Texas invests millions in mobile stroke units to help hospitals deliver faster lifesaving care across the state
Texas – Texas is investing millions of dollars to strengthen emergency stroke treatment and help patients receive faster medical care when every minute matters. Governor Greg Abbott announced that $2.5 million in grant funding has been awarded to hospitals across the state to support new and expanded mobile stroke units, which are specially equipped ambulances designed to diagnose and begin treating stroke patients before they even reach a hospital.
The funding is part of a larger $5 million initiative approved by the governor and the 89th Texas Legislature. The money was provided to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to improve stroke care throughout Texas. Half of the funding is being distributed during fiscal year 2026, while the remaining $2.5 million is expected to be awarded during fiscal year 2027.
Announcing the investment, Abbott stressed the importance of making emergency care available to Texans regardless of where they live.
“Texas will ensure Texans across our state can access swift and practical medical care,” said Governor Abbott. “This $2.5 million investment into mobile stroke units will enable hospitals to better provide vital care without delay in the event of a stroke. I thank HHSC for their ongoing efforts to support our hospitals and the health of all Texans, no matter where they are.”
Hospitals receive funding to expand stroke response
The grant funding was awarded to three medical providers that will either launch new mobile stroke services or expand existing programs.
Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas at Austin received $1.25 million to establish a new mobile stroke unit serving patients in the Austin area. Meanwhile, University Medical Center of El Paso was awarded $500,000 to grow its current mobile stroke program. Another $750,000 went to Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston to expand its mobile stroke services.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or significantly reduced. Because brain cells begin to die quickly without oxygen, rapid treatment is critical. Common warning signs include sudden facial drooping, weakness in an arm, difficulty speaking, dizziness, or unexpected vision problems.
Health officials say the specialized ambulances can make a major difference in these situations. Mobile stroke units are equipped with CT scanners and other technology that allow medical teams to identify strokes at the scene and begin treatment sooner than would otherwise be possible.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there were 71,081 stroke-related hospitalizations across Texas during 2024, highlighting the large number of people affected by the condition each year.
“Timely stroke care can make a life-changing difference for Texans and their families,” HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth said. “This funding will help expand access to stroke care so more people can get treatment faster.”
Leaders say every minute counts
Supporters of the program emphasized that the goal is to bring advanced medical treatment directly to patients instead of waiting until they arrive at a hospital.
State Senator Joan Huffman, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, praised the funding effort and pointed to the benefits of having emergency stroke treatment available on the road.
“Through the budget last session, I was thrilled to help deliver critical funding to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the expansion of mobile stroke units,” said state Sen. Joan Huffman, chair of the Senate Finance Committee. “These vehicles bring advanced stroke care directly to patients when every second counts, improving outcomes and saving lives across Texas.”
State Representative Greg Bonnen, who leads the House Appropriations Committee, echoed those remarks and highlighted the importance of serving patients who live far from major medical centers.
“Mobile stroke units were funded to bring immediate, lifesaving care directly to patients, recognizing that every minute of delay results in irreversible loss of brain function,” said state Rep. Greg Bonnen, chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “They are especially critical for individuals who are not in close proximity to a stroke center, ensuring timely treatment when and where it matters most.”
With additional funding scheduled for next year, Texas leaders hope the expanded network of mobile stroke units will improve outcomes, reduce disabilities, and help save more lives across the state.
