UMC-El Paso recently held a tele-town hall, engaging nearly 800 staff members to provide education on the hospital’s proposed $396.6 million bond package. This event followed the Board of Managers’ unanimous decision to request the El Paso County Commissioners Court place the bond on the ballot for the upcoming November election.
“This bond will seek to address treatment gaps and expand our capacity to serve patients,” said President and UMC CEO Jacob Cintron.
Moderated by Director of Government Relations Ruben Vogt, the tele-town hall featured Board Chair Henry Gallardo, CEO Jacob Cintron, Chief Operating Officer Maria Zampini, and Chief of Surgery and Trauma Medical Director Dr. Alan Tyroch. Also present were Chief Strategic Officer Jon Law and Chief Financial Officer Michael Nuñez.
The decision to pursue a bond package comes after years of comprehensive research and evaluation of the UMC healthcare system to identify critical service and capacity gaps. The financial impact on taxpayers is projected to be a weighted average of $5.54 per month over the bond’s 30-year span.
If the voters approve the bond, projects are proposed in four key areas:
- Improving the UMC Campus
○ New Surgical Suites
○ New Cardiac Catheterization
○ Expanded Observation Unit (25 beds)
○ Improved Imaging Technology
○ Enhanced Laboratory Services
○ Expanded Parking (garage and surface) - Burn
○ Additional Critical Care Beds
○ Swing Beds for Inpatient Burn Care
○ Two New Operating Rooms - Healthcare Access Points
○ Central Geriatric Clinic
○ Horizon Health Center
○ Ambulatory Surgical Center West
○ West Emergency and Urgent Care
○ Central Specialty Clinic (TTHSC Building)
○ Eastside Rehabilitation Services Addition
Center and Critical Care Beds - First Cancer Center in El Paso
○ Developed with contributions from the state of Texas and Texas Tech
The tele-town hall was well-received, with 97% of staff expressing appreciation for this mode of communication. This interactive session highlighted UMC’s commitment to transparency, community engagement, and educating the public about the bond request.
The El Paso County Commissioners Court are anticipated to vote on August 12 to place the bond on the November ballot.
