Gov. Greg Abbott delivered remarks and took part in the ribbon cutting and dedication of the Dr. Ron A. McMurry, MD MediPlex in Jasper on Oct. 7, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The release said Abbott was joined by U.S. Rep. Brian Babin, state Rep. Hillary Hickland, Jasper Mayor Clark McClane, Jasper Hospital District President Rodney Norsworthy, Texas Medical Association past president Ray Callas and other state and local officials.
“Ron McMurry devoted his life to making sure that where a Texan lives does not determine the quality of care they receive,” Abbott said. “Today, we are not only dedicating a building. We are honoring his legacy by making a promise that rural Texas will never be left behind.”
The governor’s office described the MediPlex as a major investment in rural health care for the region. According to the release, it includes dermatology, interventional pain management and pediatric facilities, as well as an air rescue base for Air Evac Lifeteam, known locally as Air Rescue 3.
During his remarks, Abbott honored McMurry, an eighth-generation Texan, U.S. Army combat veteran and family physician who cared for Jasper for 40 years, the release said. The governor noted McMurry’s service as director of the Jasper-Newton County Public Health District, where he expanded care for low-income Texans and pregnant women, and as president of the Jasper Hospital District.
The governor’s office said the dedication builds on steps already taken for rural Texas. In December, according to the release, Abbott secured more than $1.4 billion in federal Rural Health Transformation Program funds for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, or $281 million a year for five years, the largest award of any state. The release said HHSC is allocating those funds to strengthen rural hospitals and clinics and support care close to home.