Healthcare Issues
Rural Hospitals at Risk
According to the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals (TORCH), Texas and much of the nation is in the grips of a rural hospital closure crisis. There are many reasons a hospital may close ranging from declining reimbursement levels, shrinking population, swelling uncompensated care, and increasing operating cost. Yet, our rural communities deserve to have good health care and hospital access. It is a crisis that needs to be fully addressed by the Texas Legislature and the Congress of the United States.
Mental Healthcare Issues
According to the Texas Health & Human Services website, in 2023 (most recent data year) 29.3% of Texans ages 18+ reported their mental health was not good for 5+ days/month. They have also projected the demand for qualified mental health professionals in the North Texas area will increase by 76% by 2036.
Yet this state agency is targeted to be abolished. I support increased mental healthcare funding, rather than stripping vital services.
Inadequate Access to Healthcare
According to my own research, there are 17 Urgent Care 24 hour facilities in Denton County; whereas Wise County has ZERO 24 hour Urgent Care facilities.
