Starr Co. meeting could shape Texas’ plan for rural hospital funding, with major impact on residents and local jobs
The entrance to Starr County Memorial Hospital in Rio Grande City. Courtesy of | Starr County Memorial Hospital

Hospital leaders and state officials will meet Monday in Rio Grande City to press their case for federal funds, a discussion that carries high stakes for Starr County’s only hospital and the residents and staff who depend on it.

Headshot of Starr County Memorial Hospital CEO Thalia H. Muñoz.
Thalia H. Muñoz

“This is a critical moment for the future of health care in Starr County and the surrounding region,” Starr County Memorial Hospital CEO Thalia H. Muñoz said. “The Rural Transformation Fund represents a chance to secure substantial federal resources that could dramatically improve our facilities, expand our services and ensure long-term sustainability.”

Representatives from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will attend the meeting to outline the Federal Rural Health Transformation Fund, a proposed program under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The stakes are clear

The Texas Hospital Association says more than 20 rural hospitals in Texas have closed since 2010, the most of any state.

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