Growing Health, Hope and Opportunity: DeTar Healthcare System Renews Support for Victoria County Public Health Programs

7/14/2026

With a renewed $5,000 contribution, DeTar Healthcare System continues its commitment to strengthening the health and well-being of Victoria County residents through several community-focused initiatives led by the Victoria County Public Health Department (VCPHD). The investment will help sustain programs that address food insecurity, poverty, social determinants of health, community connectedness and access to critical resources.

The continued partnership reflects a shared vision of creating a healthier, more resilient Victoria County by investing in programs that improve quality of life and address the root causes of poor health.

“Strong communities are built when organizations come together to support the whole person,” said Brett Maxfield, CEO of DeTar Healthcare System. “These programs are creating meaningful opportunities for individuals and families to improve their circumstances, access essential resources, and build healthier futures. We are proud to continue our partnership with the Victoria County Public Health Department and support initiatives that are making a measurable difference throughout our community.”

The impact of DeTar Healthcare System’s support was clearly demonstrated throughout 2025. Funding helped expand the Community Garden @ VCPHD through the installation of two additional long garden beds, eight new fruit-bearing trees and a sustainable irrigation system that increased production capacity while reducing maintenance demands. The donation also supported three seasonal planting cycles for both the indoor and outdoor gardens, ensuring a year-round supply of fresh produce for local families.

As a result of these enhancements, the community garden provided fresh fruits and vegetables to 220 families in 2025, improving access to nutritious foods while supporting efforts to reduce food insecurity and promote healthier lifestyles. In addition to food production, the garden served as a valuable wellness resource where community volunteers engaged in activities that promote physical activity, reduce stress, foster social connection and support positive mental health.

DeTar’s 2025 investment also strengthened operations at the VCPHD Community Resource Center (CRC), helping residents overcome barriers that often prevent access to healthcare and essential services. During the year, the CRC served 434 individuals and provided assistance with obtaining birth certificates, state-issued identification cards, housing resources, food assistance, healthcare navigation and other critical support services.

Among the outcomes achieved in 2025, the CRC provided documentation assistance to 161 individuals, facilitated 88 housing assistance referrals, connected 114 residents to food pantry resources and made 58 mental health referrals. Through ongoing case management and resource navigation, 25 individuals obtained health insurance coverage, 41 secured housing and 38 achieved full-time employment. These services represent critical first steps toward greater stability, improved health outcomes and increased self-sufficiency for Victoria County residents.

Building on these successes, DeTar’s 2026 contribution will help sustain and expand several key VCPHD programs:

Community Resource Center at VCPHD
The Community Resource Center serves as a central hub where residents can connect with medical, social and community services. Building on the success of 2025, DeTar’s contribution will support expanded community resource navigation, health education, healthcare coordination and indigent care assistance. VCPHD will continue developing the CRC as a centralized hub that helps residents overcome barriers to care, access preventive healthcare services and connect with essential community resources before needs become medical or social crises.

Community Garden @ VCPHD
Following the successful expansion supported by DeTar’s 2025 donation, this year’s funding will help further increase the garden’s productivity and sustainability. Planned improvements include installation of a trellis system and irrigation extensions to maximize growing space for vine-bearing crops. Funding will also support three seasonal planting cycles for both indoor and outdoor gardens, ensuring continued year-round production of healthy produce for families experiencing food insecurity while promoting nutrition, physical activity and community engagement.

“We are incredibly grateful for DeTar Healthcare System’s continued investment in the health of Victoria County,” said David Gonzales, public health director for VCPHD. “Their support helps us address the social and economic factors that influence health outcomes while providing residents with resources, education and opportunities to improve their quality of life. Together, we are creating pathways to better health and stronger communities.”

Gonzales added, “The impact of these programs extends far beyond the individuals we serve. By strengthening families, improving access to resources and creating opportunities for growth, we are helping build a healthier and more connected Victoria County for future generations.”

Through DeTar Healthcare System’s continued partnership, VCPHD is able to invest in sustainable, community-driven programs that improve access to nutritious food, healthcare and essential resources while creating healthier, more resilient communities. Together, both organizations remain committed to advancing innovative solutions that improve health outcomes and quality of life for all Victoria County residents.

For more information about the Victoria County Public Health Department and its community programs, visit vcphd.org.

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