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Courtesy City of Laredo Health Department,

LAREDO, TX— Considered one of the largest humanitarian missions, Operation Lone Star (OLS) finalized its 12^th annual effort today with great success. OLS offered free health services to persons in Laredo and Webb County this week (August 2-6, 2010) at Alexander High School.  OLS is a collaborative project uniting state health and human services agencies, the Joint Texas Military Forces, City of Laredo, the Laredo Health Department, local services groups, schools and civilian volunteers to provide the largest public health humanitarian effort in the country.

 OLS also serves as an emergency response exercise for state and local officials; it provides disaster recovery training to many while serving thousands of underserved and underinsured residents.

 This year over 3,800 persons were seen and over 14,707 medical procedures were provided (includes pharmacy, laboratory, vision and allied health services), over 2,334 immunizations were administered and approximately 379 dental services were provided.  As in the past, OLS provided medical and dental care to many who had not seen a doctor or a dentist in recent time. Some of the specific conditions diagnosed were: diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, infections, asthma, sprains and dental caries. This year extra efforts were made in counseling, social services and health education in nutrition and wellness.

 The success of OLS this year in large part is due to the collaboration and cooperation of many partners such as Laredo Health Coalition, Mercy Ministries of Laredo, Doctors Hospital, Laredo Medical Center, Gateway Community Health Center, Border Region MHMR, Laredo Independent School District, Kaplan College, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, Texas A&M Colonias Program, Laredo Community College, Tri-County Medical Society, HEB, Taco Palenque, Merck Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi Pasteur and many others. A very special appreciation goes to United Independent School District, Mr. Roberto Santos Superintendent, and Ms.  Dolores Barrera, J. B. Alexander High School Principal and School staff as well Ms. Irene Rosales UISD Health Services Coordinator for  use of the facilities and logistical support making this community effort a great success.  Finally thanks to Mayor Raul G. Salinas, City Council, City Manager Carlos Villarreal and Deputy City Manager Cynthia Collazo, City of Laredo, the City of Laredo Health Department, other city departments, as well as El Metro Transit, El Aguila and Webb County Judge Danny Valdez, Commissioners Court and other County officials for their support.