Meeting the Needs of a Growing Hunt County: The Case for Healthcare Expansion

As the fifth-fastest growing county in Texas, Hunt County’s communities are booming, with new businesses, subdivisions, and families calling the area home. This growth is a testament to the region’s appeal: proximity to the Metroplex but with a small town feel and a better quality of life. With the region’s popularity and this surge in population comes an urgent challenge — ensuring that our healthcare system grows alongside the community.

“Hunt County was a very different place 20 years ago,” explains Kevin Sawatsky, broker-owner of Onward Texas Real Estate Providers. “Now, subdivisions and businesses are scattered all over. The highways are widening, and the growth we’ve anticipated for years is finally here. But we need infrastructure, including healthcare, to support this boom.”

Why Healthcare Infrastructure Matters

The influx of residents has brought increased demand for comprehensive healthcare services. Hunt County is no longer a place where residents can rely on traveling to neighboring cities like Dallas or Rockwall for advanced medical care. The travel times are prohibitive for busy workers and busy families. The availability of local healthcare is critical. It impacts everything from quality of life to workforce productivity, as employees and their families depend on convenient access to primary care, specialty care, and ongoing rehabilitative services and treatments.

“Employers want their employees to access care locally, not travel to Rockwall, Rowlett, or Dallas like we used to,” added Sawatsky. “It’s not just about convenience — it’s about efficiency and quality of life.”

Investing in the Future

The May 3 hospital bond election asks voters  to address this pressing need by funding the expansion of healthcare facilities, acquiring state-of-the-art medical equipment, and ensuring the hospital has the resources necessary to serve the community effectively. Supporting this initiative is not just about infrastructure — it’s about laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient Hunt County.

   “People don’t always understand that growth requires resources to keep up,” Hunt County Judge Bobby Stovall said. If we want good quality healthcare, we need to support the hospital’s ability to grow.”

The Time to Act is Now

Hunt County’s growth is not slowing down. Businesses are thriving, families are putting down roots, and the region’s population is steadily increasing. To sustain this momentum, it is essential to have a healthcare system that meets the demands of today while preparing for the future.

“We can’t wait until we’re behind,” says Judge Stovall. “If this hospital doesn’t continue to grow and expand, it won’t be able to serve the community. That leads to poor service, poor quality care, and ultimately, a community that struggles to thrive.”

The referendum in front of County voters in May is an opportunity to take proactive steps to ensure the health and prosperity of Hunt County.