The Garland Health Center is operated by the Dallas County-owned Parkland Hospital system. Chris Luna, District 1 resident, serves on the Parkland Hospital board. He shared this information a few weeks ago and I thought it might be of interest:

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We are going through the strategic planning process at Parkland for our current and future Community Oriented Primary Clinics (COPC).   Attached is the information for the Garland COPC. As you can see, it is the fourth highest in volume and is considered as one of the large health centers.   In fiscal year 2009, there were 45,483 COPC visits (adults and geriatrics) and 26,550 WISH visits (women & infant specialty health).   And 40% of the patients come from "Garland" zip codes.   The current plans are to expand services at the Garland COPC in the immediate proximity and to expand GYN services. It is estimated that this would result in an additional 12,300 to 22,800 annual visits.

 
Although the proposed budget before the Council does not include a tax rate increase, many cities are seeing a need to increase taxes, as does other taxing entities. The Parkland system is moving in the opposite direction, as noted in this Dallas Morning News editorial:
 
"A rare ray of tax sunshine from Parkland Hospital: At a time when every other taxing entity seems to be trying to figure out a palatable way to raise taxes, Dallas County residents should tip their caps (for now) to the Parkland Hospital board of managers, which actually proposes a small cut for the year or two. Hey, three-tenths of a cent – from 27.4 cents per $100 valuation to 27.1 – might not seem like much, but try to remember the last time anyone wanted to give tax money back. And, in truth, the rate is almost certain to go back up in 2014, when the new public hospital is built. Still, while we share Dallas County commissioners' surprise and caution with health care reform on the horizon, we'll take our rebate in dimes, please."
 
I want to express my appreciation to Chris for his public service and his service to Garland. Garland is fortunate to have so many District 1 residents serving our community both locally and more broadly.