This year, we are proud to join health centers across the nation in celebrating National Health Center Week (NHCW) and celebrate Community Health Centers of South Central Texas (CHCSCT)’s 60th Anniversary of Caring for our Communities.
“NHCW is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of community health center patients, staff, board members, and supporters who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services to 52 million patients across more than 17,000 communities.”
The Community Health Centers of South Central Texas (CHCSCT) originated in its first form in 1966. It began as a small health center known as the “Migrant Clinic” in Gonzales, Texas. Born from a growing need for health care for migrant workers and other low-income workers who needed services, the clinic quickly grew to become a chartered health center in 1974.
Read more about our history here!
Our Impact Across Central Texas
CHCSCT has expanded its footprint across Bastrop, Caldwell, Gonzales, Guadalupe, and Victoria counties. Today, our team of more than 200 dedicated healthcare professionals cares for more than 20,000 patients annually at eight clinic locations.
- Gonzales: Gonzales Community Health Center
- Lockhart: Lockhart Family Practice
- Luling: Luling Community Health Center
- Seguin: Seguin Family Health Center
- Bastrop: Community Health Center, and Bastrop ISD Community Health Center.
- Elgin: Family Health Center at Elgin
- Victoria: Victoria Community Health Center
3 Key Patient Statistics
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- 1 in 2 Patients are Uninsured: Approximately 8,600 uninsured residents rely on CHCSCT as their primary healthcare home.
- 1 in 4 Patients are Children: Pediatrics and WIC programs represent our fastest-growing service lines, ensuring the next generation starts life healthy.
- As part of our commitment to whole-family health, we are expanding maternal care services to meet the rapidly growing needs of mothers and infants across Central Texas. Through key community partnership support from St. David’s Foundation, we are broadening access to comprehensive prenatal care, postpartum support, pediatric programs, and essential women’s health screenings to make sure every mother and child receives high-quality, compassionate care close to home.
- 90% of our Patients are Low-Income: For many in our community, the biggest barrier to quality care is the medical costs.
- That’s why we’ve built a specialized Eligibility Team dedicated to one goal: helping patients find a way to pay for the care they need. Whether patients are uninsured, underinsured, or just looking for supplemental coverage, our team guides and assists them in finding the right solutions for their family.
Celebrating National Health Center Week 2026
National Health Center Week is a time to honor the staff, patients, and advocates who make community healthcare possible. Official proclamations have been issued by the State of Texas along with the cities of Seguin, Lockhart, Victoria, Luling, Elgin, and Bastrop recognizing the role Community Health Centers of South Central Texas has played in providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to our communities for 60 years.
From themed dress-up days to ice cream appreciation treats for our healthcare heroes, our team has enjoyed celebrating across our clinic sites. We were especially honored to welcome leadership from the Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC), including Amanda Boyd (Advocacy Program Director) and Shelby Tracy (Chief Policy Officer), who visited our clinics and volunteered alongside our team. TACHC’s continuous partnership and tireless advocacy makes sure that our community health centers remain strong, funded, and equipped to serve our local families.
Building Innovative Care Where it Matters The Most
This year’s national NHCW theme—Building Innovative Care Where it Matters The Most—reflects our history. Over 60 years, innovation hasn’t just meant adopting new electronic health records, it has meant continually evolving to remove barriers to care for our growing rural populations. This year, we advanced maternal and pediatric care as well as are modernizing appointment bookings for our patients!
- Online Booking: Patients can now schedule appointments seamlessly from their phones or computers for specialized centers like the Bastrop ISD Health Center.
“This self-scheduling tool gives parents greater convenience, choice, and a much faster, less stressful experience when booking care for their children.” – Cassandra Haley, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Advancing clinical preventive and maternal care: By integrating national best practices into our rural clinics, CHCSCT has expanded prenatal care, early detection, mammograms, Pap smears, and cancer screening opportunities.
“While we are proud of the services we provide, it’s the manner in which we deliver them – with respect, dignity, and compassion – that truly defines us,” expressed Rafael De La Paz, CEO.
Honored and Recognized by the American Cancer Society
Our commitment to cancer prevention was officially recognized during National Health Center Week when Jennifer Puryear and Paula Aspiazu (Associate Director of Community Partnerships and Vice President of Community Impact at the American Cancer Society) presented CHCSCT and our staff with a prestigious recognition award:
“The American Cancer Society proudly honors Community Health Centers of South Central Texas, Inc. for your exceptional service and unwavering dedication to building healthier communities through cancer prevention and early detection. Your dedication to integrating best practices, expanding prevention and screening opportunities, and empowering patients with knowledge and support strengthens the health of our communities and advances the fight against cancer.”
