South Texas Health System

South Texas Health System Largest Provider of Healthcare in the Valley! South Texas Health System is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc.

With six hospitals located throughout Southern Texas, South Texas Health System offers a comprehensive array of medical services, including cardiovascular, maternity and women's health, emergency and surgical care, along with specialty programs in transplant, chest pain, pediatrics, diabetes, wound care, bariatric surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, rehabilitation, and behavioral health services. The hospitals of South Texas Health System include South Texas Health System McAllen, South Texas Health System Heart, South Texas Health System Edinburg / Edinburg Regional Rehab Center, South Texas Health System Children's, Cornerstone Regional Hospital and South Texas Behavioral Health Center. (UHS), a King of Prussia, PA-based company, that is one of the largest healthcare management companies in the nation. Cornerstone Regional Hospital is directly or indirectly owned and operated by a partnership that includes a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS), a King of Prussia, PA-based company, that is one of the largest healthcare management companies in the nation, and physician owners, including certain members of the hospital medical staff. Social media accounts are managed by Marketing. We are unable to provide medical advice through social media. Please contact your physician, or in case of emergency, call 911. Although we do our best to respond to comments and messages, there may be a delay in response time, and we may not be able to respond due to the nature of the message. Please visit our website for language assistance, disability accommodations, the non-discrimination notice, Terms of Service and other important disclaimers.

Celebrating a Life Changing Journey: When Constance Perry chose bariatric surgery through the South Texas Health System ...
02/26/2026

Celebrating a Life Changing Journey: When Constance Perry chose bariatric surgery through the South Texas Health System Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center, she was ready to reclaim her health and her life.

At her peak weight of 232 pounds, she took a bold step in April 2024 and underwent gastric bypass surgery. Now, nearly two years later, Constance is celebrating a remarkable 65-pound weight loss and an even greater gain in confidence, energy and joy.

“I feel great, have so much more energy and love fitting into smaller clothes,” she says.

Her message to others considering the journey? “Be kind to yourself. It takes time—just take it one day at a time.”

Congratulations, Constance, on your inspiring transformation. Your story proves that lasting change begins with a single courageous step.

To learn whether weight loss surgery may be right for you, call 956 664 1616 or visit https://bit.ly/4baLdx7.

Get Ready to Run for Your Heart! If you’ve registered to participate in South Texas Health System Heart’s annual Heroes ...
02/26/2026

Get Ready to Run for Your Heart! If you’ve registered to participate in South Texas Health System Heart’s annual Heroes with Heart 5K run/walk this Saturday, February 28, don’t forget to collect your registration packet tomorrow. It includes the official 2026 Heroes with Heart shirt and some great goodies!

Packets can be picked up at the STHS Heart Clinics building, located directly across from the main hospital on the STHS Heart grounds, from 12 to 6 p.m.

For more information about the race or packet pickup, visit STHSActive.com or call 956-388-2020.

📅 Friday, February 27
📍 STHS Heart Clinics, 1900 South D Street, McAllen, TX 78503
⌚ 12 to 6 p.m.

A Reset on Life: When Illiana Peña began experiencing abdominal pain and shortness of breath during exercise, heart dise...
02/25/2026

A Reset on Life: When Illiana Peña began experiencing abdominal pain and shortness of breath during exercise, heart disease wasn’t on her radar. She pushed through her workouts—until the day the pain radiated down her arm. That’s when she knew something wasn’t right.

Her suspicions were confirmed by a CT scan that showed she had coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease and a leading cause of death among women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association.

Peña sought treatment at South Texas Health System Heart, undergoing a cardiac catheterization followed by surgery to clear blockages.

“I was up and walking in two days after surgery, and home before the end of the week,” says Peña.

Today, Illiana can exercise freely, without shortness of breath or pain. She credits her continued good health to the excellent teamwork and treatment at STHS Heart, as well as a commitment to heart-healthy habits.

