The Metropolitan Organization of Houston (TMO) is mobilizing communities across Harris County to win what voters already approved: a critical expansion of Ben Taub Hospital that would add 100 new patient rooms and relieve dangerous overcrowding at one of Houston’s most essential emergency care facilities.

In 2023, TMO leaders urged Harris County to include funding for the Ben Taub expansion in the Harris Health bond package—and then led a successful Get Out the Vote effort to help secure its passage. That campaign helped deliver a major victory: more than 73% of voters approved Harris Health’s $2.5 billion bond, including the planned Ben Taub expansion.

But nearly two years later, that expansion is still stalled.

Ben Taub Hospital continues operating at over 100% capacity, with patients backed up in the emergency room and hospital beds lining hallways—conditions that compromise safe, timely care. Ben Taub is also one of only two Level 1 Trauma Centers in the region, providing lifesaving treatment to people with the most severe injuries and illnesses. Demand for inpatient care is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, making action even more urgent.

The barrier is not funding. The barrier is land.

The only viable location to build the expansion is 8.9 acres of Hermann Park land across from the Ben Taub ER, which could be connected to the hospital by a sky bridge. That land has also been discussed for other uses, including a parking garage—meaning county leaders are facing a clear choice: hospital beds or more parking lots.

That’s why TMO is stepping up again.

TMO leaders are organizing residents to participate in commissioners court public hearings, meet directly with county officials, and make a final push on a petition campaign calling on the Harris County to let Harris Health move forward with the land acquisition needed to build the expansion.

TAKE ACTION: Sign the Petition

SIGN HERE: https://www.tmohouston.org/supportbentaubexpansion