Years ago, 500 Black-owned hospitals existed in the United States. At the time, Detroit held the most Black-run healthcare systems, having a total of 18 set-up shops. However, historical institutions such as these have ceased to exist in today’s world. Today, there’s only a handful of hospitals owned, funded and run by Black people. Even so, the fact that these great institutions still stand today, remains a huge win for the Black community.
It’s especially important in today’s time, considering the healthcare system’s mistreatment of Black America. Now more than ever, we need these structures to keep the lights on. Additionally, we need more Black physicians in the medical field to help push for change in the healthcare system.
Fortunately, the first non-profit healthcare facility in Houston, TX will be getting a major makeover after being closed since 2015. In particular, the Riverside General Hospital in Third Ward will finally have renovations underway.
Along with the facelift, the Black-owned hospital will offer an array of new services. More importantly, the Riverside General Hospital will continue its unyielding mission to bring equality to everyone.
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It was the year of 1926 that Houston’s oldest and first Black-owned hospital came into existence. The medical institution changed the world for the better, allowing trained physicians to provide care for African Americans.
Even to this day, Riverside General Hospital continues to still break down barriers.
"I will tell you that when this hospital was up and running, it provided incredible services to people who needed it most, those most vulnerable,” says Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner. Now, with its renovations underway, the hospital will surely continue to serve and treat Black patients the right way.
Four years ago, Harris County commissioners agreed to invest in the reopening of the facility. Additionally, Houston Endowment donated $5.3 million to purchase the property and the Qatar Harvey Fund (QHF) donated $2.5 million. Following Hurricane Harvey, the State of Qatar dished out another $30 million to support the long-term recovery of Southeast Texas.
Furthermore, The Honorable Rashid bin Abdulla Al Dehaimi of the Consul General of the State of Qatar in Houston was pleased to hear that Riverside General Hospital's major renovation is underway.
In fact, he shared in an interview that the State of Qatar and Texas have worked together for many years. Additionally, in 2019, the Qatar Harvey Fund donated over $4 million to renovate the historic Blue Triangle Center in Third Ward after damage from Hurricane Harvey. It looks like the hospital has huge sponsors with even bigger pockets.
New Services Are On The Way
Plans to start rebuilding the hospital won’t go into effect until next year. Although, Harris County Commissioners, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Qatar Harvey Fund Officials and health experts have big plans for the hospital. In particular, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis hopes that with all the funding from the county, they’ll have a large enough staff.
Additionally, the Black-owned hospital will offer a wide range of services such as dental care, childhood vaccinations, flu shots, obesity reduction, asthma management, diabetes prevention, women’s infants and children, WIC program services, and maternal and infant health. Clearly, the hospital has plans to provide health services for people from all walks of life.
Looking Towards The Future
Riverside General Hospital’s renovation process will prove beneficial for both the medical facility and the city of Houston, TX. Furthermore, the hospital will offer a safe space for Black patients, where they will finally be seen and heard.
Riverside General Hospital is a major accomplishment in the Black community to say the least. More importantly, the rebuilding of the medical institution will only continue its lifelong mission; to bring equality to all people.
