Regional Healthcare Leaders Call for Collaboration to Strengthen Health Across Southeast Texas

BEAUMONT, TX (October 1, 2026) – Healthcare leaders from across Southeast Texas gathered Tuesday to tackle some of the region’s most pressing healthcare challenges and identify opportunities for greater collaboration. The State of Healthcare in Southeast Texas Luncheon, hosted by Legacy Community Health, brought together approximately 200  healthcare professionals, elected officials, business and civic leaders, community partners and advocates. The conversation focused on how the region can strengthen access and build a more connected healthcare system for the future.

The Honorable Dade Phelan, former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, moderated a panel featuring:

• Robert Palussek, CEO, Legacy Community Health
• Paul Trevino, President and CEO, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System
• David LeMonte, CEO, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas

The discussion focused on some of the most pressing healthcare issues facing Southeast Texas, including access to affordable care, chronic disease, behavioral health, rural healthcare access, workforce development and the importance of connecting residents to preventive and primary care before a health concern becomes a crisis. These themes reflect priorities identified through recent community health assessments conducted by CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System and Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas.

“Improving health across Southeast Texas will require healthcare organizations, schools, employers, nonprofits, elected officials and community leaders to work together,” Palussek said. “No single organization can address every challenge affecting the health of our region. By sharing our perspectives, strengthening partnerships and keeping patients and families at the center, we can build a more connected system that helps people access care earlier and stay healthier over time.”

The conversation underscored the importance of providing residents with a consistent healthcare home rather than relying on episodic care. Panelists addressed barriers that can prevent people from receiving care, including affordability, transportation, medication costs, provider shortages and the difficulty of traveling long distances for routine services. They also discussed the need to strengthen local workforce pipelines and improve coordination among hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, schools and community organizations.

For Legacy, these priorities reflect Health Beyond Care, the organization’s commitment to supporting whole-person and community health beyond a single appointment. That work includes making care more accessible, helping patients navigate the healthcare system and building long-term connections to care across every stage of life.

Legacy’s continued investment in Beaumont is one example of that commitment. Through its Campaign for a Healthier Southeast Texas, Legacy is planning a new flagship Beaumont clinic that will expand capacity and bring multiple services together in one location. The planned facility will provide pediatrics, OB/GYN, adult primary care, behavioral health and pharmacy services, making it easier for patients and families to receive coordinated care close to home.

Legacy has purchased 5.5 acres across from its current Central Stagg clinic for the future facility. The project responds to rising demand for care in the region, with the number of Southeast Texas patients served by Legacy increasing 88% since  2020. The campaign and planned facility represent a long-term investment in healthier families, stronger communities and improved access to care throughout Southeast Texas.

The luncheon also included the presentation of the inaugural Heart of Healthcare Award to Gift of Life. The award recognizes an organization that leads with compassion, puts people first and creates lasting improvements in community health.

Gift of Life was recognized for its longstanding work to expand access to lifesaving screenings, preventive care and health education throughout Southeast Texas. Its community-centered approach aligns with documented regional needs related to cancer prevention, early detection and access to preventive health services.

“Gift of Life has shown what is possible when an organization listens to the community, builds trusted partnerships and remains focused on removing barriers to care,” said Chree Boydstun, Chief Development and External Affairs Officer at Legacy Community Health. “Its commitment to prevention, education and early detection has changed lives throughout Southeast Texas, making Gift of Life a fitting recipient of the first Heart of Healthcare Award.”

The State of Healthcare in Southeast Texas Luncheon was created to provide an ongoing forum where healthcare organizations, civic leaders, community partners and advocates can examine regional health priorities, share perspectives and identify opportunities for collaboration.

“Today’s conversation made clear that the future of healthcare in Southeast Texas depends on our ability to work across traditional boundaries,” Palussek said. “Legacy is committed to being part of that work and to continuing the partnerships and investments that bring quality, compassionate care closer to the people who need it.”

To learn more about Legacy Community Health’s services and continued investment in Southeast Texas, visit legacycommunityhealth.org/beaumont.

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About Legacy Community Health

Legacy Community Health is a full-service health care system comprised of more than 60 locations in the Texas Gulf Coast region offering primary and specialty care, as well as pharmacy services. For over 40 years, Legacy has been innovating the ways we provide comprehensive, quality health care services to individuals, families, and communities in need. As the largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Texas and a United Way-affiliated agency since 1990, Legacy ensures its services and programs are open to all, regardless of the ability to pay—without judgment or exception. To learn more, visit www.legacycommunityhealth.org.

Media Contacts:

Joshua Davis
jdavis@legacycommunityhealth.org
(409) 998-0056