CHRISTUS Health recognizes National Rural Health Day by celebrating commitment to rural care
(EAST TEXAS) – CHRISTUS Health recognizing National Rural Health Day on Nov. 20, honoring the dedication and resilience of rural health professionals, organizations and communities across Northeast Texas.
CHRISTUS Health hospitals and clinics across the region play a vital role in serving families who might otherwise travel long distances for emergency care, labor and delivery, imaging, rehabilitation and various specialties. Each hospital reflects CHRISTUS Health’s mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ through accessible, local care.
“Our rural hospitals and clinics play a vital role in health care for so many communities around East Texas, providing much needed access to care that otherwise may not be available,” said Dr. Brent Wadle, chief medical officer for CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. “We never want to run into a situation where we cannot provide the care that someone needs, especially when the alternative puts a burden on patients to travel.”
Rural health disparities include limited access to health care specialists.
To attract providers to the region, CHRISTUS Health in both Jacksonville and Sulphur Springs have partnered with the Texas A&M School of Medicine Rural Engagement Program, which sees medical students serve multi-week rotations at rural facilities with a goal of having those providers return to practice in rural communities.
Studies in recent years have also shown that more than half of rural hospitals were designated as Critical Access Hospitals, having only 25 or fewer beds.
CHRISTUS Health in Northeast Texas is working to expand care to rural areas by offering the following specialties and many more:
- Advanced imaging technology
- Cardiac catheterizations
- Intensive Care Unit accessibility
- Mammography services
- OB/GYN and maternity services
- Occupational and speech rehabilitation
- Physical Therapy
In addition to expanding health care services, CHRISTUS Health, in the last fiscal year, contributed more than $120 million in community benefits, including $104 million in charity care and community benefits to strengthen the Northeast Texas communities it serves.
“We’re proud to be part of our communities’ story and we are proud to serve each and every community,” Wadle said. “Out teams across the region are not just caregivers; they’re neighbors, volunteers and leaders who keep our communities strong.”
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About CHRISTUS Health
CHRISTUS Health is an international faith-based, not-for-profit health care system based in Irving, Texas, with more than 60 hospitals in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. CHRISTUS Health is made up of 50,000 Associates providing compassionate and individualized care at more than 600 centers, including community hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and health ministries. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve. For more information, visit www.christushealth.org
CHRISTUS Health is an international faith-based, not-for-profit health care system based in Irving, Texas, with more than 60 hospitals in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. CHRISTUS Health is made up of 50,000 Associates providing compassionate and individualized care at more than 600 centers, including community hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and health ministries. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve. For more information, visit www.christushealth.org