As flu season approaches, Garland families are getting a powerful new tool to protect their health without having to leave home.
The Garland City Council has approved TAP Telehealth, a program from MD Health Pathways that lets residents connect with licensed doctors and nurses through secure virtual visits. The goal is to make care faster, more affordable, and more accessible for Garland households.
Flu activity in North Texas typically spikes between October and February, and the new program aims to help families stay a step ahead. Before the citywide rollout next spring, MD Health Pathways is offering early access to 10,000 Garland families. The pilot program gives residents a chance to test the system during one of the busiest times of year for local clinics, the height of flu season.
“During flu season, getting timely care can make all the difference,” said Dirk Perritt, CEO and Founder of MD Health Pathways. “We want families to be able to talk to a doctor from home, get peace of mind, and avoid long waits at urgent care clinics or emergency rooms.”
With TAP Telehealth, residents can schedule a virtual visit any day of the year between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. using their phone, tablet, or computer. The platform offers consultations for common illnesses, minor injuries, prescriptions, and follow-up advice, all through a HIPAA-compliant system that protects patients’ privacy and health information.
Cutting Down Wait Times and Reducing Strain on Local Hospitals
Every year, emergency rooms and urgent care centers across the region fill up as flu season hits. For patients with mild or moderate symptoms, those long waits can be frustrating. For hospitals, they can be costly. TAP Telehealth is designed to relieve that pressure by giving residents an easier, faster way to get help for non-emergency conditions.
A typical ER visit can last anywhere from three to six hours, sometimes longer during peak flu season. With virtual visits, families can talk to a provider within minutes and often resolve their concern without ever needing an in-person visit.
For many families, especially those with young children, elderly parents, or chronic conditions, the ability to access care from home can make a real difference in how quickly they recover.
A Safer, Smarter Way to Stay Healthy from Home
One of the biggest benefits of telehealth is reducing exposure to other illnesses. Sitting in a waiting room with coughing and sneezing patients can make a mild case worse or spread infection to others. By offering remote visits, the program helps families stay safe while still getting professional medical attention.
For seniors, caregivers, and residents with limited mobility, telehealth can also be a lifeline. There is no travel, no waiting, and no risk of catching something new, just a direct connection to care from the comfort of home.
In addition to flu-related visits, the system supports a range of everyday health needs, from sinus infections to minor skin conditions and medication questions. Each appointment includes personalized medical advice and, when necessary, electronic prescriptions sent directly to a local pharmacy.
A New Solution for a Healthier Garland
Garland’s early adoption of TAP Telehealth puts the city at the forefront of a growing movement toward smarter and more connected healthcare. By embracing technology, Garland leaders hope to make quality care available to everyone, not just during flu season but year-round.
Enrollment for the early access program is now open, and the response has already been strong. Families interested in participating can sign up with Tap Telehealth to claim one of the 10,000 early access spots before the full citywide launch in Spring 2026.
As flu season ramps up, Garland’s new telehealth partnership represents a forward-thinking approach to community wellness that prioritizes convenience, safety, and proactive care.