MissION
‍& History

Harris Health System was created by the State of Texas in 1966 to provide healthcare to the underserved residents of Harris County. Today, as the largest medical provider for Houston’s uninsured, Harris Health is stretched beyond capacity 365 days a year. While the system has only 6.6% of the inpatient beds in Harris County, in fiscal year 2020, it provided 16.3% and 21.4% of the area’s Medicaid and uninsured hospital admissions, respectively.

The system’s Ben Taub and Lyndon B. Johnson hospitals are constantly over capacity. The situation at LBJ is particularly acute because it has not been expanded since it was built more than 30 years ago; Harris County’s population has grown by almost 70% during that time.

To address this dire need, Harris Health leadership developed a 10-year strategic plan that will cost $2.9 billion. This plan will be funded through a $2.5 billion public bond approved by voters at the November 2023 election, supplemented by $300 million from Harris Health System efficiencies and savings, and $100 million in philanthropy raised by the Harris Health Strategic Fund.

Believing that high quality healthcare for all is essential to the fabric of our community, a group of Houston leaders has formed the Harris Health Strategic Fund – a 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to delivering on Harris Health’s vision for a healthier Harris County – and is spearheading a capital campaign to raise at last $100 million from philanthropy. This is an unprecedented campaign goal for Harris Health, and this investment will be multiplied in savings, efficiencies, and improved health for everyone who needs care.

Chaired by Beth Robertson, the 13-member board is committed to securing philanthropic donations from the generous foundations, corporations, families, and individuals in Harris County who share their commitment to making Houston the top healthcare city in the nation for all its residents.