History

History – What is today Knapp Medical Center started as an idea in the mid-1950s. That’s when Weslaco citizens indicated in a Chamber of Commerce survey that they wanted a hospital to serve the Mid-Valley. What follows is a brief synopsis of how that idea grew into the hospital Knapp is today.

From Concept to Building to Expanding

Interest Expressed

• The Mid Valley Hospital Development Corporation was formed after the McAllen District of the United Methodist Church agreed to run the hospital if a structure was built. Volunteers from Donna, Mercedes, Edcouch-Elsa, Progreso, and Weslaco went to work to raise money.

Fundraising Begins

• The Knapp Foundation donated the first major gift of $300,000. The hospital was named after the Knapp family to recognize this generosity.
• Volunteers raised another $500,000 from among Mid Valley communities.
• This $800,000 was matched by a federal Hill-Burton grant to make the hospital a reality.

Hospital Opens and Expands

• Knapp Medical Center opened in Weslaco on January 2, 1962, as Knapp Memorial Methodist Hospital with 100 beds.
• In 1980, Knapp doubles in physical space and adds 80 rooms to the original 100.
• Under an amicable agreement, the long relationship between United Methodist Church and Knapp Memorial Methodist Hospital was dissolved in 1986, and the hospital was renamed Knapp Medical Center.
• In 1990, Knapp grew by a third to add outpatient services and a new Emergency Room.
• Knapp acquired 15 acres of adjacent property in 1993 for future expansion after Weslaco voters approved an exchange for 50 acres in southwest Weslaco.

Hospital Grows Along with the Valley

• All inpatient, surgical, and obstetrical services were moved into a six-story tower with 233 inpatient beds in late 1995.
• The Hospice program accepted its first patient in late 1996
• A new Emergency Department was dedicated in May 2003.
• In 2004, a 32,000-square-foot Conference Center was opened.
• Remodeling of the former E.R. space for an Outpatient Center was completed in 2006 followed by major renovations of Labor & Delivery and Pediatrics in 2007 and Postpartum, Nursery, and Medical Units in 2010.

Knapp Today

Today, Knapp Medical Center is a 227-bed not-for-profit acute care hospital. Not-for-profit means that Knapp uses its income for operating expenses, the retirement of debt, and the expansion of services. In 2013, Knapp Medical Center became a part of Prime Healthcare Services, a growing California-based system of more than 40 hospitals nationwide. As part of Prime Healthcare Services – which was named one of the top 15 health systems in the country in 2013, 2012, and 2009 – Knapp has gained the stability and support to continue to provide quality healthcare to Mid-Valley residents for decades to come.

Our Service Area

• Our Primary Service Area includes Donna east to La Feria and Monte Alto south to the Rio Grande, or what is referred to as the Mid-Valley.

Our Team

• More than 250 physicians, all independent professional practitioners, serve on the Knapp Medical Staff.
• With more than 880 employees, Knapp is one of Hidalgo County’s largest private employers.
• We also provide volunteer opportunities for more than 250 people.

Our Services

With a broad spectrum of patients, here are a few Knapp services:

• 24-Hour Emergency Department – Advanced (Level III) Trauma Center
• Adult Medicine
• Cardiology
• Critical Care/ICU
• Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Women’s Health
• Obstetrics/Gynecology
• Neonatal Care
• Outpatient Center that provides over 400 services, including…
  • All Digital Imaging
  • Cardiopulmonary
  • Diabetes Education
  • Endoscopy Procedures
  • Gastroenterology (GI)
  • Hospice Care
  • Laboratory
  • Nutrition Counseling
  • Rehabilitation
  • Wellness Screenings