BROWNSVILLE, Texas - DHR Health is expanding its services, this time through a partnership with the City of Brownsville.
The health care system is investing nearly $17.3 million in the hospital and the city will pump $2 million under Chapter 380 Grant Agreement of the Texas Government.
The partnership was announced during a press conference held Thursday, Dec. 18.
Dr. Carlos J. Cardenas, the board chairman with DHR Health, said the expansion is part of their commitment to improving access and furthering the quality of the services they already provide in Cameron and Willacy counties.
”I can’t think of better things to happen whenever the public and private sector work together,” he said. “This is about increasing access to health care to all La Gente (The People).”
Cardenas said the expansion will increase the hospital work force, and he added they are already interviewing applicants for a number of positions to be filled once the expansion is completed.
According to a news release issued by the hospital staff, 9,200 square feet of new construction and 4,800 square feet in remodeled existing space are part of the expansion project. The improvements are expected to be complete two years from now.
Cardenas said the expansion is another milestone for DHR and falls within the promises they made when they opened the hospital here in 2023.
“This is about elevating the quality of health care,” he said. “But you don’t this without partners.”
The expansion calls for enhancing the medical services in the emergency room, radiology department, catheterization lab and adding surgical suites.
Also, up to 20 new full-time jobs are expected to be created by the improvements.
Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. described the project as a “strong collaboration” between the city and DHR Health.
The expansion is one of the last projects announced under City Manager Helen Ramirez, whose last day of the job is this Friday, Dec. 19.
