Hope Clinic in Garland has a lot to celebrate these days. The 501(c)(3) non-profit, faith-based organization has been providing medical care and resources for Garland's medically indigent since 2002, operating out of small, overcrowded quarters.
In 2011, Hope Clinic entered into an agreement to collaborate with HealthTexas Provider Network (HTPN), a Baylor Scott & White Health affiliate, in connection with the operation of the clinic where services are provided to patients. The clinic was recently moved into a newly renovated location that more than doubles patient-care space.
Adding to the excitement, the clinic received the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Level 3 recognition as a patient-centered medical home — the NCQA's top certification.
"Hope Clinic works with HealthTexas Provider Network to serve almost 2,000 poor, economically disadvantaged patients who have no payment sources — and care is delivered to that population on par with full-pay clinics," said Carl Couch, MD, president of Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and a member of the Hope Clinic board of directors.
Hope Clinic and HTPN will show off the new location at 800 South 6th Street and celebrate the NCQA Level 3 recognition at a ribbon cutting ceremony, open house and tours of the location at 11 a.m. Friday, April 17. The public is invited to attend.
"It's been an exciting time," said Jenny Williams, executive director of Hope Clinic. "These are 'gold star' accomplishments for us. Over the years, we've developed a strong working relationship with Baylor Medical Center at Garland and HealthTexas Provider Network."
Baylor Scott & White Health and HTPN operate the Baylor Community Care program, consisting of eight primary care clinics, including the Hope Clinic location, and supporting programs targeting underserved Dallas-Fort Worth patients.
"The wonderful part about this program is that it's a charitable program," said Williams. "That qualifies patients at 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which means they don't pay anything for medical care. We do ask for donations for medical services provided." Patients must also be uninsured to qualify for services.
From primary care to chronic disease management and prescription assistance programs, from behavioral health care to spiritual care, the clinic assists those most in need. Last year, prescription assistance totaled $500,000. Under a new arrangement with North Texas Food Bank, clinic patients with dietary restrictions are able to obtain food boxes designed for those with diabetes and heart disease.
The clinic has 13 paid staff, including full-time and part-time physicians, supported by a network of 48 volunteer physicians who provide medical care across a number of specialties. Donations and a cadre of 80 volunteers, including physicians, support its operation.
Hope Clinic has many friends like MEDCO Construction, the BSWH affiliate that renovated the new location. MEDCO helped defray construction costs by obtaining in-kind donations of building materials, greatly reducing construction costs. Thanks to its friends and as the result of a successful capital campaign, the clinic moved into its new location free of debt.
"Hope Clinic is all about giving back," said Williams. "The patients served deserve this commitment to quality. Providing charitable medical care is not about enabling people. Poverty opens up a multitude of needs. We give patients the necessary tools and resources, equipping them to move forward in life."
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CONTACT:
Jennifer McDowell
Jennifer.McDowell@BaylorHealth.edu
214-820-4581
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com