“I have a renewed outlook on life,” she adds.

Thank you, Illiana, for trusting STHS Heart with your cardiac care. Your story is a powerful reminder to listen to your heart and take action when something doesn’t feel right.

To learn more about the comprehensive cardiovascular services at STHS Heart, visit https://bit.ly/3OzJGYO.

Helping Adolescents Heal, Grow & Thrive: Since joining South Texas Health System Behavioral in April 2025, Miriam Lopez ...
02/25/2026

Helping Adolescents Heal, Grow & Thrive: Since joining South Texas Health System Behavioral in April 2025, Miriam Lopez has brought compassion, dedication and a deep passion for psychology to her role as a clinical therapist. With nearly two years of experience, she came to the facility eager to broaden her scope and embrace new opportunities for professional growth.

Working primarily with adolescents, Miriam values the collaboration that comes from being part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to ensuring each patient receives the comprehensive, individualized care they deserve.

“I find it incredibly rewarding to see my patients’ growth throughout their healing journey and to receive positive feedback from parents and loved ones,” she shares.

Miriam discovered her calling to support teens while tutoring high school students. Through that experience, she built meaningful connections and recognized the powerful impact of being truly heard. Today, as a clinical therapist at STHS Behavioral, she plays an essential role in guiding adolescents through pivotal stages of emotional and psychological development, helping them strengthen resilience, build confidence and develop lifelong coping skills.

“With proper support, they can accomplish meaningful things,” she adds.

Thank you, Miriam, for your dedication to empowering the next generation and your commitment to strengthening behavioral health in our community.

Exploring the Future of Healthcare in the RGV: As the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow, so does the need for accessib...
02/24/2026

Exploring the Future of Healthcare in the RGV: As the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow, so does the need for accessible, high-quality and comprehensive healthcare.

Healthcare leaders from across the region, including South Texas Health System McAllen Chief Executive Officer Emma Montes Ewing, recently participated in a dynamic panel discussion hosted by Leadership McAllen for its Class XLV focused on the future of healthcare in the RGV.

During the discussion, Montes Ewing highlighted the transformative impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and shared how innovation is already helping elevate patient care throughout our community. Attendees also gained valuable insight into the challenges facing local healthcare systems and how STHS and others are proactively addressing those challenges to better serve the region.

Thank you to Leadership McAllen for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful and forward-looking conversation about the health and future of our region!

Honoring STHS Heart’s All-Stars: For 30 years, South Texas Health System Heart has been a nationally recognized leader i...
02/24/2026

Honoring STHS Heart’s All-Stars: For 30 years, South Texas Health System Heart has been a nationally recognized leader in cardiovascular care in the Rio Grande Valley. Today, the 60-bed facility is powered by nearly 340 dedicated team members who continue to uphold a legacy of excellence, compassion and innovation in cardiovascular care.

As STHS Heart commemorates this major milestone, the facility is also celebrating four remarkable individuals who helped shape its legacy from the very beginning.

During STHS Heart’s recent 30th anniversary celebration, hospital leaders proudly recognized registered nurse Rhonda Bradley, who serves as a house supervisor; patient care technicians Juan Munoz and Rosa Gutierrez; and respiratory therapist Sandra Iracheta Rendon. Affectionately dubbed the “Fantastic Four,” they were part of the original group that helped open the hospital in January 1996—and they’re still going strong today.

“These individuals have been recognized for their steadfast presence, clinical excellence and heartfelt commitment that have played an essential role in elevating our standard of cardiovascular care while improving the lives of thousands of patients and their families,” says Brenda Ivory, CEO, STHS Heart. “Their unwavering dedication, commitment to patient-centered care and passion for serving our community embody the very heart of our mission.”

Congratulations to Rhonda, Juan, Rosa and Sandra on this well-deserved STHS Heart All-Star Award—and thank you for three decades of extraordinary service to STHS Heart and the people of the Valley.

