Danielle S. Phillips¹, James N. Burdine, Dr PH², Heather M. Dillard, MPH¹, Michael R.J. Felix³, Julie Ann Parrish, MA, MPH⁴, Petra Reyna, MEd⁵, and Sanu Somachandran, MPH². (1) Community Health Development Program, School of Rural Public Health, 1103 University Drive, Suite 100, College Station, TX 77840, 979-845-6953, dsphillips@srph.tamushsc.edu, (2) Community Health Development Program, School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University, 1103 University Drive, Suite 100, College Station, TX 77840, (3) Community Health Development Specialists, 3027 Walburt Ave, Allentown, PA 18104, (4) Community Health Development Program, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, 701 E. Vermont Avenue, Suite 135, McAllen, TX 78503-1733, (5) Community Health Development Program, Texas A&M University System School of Rural Public Health, 701 E. Vermont Avenue, Suite 136, McAllen, TX 78503-1733

The formation of a health network has several inherent challenges, yet the current healthcare climate in South Texas has necessitated overcoming those barriers to develop sustainable long-term solutions for community issues. Specifically, changes in the current healthcare delivery system in Hidalgo and Cameron Counties demonstrate the need for an integrated health network—the Rio Grande Valley Health Services District (RGVHSD). The imminent closing of the South Texas Hospital—a provider serving the indigent population—shifts the burden of care to other local healthcare facilities. Consequently, Congress enacted House Bill 3504 (1999)—allocating “brick and mortar” funds for construction of new outpatient facilities to replace the South Texas Hospital. However, extensive analysis of county data revealed: 1) sufficient healthcare facilities compared to state/national ratios; 2) substantial sums of regional funds; 3) consensus among providers that building additional facilities will not solve inefficiencies of the current delivery system; and 4) lack of operational funds for the “new” clinics. Integration of the RGVHSD encountered anticipated/unanticipated challenges. For one, political leaders of Hidalgo and Cameron Counties do not want to turn down state funds – which have stipulations for withdrawal if not used for construction. Additionally, collaboration of health services among the two counties has historically been nonexistent or minimal. Some community members also fail to conceptualize the value of a health network. Among others, these political and community concerns precipitate discussions around the strategies for facilitating partnerships, and thus, this project identifies those approaches needed for the establishment of regional or county-wide health networks.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and describe the challenges facing the formation of a health network.
• Identify strategies to overcome these challenges.

Keywords: Community Development,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.