VA Surge Event (August 2025)
From August 29 - 31, Desert Aid Services had the honor of supporting the 1st Annual Veteran Affairs Community Surge Event in partnership with the El Paso VA, the City of El Paso, and numerous local organizations. This three-day event was dedicated to helping homeless veterans transition into housing — and we also extended support to anyone in need who came through the doors.

Over the course of the event, teams assisted more than 300 people, with nearly a quarter moving into shelters and beginning their journey toward stability. We provided health education, first aid, and outreach support, ensuring that participants had both immediate assistance and long-term resources. We’re proud of our team’s efforts and grateful to all the partners who came together to make this event a success.

NAGGA Range Support (May 2025)

On Friday, May 10th, our team had the privilege of supporting our partners at the National African American Gun Association (NAAGA) during their firearm education and safety course at the Rod and Gun Club in El Paso, TX. Our role was to be on standby, ready to provide immediate medical assistance if any injuries occurred during the training. We're incredibly happy to report that it was a long and boring day – which, in our line of work, is the best possible outcome! It means the training was conducted safely and professionally, and everyone remained uninjured. We commend NAAGA for their commitment to safe and responsible firearm education.

Mount Cristo Rey Good Friday Hike (March 2025)

On March 29th, 2025, Desert Aid Services provided first aid support during the annual Good Friday Easter hike at Mount Cristo Rey. Partnering with the Mount Cristo Rey Restoration Committee, our team was stationed along the trail to assist participants as they made the challenging pilgrimage to the summit. We were able to aid several individuals who experienced falls, scrapes, and general fatigue from the hike. Our goal was to ensure everyone's safety and offer peace of mind, allowing visitors to focus fully on the spiritual meaning of the day. 

Cristo del Rey Pilgrimage First Aid Assistance (November 2024) On November 23rd we provided first aid support during the Cristo del Rey Pilgrimage, positioned at the top of the mountain, our team was ready to address any medical concerns for the large turnout of over 1,000 visitors. We were joined in this effort by the Royal Lao's First Texas Medial Battalion, whose team assisted with first aid support at the base of the mountain. Thanks to these combined efforts of all involved, the event saw only minor injuries, allowing attendees to focus on the spiritual and communal aspects of the pilgrimage.

Mount Cristo Del Rey Clean up Event (November 2024) On November 2nd we supported We Hike Adventure and the Mount Cristo Del Rey restoration Committee in a large clean up event early in the morning. We had a large turnout of volunteers and helped to restore one of El Paso's and Sunland Parks oldest trail and monument.                                     

Eastern New Mexico State Fair (October 2024)
In October 2024, Desert Aid Services partnered with Pecos Valley Public Services to provide essential medical support at the Eastern New Mexico State Fair. Throughout the entire week of the fair, PVPS and DAS ensured that attendees had access to immediate healthcare services, addressing any medical needs that arose during the event. This collaboration not only helped keep fairgoers safe but also strengthened our ties with PVPS and to the communities which we both serve.

Roswell Shelter Support (June 2024)
In May 2024, Desert Aid Services responded to the urgent needs of individuals displaced by the Ruidoso fires by traveling to Roswell, NM. Our team provided vital support at a local shelter, where many affected families sought refuge from the devastation. We distributed essential supplies, including food, water, and hygiene products, to help meet the immediate needs of those impacted by the disaster. Additionally, our medical team offered basic medical support, ensuring that displaced individuals received the care they needed during this challenging time.

No More Deaths Support (May 2024)
In May 2024, Desert Aid Services partnered with No More Deaths, an organization dedicated to preventing migrant deaths in the Sonoran Desert. They work to provide humanitarian aid to refugees and migrants as they navigate perilous journeys, focusing on ensuring access to water, food, and medical care. During the mission, we supported their efforts by helping to conduct water drops in the desert, supplying vital hydration to individuals traversing harsh conditions. Our medical team was on hand to provide basic medical support, addressing any immediate health concerns among the refugees.

Refugee Assistance (March 2024)       We teamed up with PIMA Medical Institute to take medical students downtown El Paso, where they provided much-needed acute medical assistance to nearby refugees. This partnership was a fantastic opportunity for the students to gain hands-on experience while making a real difference in the lives of those facing tough challenges in our community. 

Health Fair in Aqua Dulce (February 2024)
In February 2024, Desert Aid Services partnered with University Medical Center, Project Amistad, Pima Medical Institute, and the County of El Paso Community Center to organize a health and resource fair in Aqua Dulce. This collaborative event aimed to highlight vital resources available in the county while offering free health check-ups to attendees. Additionally, UMC provided flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to ensure community members had access to essential preventive care. The fair successfully brought together local organizations to promote health and wellness, strengthening community ties and awareness of available resources.