Clinic plans to add more services to help poor, uninsured
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MCALLEN, RGV - The directors, staff and supporters of El Milagro Clinic recently celebrated the nonprofit\\u2019s 23rd anniversary, an event where its founder, Ron Tupper, was named chairman emeritus.
The clinic, located on Vermont Avenue in south McAllen, caters for the economically disadvantaged and uninsured.\\xa0
At the event, board chairman Roberto M. Garcia said additional services are planned.
"We want to expand the services Ron started years ago, to cover other areas of need for those that are uninsured or can\\u2019t pay for services,\\u201d Garcia said.
Also at the event, Dr. Robert Gonzalez, El Milagro\\u2019s medical director, pointed out that the clinic fell on hard times a few years ago. However, it has fully recovered and now boasts a staff of 30 professionals and a budget of more than $1.3 million.\\xa0
\\u201cI have been here 17 years and in those 17 years I have seen the clinic go through a transformation. It has had its ups and downs. I do not know if any of you really know how close this clinic came to shutting down a coupe of years ago,\\u201d Gonzalez said.
\\u201cThings looked bleak but, thank God, the employees persevered, the people that wanted to keep this clinic open and available to the people that need medial care (made sure it did). I would like to thank Mr. Ron Tupper, the board members, the previous board members, for all their time and effort in helping shape what this clinic is today.\\u201d
El Milagro currently serves approximately 15,000 patients.\\xa0
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