Faith-based nonprofit invests $237.5M to expand health care and improve conditions in South Texas

A San Antonio faith-based nonprofit is investing $237.5 million this year to expand clean water access, health care, and infrastructure in colonias across the Rio Grande Valley and other parts of South Texas.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, one of the largest private funders of health care for low-income and uninsured residents in the region, said the funding represents an 11% increase over its 2025 commitment.

“This investment enables MHM to continue elevating the impact we have across our 74-county service area for our patients, clients, partners, and stakeholders,” Jaime Wesolowski, president and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries, said in the release.

The funding will support nearly 195 nonprofit and municipal partners across its service area — including 47 in the Rio Grande Valley.

It will provide direct medical and behavioral health services for uninsured families and back initiatives tied to water quality, broadband access, food security, housing, and economic mobility — factors that shape long-term health outcomes.

Valley efforts target colonias, infrastructure, and access

In the Rio Grande Valley, the funding is focused on longstanding infrastructure gaps that directly shape health outcomes, particularly in colonias and underserved communities.

That includes the South Texas Safe Water Project, a partnership with Texas A&M University School of Public Health focused on testing and improving water quality in colonias that often lack reliable infrastructure.

The investment also supports a Blue Zones Ignite assessment in the region, a community-driven effort aimed at improving life expectancy and long-term well-being.

Other efforts include expanding digital access through broadband, devices, and training to help residents connect to health care, education, and jobs.

The focus reflects the region’s unique challenges, where infrastructure, access, and economic conditions are closely tied to long-term health outcomes.

Funding spans grants, services, and long-term strategy

Of the total investment, $64.5 million is allocated to grants for nonprofit organizations and municipalities, including $32.6 million in new awards through the 2026 grant cycle.

Another $33.5 million is set aside for long-term strategic initiatives across South Texas, including efforts to close the digital divide and expand access to essential services.

“Each initiative addresses root causes of poverty — including access to safe environments, economic stability, supportive relationships, and community infrastructure — that shape a person’s ability to live a healthy life,” the organization said. “Together, these efforts reflect MHM’s continued commitment to broadening the definition of health care by investing in the social and systemic factors that influence individual and community health across South Texas.”

Methodist Healthcare Ministries also provides direct care through clinics, counseling services, community health workers, and care coordination programs.

In 2025, the organization delivered more than 350,000 health care services to more than 24,000 patients and clients, according to the nonprofit.

Since its founding, it has invested more than $1.86 billion in clinical services and community partnerships.