Celebrating a Milestone: DHR Health Women’s Hospital Welcomes Its 150,000th Baby
In the Heart of the Rio Grande Valley: A Historic Celebration
On July 24, DHR Health Women’s Hospital hosted a remarkable celebration to mark a significant milestone: the delivery of its 150,000th baby. The joyous event brought together families and healthcare professionals, reflecting the hospital’s dedication to serving the community. The honored baby, Jayden Balderas, arrived on July 7 to proud parents Jessica Garza from Rio Grande City.
A Special Moment for Families
Jessica Garza expressed her delight and surprise upon learning that her son was part of such a historic occasion. “This was a big surprise,” she exclaimed. “When I got the call, I was just like, ‘No!’ I just want to thank everybody. I feel so special.”
Dr. Rene Luna, who assisted in the delivery, shared in her excitement, stating, “Little did I know that when we delivered Jessica’s beautiful baby that he was the 150,000th baby born here. I just want to thank her for bringing Jayden into the world, and I’m honored to have been a part of the moment.”
A Nostalgic Connection to the Beginning
Also present at the celebration was Solaris Matamoros, who was the first baby born at DHR Health Women’s Hospital when it opened its doors on October 1, 2007. Her heartfelt words of gratitude resonated throughout the event. “I want to thank my mother for bringing me into this world,” she said. “I’m very grateful to be here because you’ve made me feel very special. Congrats to the hospital for reaching 150,000 babies. I was the first one!”
Dr. Marcie Guerra, Solaris’ attending physician, also joined the celebration, remarking on the continued journey of the hospital. “It’s been a wonderful experience. It’s been a great ride, and we have a lot more to do,” she stated.
Impact and Significance of 150,000 Deliveries
DHR Health Women’s Hospital holds a unique position as the only free-standing women’s hospital in the Rio Grande Valley. Since its establishment 18 years ago, the hospital has averaged approximately 22 births daily, equating to over 8,000 births annually. This impressive figure surpasses the entire population of McAllen, which is roughly 149,000.
Medical Director Dr. Efraim Vela emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, “This milestone represents more than just a number. It represents 150,000 beginnings, 150,000 families that we’ve touched, and 150,000 stories that we started for families here.”
Looking Ahead: Future Innovations at DHR Health
DHR Health Women’s Hospital is not resting on its laurels. Dr. Vela revealed an exciting initiative aimed at expanding reproductive healthcare in the region. “So many of our families don’t have access to go to San Antonio, to go to Houston, or to go to Dallas for in-vitro,” he explained. “Because they need assistance getting pregnant. So that’s what we’re working on now. Hopefully, by the end of the year, we’ll have little embryos here.”
This forward-thinking project aims to enhance accessibility to in-vitro fertilization services for families in the Rio Grande Valley, helping them achieve their dreams of parenthood without the need to travel far from home.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Community Wellness
The celebration of 150,000 deliveries at DHR Health Women’s Hospital stands as a testament to the hospital’s unwavering commitment to family health and community wellness. As the institution looks towards the future, the focus remains on creating a nurturing environment for families and expanding healthcare options in the region.
For more information about DHR Health Women’s Hospital and its services, visit their official website or explore comprehensive family health resources on WebMD.
