MCALLEN, Texas - Working with OnMed, Molina Healthcare, and United Healthcare, Hidalgo County Health & Human Services Department has announced the arrival of its first virtual care station.
The OnMed Care Station, which offers no cost basic primary health care services to the community, is located at the county clinic on E. Hackberry Avenue in McAllen.
The care station is a healthcare booth that connects patients with medical professionals through secure video consultations. Lourdes ‘Lulu’ Acevedo, assistant director for health and human services for Hidalgo County, said the innovative technology offers basic medical services, including prescriptions, diagnosis and specialist referrals, all within a private sound-proof environment.
The station was unveiled at a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 3.
Representatives from the three private sector organizations Hidalgo County has partnered with for the project spoke at the press conference. Click here to read the remarks of Mindy Walker from OnMed, Kelsey Letcher from Molina Healthcare, and Patricia Longoria from United Healthcare.
Acevedo opened proceedings by explaining what the virtual care station does and how it came about. She was followed by Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez and Hidalgo County Commissioner Eddie Cantu. Here are their remarks.
Lourdes 'Lulu' Acevedo, assistant director, Hidalgo County Health and Human Services.
“Good morning everybody. And welcome to this historic day for Hidalgo County. I am Lourdes ‘Lulu’ Acevedo, and I am the Assistant Director for the Health and Human Services Department, and I am deeply honored to be your host for today's ribbon cutting ceremony. Our director Dairen Sarmiento Rangel at our McAllen clinic to celebrate a groundbreaking milestone in healthcare for Hidalgo County.
“Today we unveil the Rio Grande Valley's first virtual care station, offering no cost basic primary health care services to our community. I would like to extend a warm welcome to our distinguished guests. County Judge Richard Cortez, county commissioner Eddie Cantu, our partners from OnMed, Molina Healthcare, United, community and elected members and members of the media. Thank you for being here. Your presence here today reflects our shared dedication to improving the health and well being of those we serve.
“The onMed virtual care station is a healthcare booth that connects patients with medical professionals through secure video consultations. This innovative technology offers basic medical services, including prescriptions, diagnosis and specialist referrals, all within a private sound-proof environment.
“Before I turn it over to the next speaker, I want to highlight how exciting it is for us to offer additional services to our community.
“For over 90 years, the health department has offered a variety of preventative care services like immunizations, prenatal care and child-well visits. I am proud to say that as of today, Hidalgo County now offers basic medical services beyond prevention to our community.
“As I close, I want to take a moment to thank the dedicated staff of the Health and Human Services Department for making this event possible, alongside our colleagues from Precinct 2, facilities management, IT, Jackie and her team at public affairs. Thank you all very much.
“And now, without further delay, I am pleased to introduce to you all our County Judge Richard Cortez to share his remarks on this important milestone.”
“Well, good morning everyone and really, thank you for joining us for this really exciting milestone here in Hidalgo County. You know, we are proud to celebrate the luncheon of this very first OnMed Care Station here in the Rio Grande Valley.
“We hope it's just the beginning of more to come. Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare regardless whether they have insurance or not. Too many of our families in our community delay care simply because they cannot afford a doctor's visit. This care station changes all of that.
“For the first time, our residents can receive primary care at no cost in a private and secure space. Just like if they were in a primary care doctor in person, residents can speak with their licensed medical professionals and get care plans, prescriptions and other referrals. This is care that meets people where they are, removing barriers of cost, distance and access.
“This innovation is possible thanks to the collaboration between the Hidalgo County Department, OnMed, United Healthcare, and Melina Healthcare. Again, thank you all for that. It reflects what we can achieve with local government, healthcare providers and private partners work together for the good of our community.
“This care station is not just about technology, it's about equity, dignity and giving every resident the opportunity to live a healthier life. By bringing health care directly into our county services, we are showing that Hidalgo County is committed to innovation and to the well being of our people.
“We hope that this is the first of many care stations who opened here in the Valley. Thank you to everyone who made this possible, and most importantly, thank you to the community we serve. This care station belongs to you.
“Now I would like to introduce Precinct 2 Commissioner Eddie Cantu, who has a few words for you.”
“The hotter the day, the shorter the speech.
“As we all know, primary care is a foundation of good health. through regular checkup screenings and preventive care, primary care can catch small problems before they become big ones. It helps manage chronic conditions, keep families healthier, and ultimately gives us the peace of mind that we are not facing our health journeys alone.
“Most importantly, primary care is about connection, having someone you can turn to to answer questions, support and reassurance. When we invest in primary care, we invest in longer, healthier lives and stronger communities. I want to thank everybody that made this possible. I can't wait to see these services in the poorest areas of our community that lack the transportation and means to access healthcare.
“It is important that we bring efficient, low cost, easily accessible healthcare to our whole community.
“May God bless every one of you, and may God bless your family. Thank you.”