Breaking the Silence on Eating Disorders: Approximately 22% of children and adolescents worldwide experience disordered ...
02/23/2026

Breaking the Silence on Eating Disorders: Approximately 22% of children and adolescents worldwide experience disordered eating, according to recent research from JAMA Pediatrics, with higher rates among girls, older teens and individuals with higher body mass indexes. Eating disorders are now the third most commonly diagnosed chronic illness among teenagers, according to Eating Disorder Hope.

Conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder can cause severe malnutrition, impacting nearly every organ system. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder, per the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, with the mortality rate for anorexia nervosa estimated to be 12 times higher than that of all other causes of death among females ages 15–24.

This National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, South Texas Health System encourages parents to learn the signs of eating disorders so they can better support early identification and treatment within our community.

To learn more, watch our recent Let’s Talk Mental Health webinar on this topic. https://bit.ly/4aHgRT3

Compassion in Practice, Excellence in Training: Dr. Rubeliz Bolivar Barrios is a first-year resident in the South Texas ...
02/23/2026

Compassion in Practice, Excellence in Training: Dr. Rubeliz Bolivar Barrios is a first-year resident in the South Texas Health System GME Consortium’s Emergency Medicine Residency Program. Originally from Venezuela, she earned her medical degree from La Universidad de Oriente, Nucleo Anzoategui, in 2016.

Drawn to the Rio Grande Valley’s strong sense of community, she chose the region for its need for dedicated emergency medicine physicians and the opportunity to serve a diverse, largely bilingual population. The STHS GME Consortium also came highly recommended within professional networks and the International Medical Graduate (IMG) community, reinforcing her confidence that it was the right program for her.

“My experience at STHS has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I’ve felt supported by attendings, faculty, nurses and staff who truly want you to grow,” she says. “The clinical exposure is strong, the learning is constant, and there’s a real emphasis on becoming a confident, capable physician while keeping the patient at the center of everything.”

Dr. Bolivar Barrios is currently rotating at STHS McAllen, STHS Edinburg and STHS Children’s, gaining hands-on experience across varied patient populations.

“I focus on clear communication, empathy and advocacy,” she adds. “I take time to explain what we’re doing and why, ensure understanding and make sure patients and families feel supported—medically and emotionally. When language is a barrier, I’m especially intentional about making sure patients feel heard, respected and informed.”

After her residency, she hopes to continue her career in emergency medicine while remaining involved in mentorship, community education and initiatives that support bilingual patients and IMGs pursuing medicine in the U.S. Long-term, she aims to expand her impact through teaching, advocacy and community outreach.

Thank you, Dr. Bolivar Barrios, for your commitment to improving the health and well-being of the Valley.

To learn more about the , visit https://bit.ly/4kUsIR9.

It’s In Your Blood to Save Lives! Texas is currently facing a critical emergency-level blood shortage, per the American ...
02/22/2026

It’s In Your Blood to Save Lives! Texas is currently facing a critical emergency-level blood shortage, per the American Red Cross.

So, to help prevent a blood shortage in the , South Texas Health System is partnering with South Texas Blood & Tissue to host community blood drives at four of its facilities next week, and we’re asking for your help.

The drives will take place in the main parking lot of the host facilities, scheduled as follows:

🩸 STHS McAllen: Monday, February 23, 2026, from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
🩸 STHS ER Weslaco: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
🩸 STHS ER Mission: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
🩸 STHS Edinburg: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Sign-ups are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are always welcome. As a thank you for their lifesaving blood donation, donors will receive a special Rally the Valley T-shirt.

For complete details and to pre-register, visit https://bit.ly/4rtvpLR or the STHS Facebook Events page. https://bit.ly/3ZNMKCY

Give blood. Help save lives. Every drop counts!

Looking for a Secure Future? South Texas Health System is now hiring dependable individuals to join the team of security...
02/22/2026

Looking for a Secure Future? South Texas Health System is now hiring dependable individuals to join the team of security guards across our facilities, including our freestanding emergency departments throughout Hidalgo County.

