The Laredo City Council has approved an extra $67,325 to support local women’s health and family planning programs. The funding request came from Public Health Director Dr. Richard Chamberlain and was included in the consent agenda, which passed without debate.
Grant Details
The money comes from the Women’s Health and Family Planning Association of Texas, also known as Every Body Texas, through a Title X Project Grant. With this increase, the total grant amount now rises to $123,539. The new funds will be available from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, and require no matching contribution from the city.
How The Funds Will Be Used
The City of Laredo Public Health Department will continue its partnership with Every Body Texas to provide Title X services. These services include counseling, health education, breast exams, mammograms, pap smears, yearly check-ups, birth control, pregnancy care, and other diagnostic testing. All services must follow federal screening and eligibility rules.
Community Impact
City officials say the approved grant will expand access to care and improve overall health outcomes for women. The added funding is expected to help reduce long wait times and increase availability of key screenings.
Ongoing Need For Services
Local leaders have repeatedly raised concerns that current women’s health resources are not enough to meet demand. For example, mammogram appointments at the Laredo Public Health Department are already booked months in advance due to limited space and staffing. County officials are now considering new facilities to keep patients from having to travel to San Antonio for care.
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