HARLINGEN, Texas — As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses in the Rio Grande Valley, medical centers are looking for help outside of the area to treat the abundance of patients.
“At this time, we’re working closely with state and federal agencies to secure additional staff to help manage the increased COVID-19 hospitalizations,” said Matt Lynch, Valley Baptist Health System spokesperson. “We are proactively resourcing our hospitals to continue to provide access to care consistent with the guidance from local health leaders and the CDC during this challenging time.”
On Saturday, Valley Baptist reported that their hospitals are at critical capacity and they are struggling to keep up with demand.
The following day, Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of State Health Services announced that many public health services were in the works to come to the Rio Grande Valley.
Among these services is an ambulance strike team scheduled to come to Hidalgo and Cameron counties that could be deployed at Valley Baptist in Brownsville or Harlingen.
“At the same time, we must recognize the critical role our first responders have played in caring for the communities we all serve throughout the duration of this pandemic,” stated Lynch. “Our first responders continue to work tirelessly to care for both COVID and non-COVID patients alike, and we are extremely grateful for their efforts.”
