02/12/2026
We appreciate the coverage and the spotlight on the important conversations happening around healthcare in our community. Our CEO, William Worrell, continues to be a strong voice for the patients and families we serve, advocating for the resources and support needed to keep quality, affordable care accessible for everyone.
Through real, boots-on-the-ground efforts and direct engagement with leaders and partners, he is helping move conversations into action in ways that truly make a difference for our community. We’re proud to have leadership that puts people first and works tirelessly to ensure our patients’ needs are heard at every level.
Thank you to our local media partners for helping share this important message. 💙
UMC CEO William Worrell Heads to D.C.
to Advocate for Community Health Funding
By Jose G Landa
United Medical Centers Chief Executive Officer William Worrell traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to meet with U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar and Tony Gonzales, whose districts include portions of Maverick County.
Worrell’s visit focused on strengthening partnerships with federal agencies and securing additional funding for community health centers like United Medical Centers (UMC) — the region’s largest provider of essential medical services.
“Community health centers are the backbone of care for so many families, especially in rural and underserved areas like ours,” Worrell said. “Federal funding helps us meet increasing demand and deliver quality services close to home.”
UMC operates as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), enabling it to receive federal support to serve underserved populations. The organization maintains nine clinic sites offering family medicine, pediatric care, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, dental care, radiology, pharmacy, laboratory services, family planning, and nutritional counseling.
In addition to Eagle Pass, UMC serves communities across Maverick, Val Verde, and Kinney counties. Clinics in Eagle Pass provide primary care to thousands of residents annually, while centers in Del Rio and Brackettville ensure surrounding areas have accessible health services.
Many patients are uninsured or underinsured and rely on sliding-scale fees.
This year, parts of Maverick County were redistricted into Congressman Cuellar’s 28th District, while other areas remain in Gonzales’ 23rd District. Worrell’s meetings with both lawmakers highlight the importance of engaging all relevant representatives to secure federal funding for the entire region.
UMC receives partial support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Texas Department of State Health Services. With rising health care costs and growing demand, Worrell urged lawmakers to help expand clinic hours and services, recruit medical staff, upgrade equipment, and strengthen preventive and chronic care programs.
Both Reps. Cuellar and Gonzales have a record of supporting rural health funding.
Cuellar, in particular, has helped secure federal dollars for South Texas health centers, ensuring consistent access to care in medically underserved areas.
“As we continue these discussions on Capitol Hill, it’s vital that our hospitals and clinics are equipped not just to survive, but to thrive,” Worrell said. “That’s why this trip matters to every family who walks through our doors.”
