*** Click here for the audio version.*** The December 2025 column warned of the coming reduction in funding for federal health care programs. It outlined the likely impact on county indigent health care programs and rural health care availability. Unfortunately, that funding reduction has arrived. Under Chapter 61, Health and Safety Code, a county without a public hospital … [Read more...] about Federal Health Care Funding Cuts
health care
A Win-Win
Employee Clinic Promotes Healthy Workforce, Healthy Bottom Line
What started as a one-room clinic in the basement of the Jefferson County Courthouse in 1999 has grown into a multiservice employee health clinic that has outgrown its location two times. “In 2022, we cared for 4,643 patients,” shared Leslie Riggs, the registered nurse/certified nurse family practitioner who oversees the clinic. The Jefferson County Employee Health Clinic … [Read more...] about A Win-Win
Webb County Employee Medical and Wellness Center
Pilot Project Cuts Taxpayer Costs
During its first six months of operation, the Webb County Employee Medical and Wellness Center treated 500 patients and saved taxpayers an estimated $135,000, reported Pedro F. Alfaro, M.D., director of the Webb County Risk Management Department. All Webb County employees enrolled in the county’s health insurance plan and/or their enrolled dependents have access to … [Read more...] about Webb County Employee Medical and Wellness Center
Webb County Employee Clinic: Behind the Scenes
County Progress asked the director of the Webb County Risk Management Department, Pedro F. Alfaro, M.D., to explain how the county’s new employee clinic grew from an idea to a reality. We would like to thank Dr. Alfaro for taking the time to visit with us. What prompted Webb County to open a county clinic? Webb County is a self-funded entity for employee health insurance. … [Read more...] about Webb County Employee Clinic: Behind the Scenes
County Jail Telemental Health Care
Mental Health: The more services, the better. While mandates require us to provide mental health services, it is the right thing to do. The mental health population inside our jails is not going down anytime soon. It is something all jails and we administrators are experiencing. So my solution is, the more help and services I can provide these citizens, the better … [Read more...] about County Jail Telemental Health Care