Swisher County
"The City With A Future
Swisher County, with Tulia’s motto “The City With A Future,” represents the spirit of optimism and forward thinking. Through the VIBRANT MOMS initiative, we’re working alongside local partners to expand resources and strengthen support for moms and families. This page highlights the services, programs, and community voices that make Swisher County a place where mothers and babies can thrive.
Challenges Faced In Swisher County
Quick Stats
Many women in the Panhandle begin prenatal care later than recommended. This often happens because of the “Medicaid gap.” For some, Medicaid approval is delayed, so they can’t schedule early appointments. For others, they fall into a gap where they don’t qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford private coverage, leaving them without access to timely care.
Limited Access to Prenatal and Delivery Services
Swisher Memorial Healthcare System does not currently provide prenatal care or labor and delivery services. This means that women in Swisher County must travel outside the county to receive these essential services, creating additional stress, cost, and delays in accessing timely maternal healthcare.
High Uninsurance Rates
Many women in Swisher County lack health insurance, with nearly one-third of women of reproductive age uninsured. These high rates of uninsurance make it difficult for women to access consistent, timely care. Without coverage, families face delays in scheduling prenatal visits, challenges in affording needed services, and increased risk of complications during pregnancy and postpartum.
Community Windshield Assessment Video
This video offers a visual tour of Swisher County as part of the Vibrant Moms project, a maternal health initiative focused on understanding and improving conditions for mothers and families across the Texas Panhandle.
Through this windshield assessment, we explore the physical environment, community infrastructure, and available assets that shape everyday life for residents. These observations help inform our understanding of maternal health needs, access to care, and opportunities for support in Swisher County.
Local Challenges, Local Solutions
Swisher Memorial Healthcare System will serve as a Phase II site to help families with Medicaid navigation, education, and enrollment.
Expand the role of CHWs to provide early screening, warm handoffs, and referral support for families entering care.
Texas WIC LA #020 and Panhandle Community Services will expand support for Medicaid, CHIP, and Marketplace applications through the Community Partner Program (CPP).
Nurse and Patient
Swisher Memorial Healthcare System, situated in Tulia, Texas, is a 20-bed critical access hospital dedicated to delivering comprehensive healthcare services to the residents of Swisher County and surrounding areas. The facility offers a range of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care services, ensuring that patients receive quality medical attention close to home.
Key services provided by Swisher Memorial include 24/7 emergency room care, acute medical admissions, skilled nursing, cardiology, laboratory diagnostics, radiology, and dietary support. The hospital also features a Swing Bed Program, facilitating post-acute rehabilitation for patients transitioning from hospital to home. Additionally, the Tulia Rural Health Clinic, affiliated with the hospital, offers primary care services, including pediatric care and chiropractic therapy, accommodating both appointments and walk-ins
Joseph’s Project is a comprehensive pregnancy and parenting support program operated by Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle. Designed to serve expectant mothers and families with children under the age of three, the program offers personalized education, resources, and emotional support during some of the most critical stages of early family life.
Through one-on-one mentorship, parenting classes, and material assistance, Joseph’s Project aims to equip parents with the tools they need to build stable, nurturing environments for their children. In addition to practical guidance, the program fosters long-term well-being by encouraging positive parenting practices and strengthening family bonds.
By addressing both immediate needs and future goals, Joseph’s Project plays a vital role in supporting maternal and child health across the Texas Panhandle.
The information provided on this site is intended as a resource hub to help mothers access and review important maternal health information. This is not intended to provide medical advice. Before making any health decisions, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is appropriate for your individual needs.