MCALLEN, Texas - Working with OnMed, Molina Healthcare, and United Healthcare, Hidalgo County Health & Human Services Department has announced the arrival of its first virtual care station.
The OnMed Care Station, which offers no cost basic primary health care services to the community, is located at the county clinic on E. Hackberry Avenue in McAllen.
The care station is a healthcare booth that connects patients with medical professionals through secure video consultations. Lourdes ‘Lulu’ Acevedo, assistant director for health and human services for Hidalgo County, said the innovative technology offers basic medical services, including prescriptions, diagnosis and specialist referrals, all within a private sound-proof environment.
The station was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 3. Representatives from the three private sector organizations Hidalgo County has partnered with for the project spoke at a press conference held just before the ribbon-cutting. Here are their remarks:
Mindy Walker, president of business development, OnMed.
“Good morning. I'm Mindy Walker. I'm with OnMed and I'm really grateful to be here today. I want to thank you so much for being here as well, and thank you to the entire Hidalgo County Health and Human Services team for their leadership and commitment to the wellness of this community.
“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank all of you for coming together to make this event and care station possible. I want to take a moment to recognize the generous sponsors, United Healthcare and Molina who have partnered with us every step of the way.
“OnMed’s mission is to improve the quality of life and sense of well being in communities across America by increasing access to healthcare anywhere. Simply put, we believe that everyone should have convenient access to everyday healthcare in every community and every corner across the United States.
“To make this a reality, we got innovative. We developed the OnMed Care Station. Think of it as a clinic in a box that delivers the access to care we all expect. We couldn't be more excited for McAllen and the community of Hidalgo County to benefit from this incredible innovation that is now officially open to the public.
“We also know that when great people come together, great achievements are possible. Innovation is really a team sport, and it takes a vision and a structure of great people to take a step like this. We're grateful to the commitment that Hidalgo County, UHC and Molina have shown to this project. Thank you all so much, and I'm honored to introduce to you Kelsey Letcher, who is the Chief Operations Officer of Molina Healthcare, Texas.”
Kelsey Letcher, COO, Molina Healthcare Texas
“Hi. Good morning, everyone. as Mindy said, my name is Kelsey Letcher, and I am here on behalf of Molina Healthcare of Texas. I'm honored to join you all today at the Hidalgo County Health Department and to bring affordable, free, actually, no cost, healthcare to the citizens of Hidalgo County.
“This is even more special to me because I'm originally from McAllen, so this is my hometown. I am a proud McHi Bulldog, which I recognize is dangerous in Mustang Country to admit but, but I'm just so excited to be able to be back in my community where I grew up to give to the residents of Hidalgo County.
On behalf of Molina, I want to thank OnMed and United Healthcare for partnering with us. This is something at Molina that we call Together for Texas. We know that we can't impact the lives of our members in our community if we don't work together, and so that is what makes initiatives like these (so impactful), that improve the health and well-being of the citizens of this of this county.
“At Molina, we proudly serve about 65,000 Medicaid and CHIP members in the Hidalgo service area. So we know firsthand the challenges and barriers that those members face, whether it's transportation or finding time or even just knowing where to go. So we are excited to break down those barriers and bring access to preventative care right here in their community, in a trusted place where they already come.
“But also, the most important part is that it sends a message that everybody deserves access to care, and we are committed to making that a reality. I want to also extend my gratitude to the leaders who joined us here today, your commitment to the health and well-being of the citizens of Hidalgo is what makes things like this possible. So we just appreciate you all, and to the Hidalgo County Health Department for opening their doors and creating space to house this large care station, we are just so grateful.
“And finally, to the families and individuals that will receive care in this care station, your time matters, your health matters, and we are glad to stand beside you as you find access to meaningful health care. With that, I'd like to turn it over to Patricia Longoria from United.”
Patricia Longoria, United Healthcare.
“Good morning, as was stated, I'm Patricia Longoria. I am grateful and proud to represent United Healthcare. And I think it was previously stated, the hotter that it is, the shorter than the message. You know, I think it has all been stated. And what I want to really underscore is how proud we are to be collaborating and partnering to the leadership of Hidalgo County. Thank you so much for allowing this to move through and to show how much we can support. And to Molina and OnMed, who have been such a fantastic partner in this journey.
“You know, one of the things that I want to really underscore is the innovative care delivery experience that will help ensure members of this community have access to high quality care in a timely manner and in a manner that is conducive for them when they need it, how they need it, where they need it. By addressing gaps in care, we can proactively work to improve healthcare access and outcomes. What we find so many times across the state and especially here is the gap in access. This allows that gap to be bridged, and we thank you so much for the collaboration that we get through that.
“United Healthcare supports efforts like OnMed care stations to help address these service gaps, and the care stations provide real-time virtual visits, licensed clinicians, key prescriptions, services and diagnostic capabilities to those who need that access. The launch of this station is an example of the innovation and healthcare solutions can address long-standing gaps in underserved areas. Once again, thank you so much. Please make sure that you go inside and experience firsthand the care station. It doesn't do it justice to describe it, you have to physically experience it. Thank you so much. Thank you again for the opportunity to partner with you all and enjoy. Thanks so much.”
