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July 17, 2024
The Crucial Role of Healthcare Infrastructure in Driving Regional Success Across the South Texas Triangle
By: The Better Future Institutes Civic Tech Scholars
Maryam Paykar
5 min read
At the Better Futures Institute, we are committed to leveraging our resources to support and optimize fast-growing industries within the San Antonio region. One key sector we’ve identified is healthcare, which employs approximately 182,000 people in the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area, which accounts for 15% of the total workforce. This highlights the importance of healthcare to our community, and our mission is to ensure that these industries continue to thrive through innovative policies and strategic resource allocation.
Having strong healthcare infrastructure is vital for a region's well-being and prosperity. It not only maintains high quality health but also fuels growth and innovation. This report dives into the healthcare landscape across five distinct areas: San Antonio, Corpus Christi, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), Laredo (Texas), and Monterrey (Mexico). Each region has its own strengths and challenges, creating a rich tapestry of healthcare experiences.
San Antonio: A medical engine in Texas, San Antonio boasts a robust infrastructure and leading medical institutions.
Corpus Christi: This coastal region offers a limited mix of urban and rural healthcare needs.
Rio Grande Valley (RGV): This rapidly growing area faces significant disparities in healthcare access.
Laredo: Situated in the U.S.-Mexico border, Laredo faces unique healthcare challenges and opportunities related to cross-border activity.
Monterrey, Mexico: A leading industrial and economic center, Monterrey begins advancing its healthcare and biotechnology sectors.
Analysis of the Healthcare Infrastructure
The healthcare infrastructure within a region is a key component in fulfilling the requirement of creating a sustainable community and meeting the health based needs of its citizens. Each region: San Antonio, Corpus Christi, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), Laredo, and Monterey (Mexico), has its own unique characteristics that reflect their own needs and healthcare infrastructure.
A major noticeable trend within these regions is the number of accessible hospitals.
San Antonio
Hospitals: Approximately 30
Types: Public, Private, Specialized
Details: San Antonio's large, diverse, and growing population, along with its status as a regional healthcare hub, supports a wide range of medical services and specialties through numerous hospitals including public institutions like University Health System and various private and specialized hospitals. Key services include specialty care (oncology, cardiology, neurology), maternal and child health, advanced surgical services, and rehabilitation. Emergency services are widely available.
Graph illustrating healthcare services offered by hospitals in San Antonio, TX
Monterrey, Mexico
Hospitals: Approximately 20
Types: Public, Private, Specialized
Details: Monterrey, with a metropolitan population of around 4.7 million, has numerous hospitals including public ones like Hospital Universitario en Monterrey, as well as private and specialized facilities to cater to its substantial healthcare needs. The city provides comprehensive specialty care, advanced surgical services, maternal and child health services, and has strong rehabilitation and long-term care services. Emergency services are crucial and widely available.
Rio Grande Valley
Hospitals: Approximately 15
Types: Public, Private, Specialized
Details: The region's hospitals serve its growing and diverse population, often focusing on underserved communities. This reflects the increasing demand for healthcare services due to significant demographic changes. Key facilities offer specialty care, maternal and child health services, advanced surgical procedures, and rehabilitation services. Emergency services are a common and vital feature.
Graph illustrating healthcare services offered by hospitals in the Rio Grande Valley, TX
Corpus Christi
Hospitals: 6
Types: Public, Private
Details: The smaller population and coastal location of Corpus Christi influence its healthcare needs, with fewer hospitals required to meet demand. Services focus on environmental and occupational health, along with specialty care, advanced surgical services, maternal and child health, and rehabilitation. Emergency services are also a significant component.
Graph illustrating healthcare services offered by hospitals in Corpus Christi, TX
Laredo
Hospitals: 5
Types: Public, Specialized
Details: Despite having the fewest hospitals among the listed cities, Laredo’s healthcare facilities are crucial for addressing cross-border healthcare needs, reflecting the city’s strategic location and smaller population. The hospitals offer essential specialty care, maternal and child health services, advanced surgical services, and are integral for rehabilitation and long-term care. Emergency services are essential and widely available.
Graph illustrating healthcare services offered by hospitals in Laredo, TX
Healthcare Workforce
The backbone of any healthcare system's effectiveness and adaptability is formed by the distribution and availability of healthcare professionals.
In San Antonio, the healthcare workforce is bolstered by the city’s numerous medical schools and training institutions which supply many skilled professionals to the sector. As a result, San Antonio enjoys a large representation of healthcare workers across various specialties, including a significant number of specialists in advanced medical research and biotechnology.
Corpus Christi, while smaller in scale compared to San Antonio, maintains a strong group of professionals skilled in addressing both urban and rural healthcare needs. This is important in managing the healthcare requirements of its diverse population.
The RGV presents a stark contrast with significant disparities in their availability of healthcare professionals. The region's rapid growth deepens these disparities, creating the need for urgent strategies to attract more healthcare workers to meet the increasing demands.
Laredo’s position on the U.S.-Mexico border introduces unique challenges and opportunities. Cross-border health issues require professionals who are not only medically adept but are also culturally competent and able to navigate the complexities of binational health policies.
Monterrey, with its advanced industrial and economic landscape, hosts a sophisticated healthcare workforce that includes leaders in biotechnology and medical research. This aligns with the city’s emphasis on high-tech and innovative healthcare solutions.
Across all regions, however, there are ongoing challenges related to workforce distribution. Rural areas consistently report shortages, and there is a continual need for specialized training programs to keep up with the advancements in medical technology and research. The employment trends also show a shift towards integrating digital health technologies, requiring new skill sets and continuous professional development.
Conclusion
The healthcare landscape across the South Texas Triangle weaves together diverse threads, each city facing its own distinct opportunities and challenges. Yet, as a community, we can forge a path towards ensuring that everyone receives the healthcare they rightfully deserve. By fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and prioritizing workforce development, we can lay the foundation for a thriving and healthy community.
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