Free health services offered to Laredo as part of Operation Border Health Preparedness

Free medical services will be provided to Laredo and Webb County next week as Operation Border Health Preparedness comes into town from July 24 to 28.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Christen Middle School at 2001 Santa Maria Ave.

Concurrent events will also take place in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties during the event period.

No-cost services provided through the Laredo event include general physician services, immunizations for children and adults, diabetic screenings, hearing screenings, vision screenings, blood pressure screenings, sports physicals, dental services and vision exams for prescription glasses for adults and children. However, services vary depending on the site location.

The operation — which was formerly known as Operation Lone Star — is an exercise led by the State of Texas Department of State Health Services and includes local health departments, medical schools, human service organizations, Texas Military Forces and universities.

In addition to providing the local community free health services, the exercise helps the organizations prepare for disasters that may need a similar response.