Accepting this award on behalf of CHCSCT was Patrick A. Caldwell, WHNP, whose 31 years of service and dedicated women’s health innovation has improved our clinic’s cervical and breast cancer screening initiatives.
The Heartbeat of CHCSCT: 60 Years Carried by Our Team
Our clinics have grown, our technology has modernized, and our facilities have expanded, but our greatest asset has always been our incredible staff. To commemorate our 60th milestone, we are honoring extraordinary staff members whose dedication embodies the heart and soul of CHCSCT.
1. Patrick A. Caldwell, WHNP | 31 Years of Service
The Pioneer of Women’s Rural Health & Cancer Prevention
When Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Patrick Caldwell joined CHCSCT 31 years ago, the clinic operated out of a historic two-story bank building in Gonzales.
“We had exam rooms on the lower floor and on the second floor,” Patrick remembers. “The elevator could probably only hold about three people at a time, so we’d put the patients in the elevator and we would take the stairs so we could accommodate them the moment they reached the top.”
Raised in a tiny rural Arkansas town of fewer than 1,000 people, Patrick intimately understood the isolation of rural healthcare. She began her CHCSCT career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), earned her Registered Nurse (RN) license, served as Director of Nursing (DON), and ultimately made history as the first Nurse Practitioner in Gonzales, Texas.
Over three decades, Patrick expanded prenatal care, cervical cancer screenings, and women’s health outreach—making her the perfect champion to have accepted this year’s American Cancer Society award on behalf of the health center. Today, she treats three generations of local families.
“60 years of service means I have served three generations—I’ve seen the grandparent, the parent, and now I’m serving the third generation…My prayer daily coming through the doors is, ‘God, anoint my hands, my mind, and my tongue that I may be a help to your people.’ It’s not about having a job; it’s about your job helping people who are in need.”
Read more about Nurse Patrick and her recommended screenings here.
2. Linda S. Valdez | 25 Years of Service
Outreach & Enrollment Specialist — The Face of the Clinic
Twenty-five years ago, Linda Valdez didn’t know CHCSCT existed. Accustomed to private doctors’ offices, it wasn’t until she became a patient at the clinic herself that she realized CHCSCT offered the exact same quality of medical care, paired with far greater patient education and sliding-scale financial resources.
“I’m really passionate about helping those patients who are not insured… who are not able to get healthcare elsewhere because of the cost. ”
Starting as a front-desk Customer Service Representative (CSR) in 2021, Linda spent decades welcoming patients and easing their fears. Today, as an Outreach & Enrollment Specialist, she helps families navigate Medicaid, CHIP, and financial support. Whether she is guiding an anxious parent or laughing about the icy winter morning her whole team slide like dominoes through the clinic’s back door, Linda’s energy makes the clinic feel like home.
“You feel the love when you walk into these doors. People call us because they think health care is too expensive, but we work with them. We are one big team here, and this clinic is my family. I am really so happy that I have been here along the way to be able to celebrate these 60 years..
3. Angela Fonseca | 23 Years of Service
WIC Certified Specialist — From Clinic Pediatric Patient to Lifelong Advocate
Angela Fonseca’s relationship with CHCSCT began in childhood. Walking into the old Gonzales clinic with her mother, she recalls trying to delay her shots: “I remember taking my time climbing those big old stairs because I knew we were coming to get immunizations,” Angela smiles. “My mom would be standing at the top saying, ‘Hurry up!'”
Years later, a clinic nurse who had cared for Angela as a child offered advice that changed her life: “Stay working there. Don’t ever leave—that’s a good place to work.” Angela listened. “And that just stuck with me… and she was right.”
Joining the front desk in 2002, Angela moved through financial services before finding her calling in WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) 12 years ago. Having used WIC services as a young mother herself, she now provides compassionate nutrition, breastfeeding, and growth counseling to local mothers and babies.
