Texas health centers expand services thanks to $19.3 million in grants

Health centers across Texas are offering expanded services to underserved and uninsured Texans after completing projects funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services Federally Qualified Health Center Incubator Program last year. A total of $19.3 million in grants was awarded to FQHCs, FQHC look-alikes and eligible non-profit health centers.

“The FQHC Incubator funding has had a major impact on our health center by allowing us to open an entity-owned pharmacy. Having a pharmacy on site was a dream of our health center for many years,” said Kristi Barger, pharmacy manager for Matagorda Episcopal Health Outreach Program. “The pharmacy and its services affect the entire clinic system and provides a collaborative relationship between our providers and pharmacists. This new relationship benefits our patient population by improving medication compliance, wait times, affordability, and overall quality of care.”

This initial round of funding was awarded to 35 entities in communities across the state. The grants ranged from $500,000 to $1 million and were used to build new clinics, renovate existing facilities, purchase equipment and mobile health units, and hire staff and health care providers for clinics. The projects are estimated to serve more than 200,000 patients.

“Having previously participated in the FQHC Incubator Program, support from DSHS has been vital to improving Lone Star Circle of Care’s capacity to provide comprehensive healthcare throughout Central Texas. With the FY2023 award, LSCC transitioned from our former Big Pink Bus mobile mammography unit to a new, more dependable vehicle,” said Lone Star Circle of Care Vice President for Advancement Kim Roberts. “This upgrade promises to enhance access to timely and affordable breast cancer screening for underserved women in our region.”

The Texas Legislature appropriated an additional $40 million in funds to be awarded to existing FQHCs, FQHC look-alikes, and non-profit health centers wanting to become FQHC look-alikes in 2024. Eligible entities are considered on a first-come, first-served basis and applicants must specify which activities they need funding for based on a list of available options. Health centers may review information about the application process and submit their application at www.dshs.texas.gov/fqhc-incubator-program.

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(News Media Contact: Lara Anton, Sr. Press Officer, pressofficer@dshs.texas.gov)