Donations:
Please contact Kelli Fondren at Kelli.Fondren@harrishealth.org or by phone at 713.515.2161.
Harris Health
Strategic Fund
The Harris Health Strategic Fund has been formed as an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to lead the private fundraising efforts for the implementation of the Harris Health System strategic plan.
Harris Health is the largest healthcare provider for the uninsured or underinsured in the Houston region, serving 261,901 unduplicated patients in 2022 at two hospitals, 17 community health centers, and specialty clinics and treatment centers. The system’s Ben Taub and Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) hospitals are constantly over capacity. The situation at LBJ is particularly acute because it has not been expanded since it was built more than 30 years ago; Harris County’s population has grown by almost 70% during that time.
To address a dire need, Harris Health leadership developed a 10-year strategic plan that calls for:
- The construction of a new Level I trauma hospital on the LBJ campus
- A renovation of the existing LBJ Hospital
- Major renovations to Ben Taub Hospital
- Improvements to and expansion of community clinics
This $2.9 billion plan will be funded through a $2.5 billion public bond taken to voters for approval at the November election, supplemented by $300 million in cost savings, and $100 million in philanthropy raised by the Harris Health Strategic Fund.
Background Information
Harris Health System was created by the State of Texas in 1966 to provide healthcare to the indigent residents of Harris County. Texas has the highest rate of uninsured individuals of all the 50 states.
As the largest medical provider for Houston’s uninsured, Harris Health is stretched beyond capacity 365 days a year. The system has only 6.6% of the inpatient beds in Harris County, but in fiscal year 2020, it provided 16.3% and 21.4% of the area’s Medicaid and uninsured hospital admissions, respectively.
- 37% of Harris County residents ages 18-64 are uninsured.
- Even more individuals in the area are “underinsured,” with limited coverage plans that leave them reluctant to access healthcare due to cost.
As a safety net healthcare system, Harris Health operates two acute care hospitals: Ben Taub, a Level I trauma center (one of only two adult Level I centers in Houston) and LBJ, the busiest Level III trauma center in Texas. It also operates 17 community health centers, 4 multispecialty clinics, 3 same day clinics, 8 homeless shelter clinics, a dental center, an ambulatory surgery center, a dialysis center, and several mobile health clinics.
Bond Details
Harris County voters have the opportunity to approve $2.5 billion in hospital district bonds to expand access to healthcare for more than 1,175,000 uninsured residents.
A vote FOR the bonds will provide funding for Harris Health System’s strategic plan, including:
- $1.6 billion for a new hospital on the LBJ campus
- $433 million for the renovation of the existing LBJ Hospital
- $410 million for improvements at Ben Taub Hospital
- $504.5 million for ambulatory care services, including three new facilities
A vote FOR the bonds will mean major benefits for the county:
- Investing in preventative care reduces demand on our hospitals and increases their capacity
- Renovating both Ben Taub and LBJ will reduce the burden on the public hospital system
- Expanding LBJ’s capability to a Level I trauma center will address critical service gaps and lessen the burden on Ben Taub, improving access to care for those in need
An average homeowner ($300,000 home) will see a property tax increase of less than $6 per month, phased in over 10 years. Every $1 Harris Health receives in ad valorem taxes generates $5.89 for the county’s economy. Harris Health provides a $4.8 billion positive economic impact in Harris County, including nearly 30,000 jobs.
For more information, visit healthyharriscounty.com
Short-Term Benefits
- Grow our Trauma Level I capacity by 50%. As of today, Houston only has two Level I adult trauma centers; one of them (Ben Taub) is already operated by Harris Health. The new hospital will bring the count to three and closer to the four centers the region should have, given its population size
- Make residents healthier through community clinics for preventive and non-emergency care
- Provide sustainable savings to private and public hospitals by relieving bottlenecks in emergency rooms throughout the city
Long-Term Benefit
- Move Harris County to the forefront of public health in the U.S. by expanding the excellent healthcare Houston is known for worldwide
Implementation Plan
10-year strategy to successfully fund the $2.9 billion plan:
Public bond
$2,500 million (10-year proposition on the November 2023 ballot)
Cost savings
$300 million (identified as part of the planning and design phase)
Philanthropy
$100 million (Harris Health Strategic Fund)
Planning and design work has started and is anticipated to ramp up with the passage of the bond in November 2023. Fundraising efforts have also begun with commitments made by community leaders.
Funds will be critical to:
- Build a new hospital on the LBJ campus
- Increase inpatient beds from 215 to 390 with expansion capability to add up to 60 more
- Add a Level I trauma facility
- Remodel existing LBJ building
- Provide outpatient care and other services, including clinical services in specialty areas that are currently lacking such as inpatient and emergency psychiatric care
- Upgrade Ben Taub Hospital
- Expand capacity; renovate to extend hospital’s useful life
- Expand ambulatory care services
- Make healthcare more widely accessible to area residents
Frequently Asked Questions
Are donations to the Harris Health Strategic Fund tax-deductible?
Yes, donations are tax-deductible. EIN: 92-2333172.
How can I make a donation?
Please contact Kelli Fondren at Kelli.Fondren@harrishealth.org or by phone at 713.515.2161.
Is the Harris Health Strategic Fund operated by Harris Health System?
The Fund is a separate legal entity that provides the leadership and the vehicle needed to secure and invest philanthropic funds from generous foundations, corporations, families, and others who are concerned about the health of those who live in Harris County.
Are the Harris Health Strategic Fund and Harris County Hospital District Foundation the same?
No, they are two separate legal entities. The Harris Health Strategic Fund is focused on raising funds for the implementation of the strategic plan and the capital investment of the facilities as outlined in the plan itself. The Harris County Hospital District Foundation is directing its efforts to hosting events and on-going projects throughout the system.
Where can I find more information about the bond?
Visit healthyharriscounty.com to learn more about County Proposition A.
How can I learn more about Harris Health System?
Visit welivethis.org or harrishealth.org to learn more about Harris Health System.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact Kelli Fondren, Chief Development Officer at 713.515.2161 or Kelli.Fondren@harrishealth.org