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New Improvements to Quality of Health Care in Laguna Madre Area
- Updated: August 3, 2018
UT Health, city and business leaders during last week’s ribbon cutting. Photo: Tony Vindell/LFN
by Tony Vindell/LFN
The quality of health care has increased tremendously for residents of the Laguna Madre area.
UT Health Rio Grande Valley now has a primary care facility in Laguna Vista and people like Bill and Janet Balough have the convenience of seeing a doctor and take of other health needs right here at home.
“We generally go to Harlingen,” Jane Balough said. “But we now have a full service health clinic in town.”
The health care provider has been open since May 1 but UTRGV, business and city leaders met Wednesday, July 25, to dedicate the facility that stays open from 8 a.m-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
John Krouse, dean of UTRGV School of Medicine, said the clinic falls within their mission to provide and improve health care services in the Valley.
“It’s wonderful to be able to reach out to the community,” he said, “and we hope to continue doing this all over the area.”
As many as 16 clinics could soon be in operation in this area of South Texas, officials said.
Mike Patriarca, left, introduces the staff at the new primary care facility in Laguna Vista. Photo: Tony Vindell/LFN
Laguna Vista Mayor Susan Houston said they hope to establish a long term relationship with UTRGV and the School of Medicine.
“Having this facility is a major asset for our community,” she said. “We hope it’s utilized by the many residents of the Laguna Madre area.”
The health clinic will provide services such as wellness care for all ages, acute/urgent care, immunizations, sport and school physicals, and has its own on-site lab for lipid, hemoglobin, glucose, urine checks and pregnancy tests, among other things.
Mike Patriarca, executive director with UTRGV, said the clinic is the end-result of a year-long negotiation with Laguna Vista officials.
“This project was longtime coming for the community,” he said. “One of the Medical School missions is to increase health care access to all areas of the Valley and we are finally here now.”
The health clinic is at 723 Santa Isabel Blvd. in Laguna Vista. For more information please call 956-296- 5889.