For many decades, the Texas State Guard (State Defense Force) has played a key role in Operation Border Health Preparedness, a program conducted in partnership with the Texas Department of Health & Human Services. This initiative offers a wide range of free health services to low income Texas residents, including behavioral health, blood pressure screenings, car seat education, community resources, dental services, diabetes screenings, access to food pantries, general medical exams, haircuts, hearing screenings, immunizations, liver function tests, mental health support, nutrition education, pharmacy guidance, prescription glasses, social services, sports physicals, STD testing, telehealth, tobacco cessation education, veterinary services, and vision screenings.
The Texas State Guard is a vital part of this operation, providing over one hundred certified professionals, including doctors, nurses, EMTs, and paramedics, who volunteer their time and expertise to serve their community.
Operation Border Health Preparedness has delivered essential healthcare to hundreds of thousands of Texans, while also strengthening the bond between the Texas State Guard and the communities it serves, demonstrating an exceptional level of community support.
Our question this week is should other State Defense Forces partner with their State Departments of Health to launch a similar program in their states?
- Yes, it would greatly benefit residents and strengthen community ties.
- No, State Defense Forces should focus on supporting communities through other initiatives.
