BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The City of Brownsville and DHR Health Brownsville have entered into a Chapter 380 Grant Agreement to add approximately 14,000 square feet to the city’s newest hospital - DHR Health Brownsville.
In addition to expanding bricks and mortar, DHR will enhance medical services in the Emergency Room, Radiology Department, and Catheterization Lab. They will also add surgical suites.
Under the Chapter 380 Grant Agreement of the Texas Local Government Code, the City of Brownsville can offer incentives and grants to encourage private investment that supports community and economic development goals. Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., said the City of Brownsville will incentivize DHR with a $2,000,000 investment.
Dr. Carlos J. Cardenas, MD, DHR’s chairman of the board, said the health system will invest $17,297,000 in the expansion.
Cardenas spoke to the Rio Grande Guardian at a press conference held to announce the new agreement.
“Today has been a day full of pride and accomplishment,” Cardenas said. “To be here with the City of Brownsville celebrating a public private-partnership that expands our ability to deliver health care here in the community of Brownsville, Cameron County and Willacy County, is very special.”
Here is a video recording of the interview:
Cardenas continued:“This partnership is proof that great things happen when we all come together in the best interest of our community. We are thankful that we will be able to further increase access to specialty healthcare services and elevate patient care. Our commitment will always be to continue to work together to strengthen the health of our community,” Cardenas said.
Aida Coronado-Garcia is executive vice president and chief operating officer for DHR Health Brownsville. Coronado-Garcia said the health system is ready to further create new access points for specialty care, emergency services, and surgical excellence for local residents.
“When we launched DHR Health Brownsville, our goal was to bring high-quality healthcare closer to home for the people of Brownsville,” Coronado-Garcia said. “This expansion represents the next step in that mission. It gives our physicians, nurses, and staff the resources they need to deliver exceptional care and respond to the growing needs of this community.”
Coronado-Garcia said the expansion, which totals approximately 14,000 square feet, will add six new ER bays, expand the ER waiting area, add six new surgical suites, include additional equipment to open two cardiac catheterization labs, the installation of a new Siemens 1.5T MRI machine, a new Dual Source CT scanner, and expansion of radiology services on the South side of the hospital.
She said it will also create 20 new full-time jobs in the Brownsville healthcare market, providing opportunities for medical professionals and support staff while expanding the hospital’s capacity to serve more patients when needed.
Of the added square footage, 9,200 square feet will be new construction, and 4,800 square feet will be remodeled space, including critical patient care areas, Coronado-Garcia explained.
The hospital project will also see the expansion of the driveway at the ER entrance. The completion of a full driveway loop around the hospital to improve traffic flow and emergency access. More than 34,000 square feet of new landscaped areas which are designed to enhance the campus environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
Mayor Cowen said the agreement comes as city leaders continue to support and collaborate with local businesses to nurture economic development, create more employment opportunities, and elevate the quality of life for residents through more options in healthcare.
“The DHR Brownsville expansion strengthens our healthcare services in our City and gives our healthcare professionals the opportunity to better serve patients with compassion and efficiency,” Cowen said. “The expansion of DHR Health Brownsville directly supports our vision for a healthier, more resilient community, while creating good jobs and supporting sustainable growth through our community.”
Then-Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez said: “This project embodies the City’s commitment to aligning strategic zoning and public-private partnerships that benefit our residents. Brownsville is strengthening its place in the health sector with the recent adoption of a Medical Overlay Zone.”
Ramirez said the hospital expansion is expected to begin construction as soon as all necessary permits are approved. She said it is expected to be completed within two-years.