“It’s hard for people to ask for help. They think it’s a weakness. It’s actually a strength, and it’s brave to ask for help. I give my story of when I was on WIC, and it’s awesome… we’re here for a reason, and we’re here to help moms feed babies. When moms come in full of anxiety and leave with a big smile knowing they’re supported—that’s what makes 23 years here so rewarding.“
4. Rafael De La Paz, CEO | 16 Years of Service
From Undocumented Patient to Front-Desk CSR to Chief Executive Officer
The journey of CHCSCT’s Chief Executive Officer, Rafael De La Paz, reflects the core mission of community health centers nationwide. Growing up undocumented in Dallas after emigrating from Guadalajara, Mexico, Rafael’s family relied on hospital ERs for basic care and free church clinics for dental work. When Rafael started at CHCSCT 16 years ago as a front-desk Customer Service Representative, he felt an immediate connection—this was the exact type of community health center that had cared for him as a child.
Through dedication, mentorship, and a deep focus on healthcare operations, Rafael advanced from CSR to Front-Desk Manager, Quality & Grants Specialist, Chief Operating Officer (COO), and ultimately Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, CHCSCT expanded to more locations, modernized its communications, and strengthened financial stability across all five counties.
“When I think about the 60-year celebration, it’s not only a celebration of just 60 years of service, it’s 60 years of trusted partnership with our community. To my team: thank you for all the hard work, your compassion, and your dedication. Without you being the heartbeat of this organization, none of this would be possible. Celebrating 60 years is a testament to our legacy—and a responsibility to protect that mission for the next 60 years of success.”
CEO Rafael de la Paz’s Role in Advancing Community Health Across Texas
Voices of Our Team: “Why We Choose Healthcare”
As part of National Health Center Week, staff across our departments shared what driving healthcare in rural Texas means to them:
- Priscilla Estrada | Director of Practice Management (“#NHCW26 Lego Girl”):
“I chose healthcare because I wanted a career where the work truly matters and where my family is alongside me. I trust in the care we provide and the difference we all make together.”
- Sharon Hastings Broom | Executive Assistant; PR & Marketing
“I didn’t choose healthcare, it chose me. It was time for me to give back to others and find my purpose.. I have found my purpose at CHCSCT. Which allows me to make a difference one life, one hug and one smile at a time !”
- Raziel De La Barreda | COO (16 Years of Service):
“I was given an opportunity 16 years ago to do work in the IT Field for CHCSCT. Ms. Emma who worked in WIC gave me a shot and I’m grateful. I didn’t know what I was getting into initially with Healthcare but I developed an appreciation for supporting the staff that are seeing our patients. The opportunity for growth and the family environment have also been amazing.”
Looking to the Future: Connect With Us, Stay Informed, and Book an Appointment
Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and CHCSCT is growing right along with it. We are constantly expanding convenience and clinical access across all five counties. Whether you prefer to schedule your appointment online, call our dedicated team, or walk through our front doors, access to quality care is easier than ever.
“We want more people in the area to know about us and for our current patients to help us spread the word to their neighbors, family members, colleagues, and friends. “We will do our part to continue to improve and expand on our excellent quality of care and rise to the growing demand for services in our fast-changing service area.” – De La Paz
As we look toward the next 60 years, our core promise remains unchanged: When you’re here, you’re family. We want to make sure you have access to affordable healthcare, community events, and health education wherever you are!
- Book an Appointment: Find your nearest location and book an appointment (including online booking for our Bastrop ISD Health Center).
- 📞Call Us Directly: Speak with our caring scheduling team at 1-800-343-1577.
- 📧 Join Our Email Newsletter: Sign up for our community newsletter to receive health tips, clinic news, and updates on community events.
- 📱 Follow Us on Social Media
Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Community Health Centers
What is a Community Health Center (CHC)?
A Community Health Center (also known as an FQHC) is a non-profit, community-governed health clinic providing comprehensive primary care in medically underserved areas. Governed by a board of directors that includes actual clinic patients, health centers ensure decisions always reflect local community needs.
Who can go to a Community Health Center?
Everyone. CHCSCT opens its doors to all individuals and families across Central Texas. Whether you have private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or no insurance at all, you are welcome at our clinics.
How does a Community Health Center help me if I don’t have insurance?
If you are uninsured or underinsured, CHCSCT offers a Sliding Fee Discount Program based on household size and income. Our on-site outreach, enrollment specialists, and Eligibility team also help you check eligibility and apply for Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP programs.
Why should I choose CHCSCT for my healthcare?
CHCSCT offers a true “one-stop shop” model of care. You can access primary care, pediatric exams, women’s health, dental care, behavioral health support, WIC nutrition services, and discounted medications all within one trusted health system.
