Salinas honored in clinic renaming

By Breyana Segura - Chief Staff Writer | May 29, 2024

“We were all united”

For nearly her whole life, Alma H. Salinas has fought for health equity in Pearsall.
Her tireless efforts did not go unnoticed, as the local South Texas Rural Health Services (STRHS) building was re-named in her honor.
Salinas, joined by family, city and county elected officials, and STRHS board members, gathered to see the unveiling of the sign dedicating the facility to the tenacious woman on Thursday, May 23.
The 91-year-old told of the moment in 1948 when she knew providing equal health care for all citizens was imperative.
“My brother was sick and my parents wrapped him in a white sheet because they thought he was dead,” Salinas said during an interview with Jose Asuncion. “There was no clinic, so the doctor came to our house. He said if my brother survived the night with the medicine then he would live; if he did not pass the medicine then he would die.”

South Texas Rural Health Services Board Chairman Johnny Gloria unveils the new name of the Pearsall facility in a ceremony Thursday, May 23, recognizing Alma Salinas for her contributions to community healthcare.

Salinas’ brother survived.
On December 17, 1950, Dilley Hospital Clinic was opened; some 13 years later on January 2, 1963, the Frio Hospital opened.
“People offered to dig the ditches for the hospital to be made on the east side,” Salinas said.
However, Salinas became appalled when she learned a pregnant woman had lost her baby after the hospital refused to admit the lady because she didn’t have the $50 admittance fee.
“This is not what our grandparents worked for,” Salinas said.
These obstacles for residents led to the formation of El Sacrificio, a rural health clinic, which faced opposition and threats, but the organization continued to push forward.
Due to the opposition that plagued the organization, much of the initial planning had to be done secretly, according to Salinas. She offered her home as a place to meet and discuss plans, noting her husband never complained but tended to their eight children.

Pearsall resident Alma Salinas is present to witness a rural health clinic named after her, as STRHS recognized her dedication to helping provide essential medical services to the economically disadvantaged and underserved.

The group was able to secure a home on Power Plant Road, which they paid for through Bingo games and tamale plate sales, to be used as the first clinic, which later became the STRHS clinic.
“The ladies were adamant we have a clinic because the people needed it,” she said. “We were all united. It can be done.”
Salinas served on the STRHS board of directors for nearly 50 years.
There are 14 clinics in five South Texas counties offering sliding-fee services for medical, dental and mental health.
During the coronavirus pandemic, STRHS provided free vaccines to teachers and students in Frio County.