Operation Border Health Preparedness offers free healthcare services

RAMONDVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The 25th annual Operation Border Health Preparedness is taking place this week at several locations across the Rio Grande Valley.

Operation Border Health Preparedness is an exercise that helps the community get ready for disasters. It brings together volunteers from state health services, military personnel and Texas universities to provide medical examinations to the public at no cost.

Previously known as Operation Lone Star, Operation Border Health Preparedness has five locations in South Texas: Hidalgo County, Starr County, Willacy County, Cameron County and the City of Laredo.

Each location offers different services, but all locations offer general medical exams, immunizations, diabetes screenings and physicals.

Ramondville Early College High School is currently the only site offering veterinary services for cats and dogs.

Deborah Xoran, Director of the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team, said the Ramondville location was chosen because there is currently no veterinarian that operates out of Willacy County. Since offering veterinary services five years ago, Xoran says more and more people bring their pets every year.

"Every year the number of people, the awareness that we're here grows. People have come back," Xoran said. "We've had people come back and they've also told their friends about it."

Greg Illich, Public Affairs Officer with the Texas State Guard, said the team of volunteers from the Texas State Guard is made up of local doctors across the state.

Col. Richard Male is one example. He has his own medical practice in Georgetown, but for the past 15 years, he has been serving the South Texas community with the Texas State Guard through Operation Border Health.

"It’s not unusual for us to see people. This is the only time they see a provider or a doctor when they come to this setting," Col. Male said.

Male added that he has treated people who have recognized him from years past. He said it is exciting to see the impact they can have on a person's health.

Listed below are the site locations being offered from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday.