Texas A&M Healthy South Texas opens new office in Laredo

The high cost of prescription medications presents a significant burden on those who rely on medications to stay healthy, especially those who do not have insurance or adequate prescription coverage. Texas A&M Healthy South Texas is working to improve access to free and affordable prescription medications throughout the region, and now, Laredo has direct access to the Medication Assistance Program with the opening of a new office at the Holding Institute Community Center in Laredo, Texas.

Chronic diseases remain one of the leading causes of death in the United States and continue to strain the health care system, and yet, many of these diseases are largely preventable. Healthy South Texas empowers individuals to take control of their own health by providing them with the knowledge, resources, skills and encouragement to make improved lifestyle choices, such as eating healthier, engaging in more physical activity and taking maintenance medications as prescribed. The Medication Assistance Program connects individuals to medications needed to control their chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and mental health.

“We have been looking forward to expanding our health services in Webb County and are delighted by the warm welcome we have received from the community,” said Starr Flores, regional director of Healthy South Texas. “Thanks to our friends at the Holding Institute Community Center, our program is in an ideal location to meet the significant need for prescription assistance in this area. This is just the beginning of what we know will be a long and impactful relationship.”

While Medication Assistance is the newest Healthy South Texas program in Webb County, this initiative provides a wealth of services that foster health and wellness for all. By combining the clinical expertise of the Texas A&M University Health Science Center with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s statewide reach, Healthy South Texas promotes preventive health at the most local level of the community, improving the well-being of Texans for generations to come. This comprehensive, multi-disciplinary team engages families, enhances education, promotes behavior change, and improves quality of medical care and health outcomes.

Established in 2015 by the 84^th Texas legislature, Healthy South Texas reduces the highest impact diseases and their consequences in the region, including diabetes, asthma and infectious diseases. Since it launched in a 27-county region of South Texas, more than a million individuals have been impacted by this initiative. As a result of its success, a statewide expansion, called Healthy Texas, is currently underway and promises to have a lasting impact on the health of all Texans.