Access to healthcare services is a vital consideration for both residents and visitors of the Bolivar Peninsula. This guide provides an overview of the available medical facilities, types of healthcare providers, hospital capabilities, pharmacy services, and essential information regarding medical priority boarding passes for the Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry.
Emergency Services:
In case of emergencies, dialing 911 connects you to local emergency response teams equipped to handle urgent medical situations.
LeMed Clinic is a primary care and family practice facility located along Highway 87 in Crystal Beach, Texas. It serves residents and visitors across the Bolivar Peninsula by offering routine medical examinations, preventive care, and essential healthcare services for the local coastal community.
University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston)
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston is a prominent academic health science center comprising multiple professional schools, major research facilities, and a comprehensive hospital network. It serves as a vital healthcare provider and educational institution for the region, featuring a Level 1 Trauma Center and a robust biomedical research enterprise.
Coastal Gateway Health Center (Winnie)
Coastal Gateway Health Center is an outpatient family practice clinic located in the Winnie-Stowell community, providing accessible, patient-centered primary care. It serves Winnie and surrounding upper Texas coast areas by offering comprehensive onsite medical services along with coordinated access to dental, behavioral, and pharmacy care.
Riceland Medical Center (Winnie)
Riceland Medical Center in Winnie is a critical access hospital that provides 24-hour emergency care, inpatient services, and outpatient clinics to Chambers County and the surrounding upper Texas coast region. As part of the broader Riceland Healthcare network, it offers essential rural medical services, including primary care, diagnostic imaging, and swing-bed rehabilitation.
Winnie
Brookshire Brothers Pharmacy
204 Broadway Ave, Winnie
(409) 296-2175
Wilcox Pharmacy
415 TX-124, Winnie
(409) 296-2497
Galveston
National chain pharmacies provide extended hours and a wide range of pharmaceutical products. (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc)
The Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry is a crucial transportation link for residents and visitors. For individuals requiring prompt medical attention, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) offers Medical Priority Boarding (MPB) passes:
Purpose: MPB passes allow expedited boarding for patients needing timely access to medical services.
Application Process: To obtain an MPB pass, contact the TxDOT Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry office at 409-795-2250. The application requires a physician’s certification and is issued for the duration of the patient’s condition. There is no cost associated with obtaining an MPB pass.
Usage: Pass holders are not exempt from the standard screening process during ferry boarding. It’s important to note that TxDOT is developing an automated system to improve the management and issuance of MPB passes. Updates will be provided on the TxDOT website as the system progresses.