

As part of the 20th anniversary celebration, the MCA Foundation will commemorate this milestone throughout the year by highlighting its history, partnerships, community impact, and vision for the region through special events, community engagement, and storytelling initiatives.