Hidalgo County Is Now Home to South Texas Health System ER Pharr
October 24, 2024
Open 24/7, South Texas Health System ER Pharr is here to provide the care your family needs in emergencies, from heart attacks and strokes to trauma care. Staffed by ER nurses and physicians, this freestanding emergency department is equipped to stabilize life-threatening conditions and deliver other essential emergency care.
Helping our community meet their health challenges
Hidalgo County continues to grapple with significant health risks, including elevated risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Our newest facility not only responds to emergencies but plays a crucial role in providing health checks and screenings.
Below is a closer look from the CDC at some regional risks affecting heart health, stroke prevalence and other challenges. Let’s explore the factors contributing to these risks and how we can help make a difference.
Stroke hospitalization rates
The stroke hospitalization rate in Hidalgo County for adults ages 65 and older is notably high. At 11.8 per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries, the rate exceeds the national average of 10.7.
Prevalence of heart disease
In Hidalgo County, 6.8% of the population has been diagnosed with heart disease. This is significantly higher than the national average of 5.9% and the Texas state average of 5.4%.
Heart attack hospitalizations
Like stroke, heart attack hospitalizations typically begin with a trip to the ER. The rate of heart attack hospitalizations among older adults in Hidalgo County is also above average. Among individuals ages 65 and older, Hidalgo County’s hospitalization rate for heart attacks is 7.1 per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries, surpassing the national average of 6.1.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a well-known risk factor for both heart disease and stroke. In 2023, 18.8% of adults in Hidalgo County had a diabetes diagnosis, a rate significantly higher than state and national averages. The management of diabetes is crucial for reducing heart attack and stroke risk, as high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and lead to cardiovascular problems over time.
These numbers reflect the elevated risk factors in the county, as well as the importance of recognizing early warning signs and managing contributing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
In an emergency call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Health checks and screenings – with limited wait times
In addition to providing quality emergency care, many health checks and screenings – with limited wait times – are available at this location, including bone density and computer tomography (CT) scanning, digital X-rays, laboratory tests, and digital mammography.
Diagnostic, imaging and lab appointments are available on a same-day, walk-in basis. Discounted rates are available for cash payments.
South Texas Health System is making it easier than ever to get the care you need at a close-to-home location.
SOURCES: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); CDC Interactive Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke