- Apr 1, 2025
-
-
-
Loading
Loading
In a groundbreaking move to address the healthcare crisis in the Rio Grande Valley, MHP Salud has opened its very first office in Texas, located in Weslaco. This nonprofit organization is on a mission to reduce the staggering number of uninsured residents in an area that has long been underserved in terms of healthcare access.
Weslaco’s new MHP Salud office is situated at 512 S. Westgate Drive, Suite B, and it represents a significant step towards improving healthcare access in a region where nearly one in every three residents is uninsured. According to Jill Spannagel, the vice president of community initiatives for MHP Salud, Hidalgo County alone has a shocking uninsured rate.
This lack of coverage has dire consequences, as public officials and health experts have identified high poverty rates and alarming health statistics—such as 55% obesity prevalence and significant rates of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension—as major factors affecting the area.
MHP Salud aims to bridge the healthcare gap through its Community Health Worker (CHW) programs, which focus on connecting residents with essential health services. They provide critical application assistance for health insurance options, including Medicaid and CHIP, as well as navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Spannagel emphasizes the importance of health education, stating: “It’s not just about getting insured; it’s about understanding how to prioritize your health.” With rising healthcare costs leading to financial distress, MHP Salud’s efforts in education and resource connection could significantly alleviate the burden on families.
In addition to insurance navigation, MHP Salud runs various programs aimed at improving quality of life in underserved communities:
Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez praised MHP Salud for their commitment during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting the positive impact of their services on the local community.
MHP Salud currently serves six regions and 67 counties, with plans to expand its outreach from the new Weslaco office. They aim to provide comprehensive assessments to connect families with the resources they need for better health.
If you’re interested in learning more about MHP Salud’s services, you can reach out to them at (956) 968-3600, via email, or by visiting their new location in Weslaco. Together, we can transform healthcare access in the Valley!
Jenn Jones is an award-winning professional journalist with 10+ years of experience in the field. After graduating from the Columbia School of Journalism, she began her career at a local newspaper in her hometown before moving to a larger metro area and taking on more demanding roles as a reporter and editor before calling Breaking Now News her home.
Comments
Leave a Reply