Operation Lone Star offers medical care to impoverished

Operation Lone Star rolled into town on Monday as part of a program to offer free healthcare to residents in need by setting up a mobile clinic.

The annual operation will run through Friday at Manzano Middle School, 2580 W. Alton Gloor Blvd., before heading out to other parts of South Texas.

Health screenings, hearing and visual exams, student physicals and limited pharmacy are some of the services available at the different sites along the border.

For 12 years, military forces in Texas, Cameron and Hidalgo County departments of Health and Human Services, and the Laredo Health Department have joined forces to bring medical services to those living in Hidalgo, Willacy, Star, Webb, Zapata and Cameron counties.

Last year, Operation Lone Star provided services to more than 12,000 clients. The Cameron County site in Brownsville had the second-largest turnout in 2010 with 2,231 clients.

The clinic represents a relief for many that do not qualify to receive public health care.

San Benito native Elsa Vasquez, 59, was diagnosed with diabetes six years ago. She does not meet the age requirement to receive Medicare and cannot get more help since she does not have children. Before drug war violence increased in Matamoros, Vasquez used to cross and buy her prescription medication there.

"I haven’t take my medicine for four months. I don’t have money to get it here and I’m afraid of crossing over," Vasquez said. "I don’t get a job or Medicare because of my age."

Basilia Rodriguez, 61, of Brownsville, has not visited a doctor for almost a year. She knows she has cholesterol problems but she does not have insurance. Through Operation Lone Star, Rodriguez has the opportunity to get medical attention and low-cost prescriptions for her high-blood pressure.

"I can’t afford the medicine. All my wages go to pay bills and groceries," Rodriguez said. "Last year, I only paid $4 for three months of medicine."

Vasquez and Rodriguez, like many others, participated in the program for the free medical attention and low cost prescriptions.

"We need events like this happening more than once a year," Rodriguez said.

Authorities said between 2,000 and 2,500 patients are expected during the five-day program.

Last year’s numbers showed that no dental procedures or X-rays were performed at the Brownsville site. The service was more popular in Starr, Webb and Zapata counties.

Fidel J. Calvillo, director of the Cameron County Public Health Response, said approximately 300 military officers, local volunteers and health department staff are working at the site.

For the first time, the U.S. Public Health Service is participating in the program. Most officers taking part in the program worked on federal commissions in the Washington, D.C. area.

"We leave our day jobs to participate as a team and help those who don’t have access to health care," Capt. Steven Sparenbor with the USPHS said.

Authorities said this year’s clinic would not be possible without the more than 30 USPHS officers helping as physicians, nurses, and preventive medicine specialists.

For Capt. Daniel Sem, with the National Guard, this is his second year working with Operation Lone Star. He said being on active duty overseas cannot be compared to the chance to help his own people.

"When people look at the uniform, sometimes they don’t think we can also be a doctor," Sem said. "You learn valuable lessons. I’m proud several agencies are able to come."

Clinic will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.