Proposed programs would expand preventive care, chronic disease management, wellness, and access to primary care across the region

Concho County Hospital District is preparing to launch a broad community health initiative designed to make preventive care, chronic disease management, and wellness resources more accessible to residents of Concho County and the surrounding area.

The proposed initiative is part of Rural Texas Strong, the state’s plan for implementing the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. Texas recently announced its first round of Rural Texas Strong awards supporting rural hospital districts and authorities in developing or expanding community-based prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs.

Pending final approval, Concho County Hospital District plans to enhance services aimed at helping residents stay healthier, manage chronic conditions, and access appropriate care closer to home.

“This is an opportunity to look beyond treating people when they are already sick and invest in the things that can help keep our community healthier in the first place,” said Bob Pascasio, LFACHE, CEO of Concho County Hospital District. “Our goal is to build programs that make sense for the people we serve, improve access to care, and can become a sustainable part of healthcare in this community for years to come.”

CCHD’s proposed plan includes:

• Expanding access to fitness equipment and group wellness activities;
• Working with the local food pantry to improve access to healthy foods;
• Extending Concho Medical Clinic hours to offer additional primary care access;
• Providing low- or no-cost chronic disease screenings and primary care visits; and
• Developing remote monitoring capabilities for patients with more complex health needs.

The initiative also includes helping eligible residents connect with health coverage and prescription assistance programs.

“This initiative gives us the opportunity to reach patients earlier, before chronic conditions become harder to manage or lead to an emergency,” said Joshua Odell, RN, ADN, BS, M.Ed., clinic manager at Concho Medical Clinic. “By expanding access to screenings, primary care, wellness resources, and ongoing monitoring, we can give people more support to manage their health day to day and keep more care close to home.”

The programs are intended to address conditions that have an outsized impact on rural communities, including diabetes and obesity. CCHD’s proposal anticipates providing obesity-related intervention services to approximately 127 people and diabetes management or intervention services to approximately 414 people. While chronic disease is a central focus, the programs would be available across CCHD’s service area and are designed to support the broader health and well-being of the community.

Collaboration with Texas A&M Health Rural and Community Health Institute integrates with the initiative to deliver additional support for patients who may benefit from patient monitoring at home following in-hospital treatment.

Following approval, local leaders expect rapid implementation of clinical workflows and operations, staff training, adjusted staffing, and enrolling eligible patients. The proposed work plan calls for extended clinic hours to begin later in 2026.

“This funding gives rural hospitals an opportunity to rethink how we serve our communities,” Pascasio said. “For us, that means making it easier for people to get preventive care, manage chronic disease, and connect with resources before a health concern becomes an emergency.”

CCHD will share additional information about individual programs, eligibility, enrollment, and timelines as plans receive final approval and implementation moves forward.