(McAllen-Edinburg, TX) Earlier today, the City of McAllen presented a ceremonial “big check” to the UTRGV School of Medicine for their continued efforts to make the school one of the leading medical institutions of higher learning in Texas.  The check represented the $1 million payment approved by the McAllen City Commission, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the two entities, “to support and ensure the success” of the school. 

“In order to help the entire Rio Grande Valley grow and improve: as a community, in business, and most importantly, in our health, then a strong and vibrant UTRGV School of Medicine is tantamount to help make that possible,” said Mayor Jim Darling.  “This payment by the City of McAllen is our contribution to help improve the health and prosperity of our region.”

UTRGV officials highlighted the effect the payment will make to the school, but more importantly, the impact the school will make throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

UTRGV President Dr. Guy Bailey was very succinct and clear when talking about how impactful this payment will be to the school.

“We are grateful for the City of McAllen’s support of the School of Medicine. These funds will support UTRGV and the School of Medicine in its mission to engage in innovative research, clinical care, and the training of the next generation of physicians for the Rio Grande Valley,” he said.

Also echoing this sentiment was Dr. John H. Krouse, dean of the School of Medicine and Vice President for Health Affairs stating: “This support further solidifies the partnership between the UTRGV School of Medicine and the communities it serves and helps the School of Medicine continue its work in improving the health outcomes of the Rio Grande Valley.”

“It will allow our faculty, medical residents and students to continue providing health care to those who otherwise would not have access to care. And it will help fund the innovative research that addresses the health care needs of the community,” he added.

Texas Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-20, who was also on hand for the ceremony, said the event was not only a perfect example of a local government helping to fill the gap where the state legislature could not, but also, representative of the kind of partnerships and cooperation that has made the Rio Grande Valley such a respected and strong advocate at the state legislative level. 

“Thank you to the City of McAllen and Mayor Darling for your leadership in fulfilling your commitment to our medical school and our students,” said the long serving state senator.  “We look forward to a continued partnership and greatly appreciate your investment in our region’s healthcare, education, and economic development.”

The payment of $1 million to the school was wired to the school the day after McAllen City Commissioners approved the payment.  

# # #