 Letter February 9, 1949 to the County of Nueces
about the "Mexican Ward"
"We desegregated hospitals and swimming pools and schools all
over South Texas," recalled Tony Canales, Dr. Garcia’s nephew and a former
United States Attorney. Segregation in hospitals was especially repellent
to Garcia. The forum called for the appointments of Mexican Americans to
the State Board of Health and the Hospital Council Advisory Board.
Texas' forgotten people
Dr. Garcia had an intense concern for the health and welfare
of thousands of residents of unincorporated "colonias" that line the Texas
border. Many of the poor people in South Texas came to Dr. Garcia for his
help when no one else would. He spoke often about the dangerous living
conditions and lack of medical care available.
 Doctor and Colonias - Article from Dallas
Morning News, June 3,
1990
Dr. Garcia never stopped fighting for la gente when he felt
they were victimized and needed someone to speak for them. Dr. Garcia often
spoke of the lack of Mexican American physicians, medical care available
in rural areas and research related to Mexican Americans.
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The
Early Years