The Origins of National Health Center Week
National Health Center Week (NHCW) is an annual celebration that shines a spotlight on the role Community Health Centers (CHCs) play in improving public health and promoting health equity across the United States. Organized by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), this year’s NHCW ran from August 4-10 and centered around the theme “Powering Communities Through Caring Connections.”
The Community Health Centers of South Central Texas (CHCSCT) were proud participants in NHCW, celebrating the deep impact they have on the health and well-being of nearly 20,000 patients annually across eight locations in Bastrop, Elgin, Gonzales, Lockhart, Luling, Seguin, and Victoria. CHCSCT offers comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services to all individuals, regardless of age, income, insurance status, language, or circumstances.
What are Community Health Centers (CHCs)?
CHCs are not-for-profit organizations that provide essential healthcare services to uninsured people, individuals living in poverty, rural residents, children, and veterans. CHCs form the nation’s largest primary care network, serving 32.5 million patients nationwide. With a mission to make high-quality, affordable care accessible to all, CHCs save lives by addressing both medical needs and social determinants of health. Their coordinated and integrated approach saves the healthcare system over $24 billion annually.
The Origins of CHCSCT
CHCSCT began in 1966 as the “Migrant Clinic” in Gonzales, Texas, to serve migrant and low-income workers, becoming a chartered health center in 1974. In 2001, it was rebranded and expanded to five counties and now serves patients annually across eight locations.
CHCSCT has expanded to offer services including primary care, sick visits, chronic disease management, WIC nutrition services, diagnostic labs and vaccines, maternity care, family planning and contraception, and specialist referrals. Additional support includes a sliding fee scale discount program, navigation for public assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, Women’s Health Program, Medicaid, Medicare, Children’s Health Insurance Program, Veterans Programs, and the Health Insurance Marketplace, COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccine discount programs, and partnerships to access free mammograms for those who qualify.
“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.
To learn more about CHCSCT’s history and where we’re headed, read our blog here.
Proclamation Signings and Community Engagements
To celebrate and recognize the essential role of our CHCs, proclamation signings took place in several cities:
- Gonzales: Wednesday, July 31 (Read article here)
- Elgin: Thursday, August 1
- Seguin: Tuesday, August 6 (Watch video here)
- Lockhart: Tuesday, August 6 (Watch video here)
- Luling: Thursday, August 8 (Watch video here)
These proclamations were formal acknowledgment by local governments of the essential services provided by CHCs and their contributions to community health.
Building Caring Connections With Central Texans
By creating meaningful partnerships and supporting community initiatives, we strive to improve the health of Central Texans in impactful ways. From helping families prepare for the arrival of new babies to addressing critical health needs for veterans and children, our commitment is to build strong, caring connections that make a real difference in people’s lives.
Community Baby Shower Supports Families with Essential Resources
The Community Baby Shower, organized in partnership with Gonzales Elks Lodge No. 2413, addressed an important need in rural areas by providing essential items and education to expectant mothers.
“In order for us to have change and better outcomes with our population and who we serve, there is a collection of resources that have to come together… It’s ensuring that these soon-to-be moms and recent moms know that there are resources in the community that are there to serve them, ” said CEO Rafael De La Paz.
The event provided diaper bags, baby shampoo, wipes, and teddy bears, and included helpful information on prenatal and early childhood care. This partnership helped us support local families and strengthen our mission to improve the health and well-being across multiple generations in Central Texas.
Supporting Our Veterans with No-Cost Dental Care
Gonzales Elks Lodge No. 2413 also partnered with our health centers over the years to improve the lives of our veterans in Gonzales, Guadalupe, Caldwell, and Bastrop counties. With a Freedom grant, we were able to provide dental care for veterans, addressing a critical gap since many are not eligible for VA dental services. Through this partnership, we have supported veterans, offering them essential oral health services and improving their overall well-being.
Improving Foster Care Transportation
We recently partnered with Legacy Ranch Kids in Gonzales, Texas, to support children in foster care. Thanks to the generous backing of St. David’s Foundation, we secured a much-needed passenger van that has greatly assisted with transportation for outings, visits, and appointments, enhancing the resources and opportunities available to the children.
School Supplies and Health Check-Ups for Back-to-School
This summer, we partnered with local school districts to host back-to-school drives, ensuring students are ready for the new school year. These events provided school supplies to families in need, offered immunization check-ups, and allowed us to schedule appointments for ongoing health needs. By collaborating with schools, we support both academic preparedness and overall health, reinforcing our commitment to the well-being of our community’s children.
“As community health centers, our mission goes beyond offering care within our clinic walls and reaches into communities to empower them by building meaningful and compassionate connections that enhance the quality of life for those we serve. ” said Rafael de la Paz, CEO of CHCSCT. Together, we are creating stronger, healthier communities for everyone we serve.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Services and Reaching More Patients
With thousands of new patients expected to come on board, the increasing need for our services is evident. CHCSCT is preparing for a significant expansion to better serve Central Texas’ rural communities. We plan to incorporate new technologies to streamline the patient experience, renovate several sites to expand services, and hire additional healthcare professionals in the coming year.
Stay Connected
We encourage you to learn more about NHCW by visiting your local health centers (click here to find a location near you) and learning more about the services offered (click here to view them online). CHCSCT is always accepting new patients and is dedicated to providing excellent healthcare to everyone, regardless of insurance status. For more information, visit our website https://communityhealthtx.com/ or call 1-800-343-1577 to schedule an appointment today!
Sources
- NACHC. (2024). NACHC. https://www.nachc.org/
- National Health Center Week. (n.d.). National Health Center Week. https://healthcenterweek.org/
- Inquirer, S. to T. (2021, November 9). Elks Lodge Partners to help veterans with dental needs. The Gonzales Inquirer. https://gonzalesinquirer.com/stories/elks-lodge-partners-to-help-veterans-with-dental-needs,31523
