Cong. Cuellar Announces TAMIU-SANE Program Continuation
In ceremonies held Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), Congressman Henry Cuellar announced federal funding totaling $491,320 for Texas A&M International University’s critical Advanced Nurse Education-Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program.
“Today’s announcement of this [program’s] continuation with TAMIU and our partners is important because this funding supports the training of nurses to provide specialized care here in South Texas,” Congressman Cuellar said at a funding announcement held in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Colonnade.
“This program provides so much care for adults and juveniles, and those that need this assistance,” Congressman Cuellar affirmed.
TAMIU president Dr. Christopher Maynard noted the importance and purpose of this funding.
“We are also deeply grateful to Congressman Cuellar for his continued efforts and for recognizing the importance of supporting opportunities that help create more caring and resilient communities across our region. The TAMIU-SANE Program is a powerful example of our mission in action. We are proud of our students and nurses who carry this work forward,” Dr. Maynard emphasized during the funding announcement.
Throughout its tenure, the TAMIU-SANE Program has supported 76 individual nurses and achieved 127 SANE certifications, including both initial and renewal certifications. In its current iteration, the program offers six certification pathways, including renewal pathways for each.
These certifications include the Adult SANE Certification (CA-SANE), Pediatric SANE Certification (CP-SANE), Dual SANE Certification Adult & Pediatric (CA-CP SANE), Adult Renewal Certification, Pediatric Renewal Certification, and a Dual Renewal Certification.
The TAMIU-SANE Program is housed within the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and is led by Principal Investigator Dr. Robert Moran, clinical assistant professor of Nursing, and Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Marivic Torregosa, associate professor of Nursing. Maria Del Rosario Benavides, project manager III, also supports program efforts.
Under the current grant cycle, the TAMIU-SANE Program is seeking to train 54 additional APRNs and RNs to participate in SANE training. Eligible participants must have a current, unencumbered Texas RN license with at least 3 years of licensure and at least 2 years of direct patient care nursing experience. The program particularly welcomes APRNS and RNS with experience in emergency, OB-GYN, intensive care, pediatric, neonatal intensive care, labor and delivery, pediatric intensive care, and surgical services.
Participants begin by applying online and submitting the required documentation. Selected nurses complete Basic SANE Training, followed by Advanced SANE Training with supervised preceptors in acute care settings, and are then supported in applying for the Texas Office of the Attorney General SANE certification.
For more information on enrolling in the TAMIU-SANE Program, reach out to the TAMIU-SANE project manager, Maria Del Rosario Benavides, at maria.benavides@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2575, or click on http://go.tamiu.edu.sane.
Congressman Henry Cuellar announces the continuation of funding to support Texas A&M International University’s critical Advanced Nurse Education-Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program. Campus leadership and community leaders joined Congressman Cuellar during the announcement.
