Texas Health Launches Resource Center to Tackle Chronic Disease in Collin County
Collin County Residents Facing Challenges in Managing Chronic diseases Now Have a New Ally. Texas Health Resources, a Faith-Based Nonprofit Health System, Opened the Texas Health Community Resource Center on May 15 at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen Campus. The Center Aims to Bridge Healthcare Gaps for Those with Limited Access.
Addressing Healthcare Disparities
The Resource Center, an Initiative of the Texas Health Community Hope Program, is Funded by the Texas Health Resources Foundation. It Offers a Range of Services to Eligible Collin County Residents, Focusing on Chronic Health Conditions and Social Determinants of Health.
Services Include Healthcare for Conditions Like Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High Blood pressure, and Congestive Heart Failure.Additionally, the Center Provides Bloodwork, Educational Resources, Support Groups, and Nutrition Counseling.
Key Services Offered
- Chronic Disease Management: Healthcare for diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and congestive heart failure.
- Diagnostic Services: On-site bloodwork.
- Education & Support: Educational resources, support groups, and nutrition counseling.
- Food Security: Access to the Good for You Health Hub food pantry.
- Resource navigation: Connections to local resources for rent, utilities, and transportation assistance.
Patients Gain Access to a “Good For you Health Hub” Food Pantry Offering Fresh Produce and Food Items, Accompanied by Recipes. Staff Also Connect Patients with Local Resources for Assistance with Rent, Utility Bills, and Transportation.
“Providing Healthcare Without Recognizing and Addressing the underlying non-Medical Drivers of Health-Like Economic stability, Housing, and Nutrition Security-Is Akin to Putting a Bandage on an Infected Wound and Hoping Things Will Get Better,” Said David Tesmer, Chief Community and Public Policy Officer for Texas Health.
Eligibility and Access
To Access the center’s Services, Residents Must meet Specific Criteria:
- Collin County Residency
- Ages 18-64
- Unmanaged Chronic Condition
- Income ≤ 250% of the Federal Poverty Level or Meeting Texas Health’s Charity Care Guidelines
- Lack of Health Insurance or High-Deductible Insurance
Despite collin County’s Growth, 10% of Residents Lacked Healthcare Coverage in 2023, Totaling Over 100,000 Individuals. This Lack of Coverage Heightens the Risk of Adverse Health Effects, According to Catherine Oliveros, Vice President of Community Health Improvement for Texas Health.
The Broader context: Healthcare Barriers in Collin County
A Community Health Needs Assessment by Texas Health highlighted Barriers Such as Limited Low-Cost Healthcare and Transportation Issues. This Assessment, Conducted Every Three Years, Indicated That Access to Healthcare and Chronic Disease Management remain Top Needs Despite Existing Resources.
These Barriers Can Lead Individuals with Chronic Conditions to Delay or Avoid Seeking Treatment, According to Texas Health Allen President Amanda Thrash. The Resource Center Aims to Reach Communities Earlier to Prevent Poor Health outcomes.
“The Services and Support Provided at the Community Resource Center Aims to Reach Communities Earlier So We Can Prevent These Poor Health Outcomes and Residents Can Live Healthier, Happier Lives,” Thrash Added.
The Challenges Of Managing Chronic Disease and Accessing Healthcare are Not Isolated to a single Neighborhood or Zip Code in Collin County,” Ingle Said. “Chronic Disease is a concern across the nation and Collin County is not exempt from that as we are seeing increasing rates of diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol.”
Understanding Chronic Disease Statistics in Collin County
Collin County, Despite Its Affluence, Mirrors National Trends in Chronic Disease. Rates of Diabetes, Heart Disease, and High Cholesterol Are Increasing, Highlighting the Urgent Need for Accessible Healthcare Solutions.
Get Involved: The Appointment-Based Center is Open 8 A.M.- 4 P.M. Monday-Friday. To Determine Eligibility or Make an Appointment at the Center, Visit www.texashealth.org/communityresourcecenter.
Comparing Healthcare Access: Collin County vs. National averages
| Metric | Collin County | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured Rate (2023) | 10% | 8.3% (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023) |
| Adults with Diabetes | Data Not Specified | 11.6% (Source: CDC, 2023) |
| Adults with Heart Disease | Data Not Specified | 6.7% (Source: CDC, 2023) |
The Growing Need for Accessible Healthcare
The Launch of the Texas Health Community Resource Center Comes at a Crucial Time, as Healthcare Costs Continue to Rise and access remains Unequal.Addressing Social Determinants of Health – Such as Food Security and Housing – is Increasingly Recognized as Essential for Improving Health Outcomes.
This Initiative by Texas Health Resources Sets an Example for Other Healthcare Providers, Emphasizing the importance of Community-Based Solutions to Tackle Chronic Disease and Promote Health Equity.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Texas Health Community Resource Center
- Who is eligible for services at the Texas Health Community Resource Center?
Eligibility Includes Being a Collin County Resident Between 18-64, Having an Unmanaged Chronic Condition, Meeting Specific Income Requirements, and Lacking Adequate health Insurance.
- What chronic diseases does the resource center address?
The Center Focuses on managing Chronic Diseases Such as Diabetes,High Cholesterol,High Blood Pressure,and Congestive Heart Failure.
- How can the resource center help with healthcare access?
The Center Provides direct Healthcare Services, Connects Patients with Local Resources for Social Support, and Offers Assistance with Navigating the Healthcare System.
- What other resources are available at the Texas Health center?
Besides Medical Care, the Center Offers Educational Resources, Support Groups, Nutrition Counseling, and Access to a Food Pantry.
- Why is a community resource center needed in Collin County?
Despite Collin County’s Growth, a Significant Portion of Residents Lack Healthcare Coverage, and There Are Barriers to Accessing Affordable Care, Making the center a Crucial Resource.
What are your thoughts on community-based healthcare solutions? How can access to healthcare be improved in your community?
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
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