Ensuring the safety of patients, visitors and staff at STHS requires a lot of moving parts and chief among them is the vital role played by our security guards at our 12 facilities. They are responsible for maintaining a watchful eye on the facility grounds and defending against damage, theft and harm caused by others. They patrol our facilities to ensure everyone's safety and security, as well as inspect the identification of individuals prior to entering restricted areas.

If you're enthusiastic about maintaining the safety of others, apply now!

For a complete list of vacant positions and to apply, visit https://bit.ly/4qKTRXO.

Ready to Get 'Wild' About Healthy Living as a Family? South Texas Health System Children's is gearing up for its fourth ...
02/21/2026

Ready to Get 'Wild' About Healthy Living as a Family? South Texas Health System Children's is gearing up for its fourth annual Eddie’s Safari Run, which will take place in exactly two weeks!

Prepare to demonstrate your physical fitness by participating in our 2K or 5K run/walk; both are fit (and fun) for all ages!

In addition to the races, the event will feature a special community expo to highlight local health and wellness resources for children (and adults) throughout the Rio Grande Valley!

All proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities South Texas.

Registration will remain open until Wednesday, March 5, at noon. For more information and to register, visit sthsactive.com.

Protecting Your Heart Health at Every Age: Heart disease remains a leading cause of death for older adults, but it’s no ...
02/21/2026

Protecting Your Heart Health at Every Age: Heart disease remains a leading cause of death for older adults, but it’s no longer considered solely an "elderly" condition. Currently, 1 in 5 heart attacks occur in adults aged 40 or younger, per the CDC, while approximately 20% of heart disease patients are under the age of 40.

Recognizing early signs of heart disease is crucial, as early detection allows for timely intervention that can help prevent heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.

That’s why it’s important to know the early symptoms of the condition, which include:

🫩 Unusual fatigue
🫁 Shortness of breath
😓 Chest discomfort
🫀 Heart palpitations
🦵 Swelling (edema)
😵‍💫 Dizziness or fainting
😓 Pain in other areas

Identifying these signs promptly allows for lifestyle changes and medical treatments that can help reverse damage and significantly improve long-term outcomes, potentially reducing mortality by up to 65% in some cases, per the CDC.

If you notice any signs of heart problems, talk to your doctor right away. If you don’t have a primary care physician, visit https://bit.ly/44U3bAK to find one near you.

For more on heart health, check out our latest South Texas Health Minute on ValleyCentral.com. https://bit.ly/4s0WmWY

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1400 West Trenton Road
Edinburg, TX
78539

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+19563886000

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With six hospitals located throughout Southern Texas, South Texas Health System offers a comprehensive array of medical services, including cardiovascular, maternity and women's health, emergency and surgical care, along with specialty programs in transplant, chest pain, pediatrics, diabetes, wound care, bariatric surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, rehabilitation, and behavioral health services. The hospitals of South Texas Health System include South Texas Health System McAllen, South Texas Health System Heart, South Texas Health System Edinburg / Edinburg Regional Rehab Center, South Texas Health System Children’s, Cornerstone Regional Hospital and South Texas Behavioral Health Center. South Texas Health System is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS), a King of Prussia, PA-based company, that is one of the largest healthcare management companies in the nation. Cornerstone Regional Hospital is directly or indirectly owned and operated by a partnership that includes a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS), a King of Prussia, PA-based company, that is one of the largest healthcare management companies in the nation, and physician owners, including certain members of the hospital medical staff. Hospital social media accounts are managed by the hospital marketing team. We are unable to provide medical advice through social media. Please contact your physician, or in case of emergency, call 911. Although we do our best to respond to comments and messages, there may be a delay in response time, and we may not be able to respond due to the nature of the message. Thank you.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of this hospital. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website.