Rep. Guillen: Operation Border Health Preparedness Week 2024 is just a few weeks away

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – State Rep. Ryan Guillen of has reminded the residents of South Texas that Operation Border Health Preparedness Week is just a few weeks away.

State Rep. Ryan Guillen

Operation Border Health Preparedness (OBHP), formerly known as Operation Lone Star, is an exercise to help South Texas communities get ready for disasters. DSHS and local partners offer free medical, dental, and vision services to the community during the event.

“Save the Date for Operation Border Health Preparedness Week, which is just three weeks away,” Guillen said. “From July 22-26, the Department of Health and Human Services and local organizations are preparing our community for disaster by offering free medical, dental, and vision services.”

The program will be operating at five locations: Rivera Early College High School, Brownsville, PSJA Early College High School, San Juan, United South High School, Laredo, Veterans Misled School, Rio Grande City, and Raymondville High School, Raymondville.

OBHP 2024 is a joint exercise between Texas Health & Human Services, Texas Department of State Health Services, DSHS South Texas Public Health Region 11, Hidalgo County, Cameron County, Starr County, Willacy County, Laredo Public Health, Texas Military Department, Texas State Guard, Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps, and Texas A&M Health.

The above chart shows which services are being offered for free at which locations under Operation Border Health Preparedness.

OBHP 2023 took place on July 24-28, 2023. Over 27,000 services were provided at OBHP 2023 and over 6,000 patients were seen in five locations across South Texas. The top services provided were Vital Signs (6,301), Immunizations (4,000) Hearing Tests (2,946), Visual Screenings (2,918), and Medical Exams (2,904).

Editor’s Note: Click here for more information about Operation Border Health Preparedness.

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