JPS Health Network breaks ground on major hospital expansion to boost healthcare access in Tarrant County.

“It just means so much when the community knows that we are here to provide healthcare to anybody who is in need of healthcare,” Dr. Karen Duncan said.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Access to healthcare in Fort Worth and across Tarrant County is being put front and center, as leaders with the JPS Health Network break ground on a major expansion designed to serve patients regardless of income or ability to pay.

Music played, families gathered, and the national anthem echoed across the campus as community members celebrated what leaders say is a critical step toward more equitable care.

“It’s exciting. I mean, the amount of people that are here today is just absolutely incredible,” Dr. Brian Webb said.

Dr. Karen Duncan, president and CEO of JPS Health Network, invited Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker to help lead the groundbreaking ceremony, marking the start of a long-planned hospital expansion.

But leaders emphasized that this project goes far beyond new construction. It represents a commitment to ensuring everyone in the community has access to modern, high-quality healthcare. The need in Tarrant County is massive. About 386,000 people in the county are uninsured, roughly 24 percent of the population, at one of the highest rates in Texas.

“Well, we want them to know that we appreciate them, and those who attend and visit and frequent JPS are entitled to up-to-date modern facilities,” Rev. Ralph Emerson said.

“It just means so much when the community knows that we are here to provide healthcare to anybody who is in need of healthcare,” Dr. Karen Duncan said.

The new facility will include two inpatient towers spanning roughly 1.1 million square feet, connected to the existing patient care pavilion to support emergency and trauma services. The project was approved by voters years ago and is now moving forward.

For Dr. Brian Webb, the moment is deeply personal.

“When you start as an intern, you’re just trying to make it through it day by day. So, it’s fun to look back to see where we are going,” Dr. Brian Webb said.

In addition to the new hospital, future phases include a medical office building and a central utility plant, both expected to be completed in 2029, reshaping the surrounding area and expanding care capacity.

“My goal was to make sure access was available,” Rev. Ralph Emerson said.

With construction now underway, leaders say the expansion is a major step toward closing healthcare gaps and ensuring no one in Tarrant County is left behind.