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.
Starting in Gonzales County, CHCSCT’s service area has grown to include Gonzales, Caldwell, Bastrop, Guadalupe, and Victoria Counties. Furthermore, serving nearly 20,000 patients each year, CHCSCT has become an emblem of healthcare excellence in a region designated as a Medically Underserved Area.
From being chartered in 1974 to its transformation into a Federally Qualified Health Center, the organization has evolved and grown, always staying true to its mission to promote community health through accessible, comprehensive, and quality healthcare services.
Our History: Leading with Quality and Compassion
CHCSCT’s commitment to quality care has been recognized through accreditation from the Joint Commission as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). This accreditation signifies compliance with the highest national standards for safety and quality. It reinforces the center’s unwavering dedication to patient-centered and comprehensive care.
However, quality isn’t merely a certificate on the wall. It’s a lived experience for the thousands who rely on CHCSCT for everything from routine check-ups to vital medical interventions. The breadth of services, offered to all ages and backgrounds, emphasizes inclusivity. CHCSCT is a place where insurance is not a barrier to quality care.
“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.
Comprehensive Health Services in High Need Areas
Since our humble beginnings, CHCSCT has expanded to offer a wide range of services to individuals of all ages. These include:
- Primary Care
- Sick Visits
- Chronic Disease Management
- Dental Care
- Mental Health Visits
- WIC Nutrition services
- Diagnostic Labs and Vaccines
- PrenatalCare
- Family Planning and Contraception
- Referrals for specialists, mammograms, and other needs
Our History: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to our community and organization. Together with our partners, our staff banded together with resilience and adaptability to quickly adapt and rise to meet the needs of a community in strife.
In less than two weeks from the onset of the pandemic, 66% of the visits were transformed into tele-health consultations. Curbside visits and testing were also introduced, and the health center became a regional leader in organizing and conducting COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
Currently, CHCSCT offers free COVID vaccines for ages 6 months of age and up and has a dedicated website with relevant updates and information about COVID-19.
What Comes Next
Looking ahead, CHCSCT hopes to increase the number of patients seen, expand services, and fulfill the growing demands of the community. Working together with partners, the team continues to build bridges for patients who need healthcare services.
“We know that with the affordability challenges in the urban areas in Texas, many families have moved to the more affordable rural areas. We’ve seen significant growth in our service area, and we want to make sure these new residents know that our health centers are here to take care of them.” De La Paz.
In 2023, CHCSCT plans to reach their community in new ways, including promotional items to raise awareness about COVID-19 vaccines, adding new dental services in Elgin, and participation in a variety of community events such as fall festivals, parades, and back to school fairs.
“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
Join CHCSCT in Making a Difference
Therefore, we encourage you to call 1-800-343-1577 to learn more about available services and make an appointment. If you live in Central Texas, be sure to spread the word, visit the centers, and learn how you can contribute to the ongoing mission of CHCSCT.
