Residents turn out for free medical services

In the first two days of a free, two-week medical program in the Rio Grande Valley, more than 2,000 people have taken advantage of services, health officials said Tuesday.

Thousands more – adults and children alike – are expected to participate in Operation Lone Star before it winds up on Aug. 6, officials said.

It is the 12th year for the program, which is operating at four sites this week and will move to another three sites next week.

Hundreds of people already have been seen at the Brownsville clinic, at Garcia Middle School, 5701 FM 802.

“For many, this could possibly be the only time they seek medical help or see a doctor all year,” said Adriana Gomez of the Cameron County Department of Health and Human Services.

Services being offered include health screening and treatment, immunizations, physicals for students, hearing and vision exams, diabetes screening, blood-pressure checks, cholesterol screening, limited pharmacy products and pregnancy tests.

The program has sometimes included dental services but those are extremely limited this year and are not available at all at the Brownsville site, said John Villarreal, a public information specialist for the Texas Department of State Health Services.

He said that last year Operation Lone Star provided services to more than 12,000 residents, and so far it is on track for a similar number this year.

“Some 1,200 patients were seen on Monday alone,” he said.

The project unites state health and human service agencies with Texas State Guard, Army and Air National Guard, local health departments, local services groups and schools, and civilian volunteers.

Students in the medical field from Kaplan College, the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, and Brownsville’s South Texas Vocational Technical Institute are also participating in the project.

“The military personnel use this as a response exercise for how to respond in crisis situations or mass disasters,” Gomez said. “It’s a preparation for how they would treat a large group of people quickly and adequately.”

Hours at all the Operation Lone Star sites are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

This week, in addition to the Brownsville location, clinics are set up at PSJA High School, 805 West Ridge Road, in San Juan; Palmview High School, 3901 N. La Homa Road, in Mission; and Raymondville High School, 1 Bearkat Blvd., Raymondville.

The three locations for next week are in Starr, Webb and Zapata counties.

For more information about Operation Lone Star, call 211.