“ This approach works . It ’ s taking medical psychosocial complexity and partnering that with teams of people who have resources to change the trajectory of their life .”
COMMUNITY NEWS
A Medical Home for the Underserved
A generous gift from Harris and Anne Clark will help more patients in need take control of their health in Collin County .
hat happens when you don ’ t feel well ? Most of us call our doctor , make an appointment and go in to see a physician who knows us . You might be referred for testing or visits with a medical specialist , and your doctor will want to see you frequently for conditions that require ongoing care .
For uninsured patients , many don ’ t have a doctor to call their own . Instead , when they feel sick , they might need to utilize the services of an emergency room to have access to medical care . How do they receive the follow-up care they need ? How do they manage chronic conditions that require ongoing treatment , medications and education ?
Through community care clinics and funding from generous donors , Baylor Scott & White is improving access to quality , compassionate medical care for underserved populations . Uninsured adults can be referred to these clinics after visiting a Baylor Scott & White emergency department or after discharge from a Baylor Scott & White hospital . Many have chronic diseases that require ongoing medical management .
Philanthropists Harris and Anne Clark grasped the opportunity to help those in need in Collin County by pledging their support of $ 2.5 million to Baylor Scott & White Douglass Community Clinic - Plano . This gift will allow the clinic to build capacity to see more patients with the addition of a physician care team to support 1,000 more patients each year . This is particularly important in Collin County , where no county hospital exists .
“ It is very rewarding to us to be able to help people in need of obtaining access to health and medical care through the exemplary personnel at Baylor Scott & White ,” Harris Clark said . “ It has been exciting to work with such an institution to expand this focus on health equity farther into North Texas in and around the Collin County area .”
The clinics ’ integrated approach to care includes medical providers , pharmacy services , behavioral health support , chronic disease management and referrals to specialty care . This holistic approach provides compassionate care to underserved patients , and prepares them with the resources needed to transform their health .
“ This approach works ,” explained Jeffrey Zsohar , MD , medical director of Baylor Scott & White Community Care Clinics .
“ It ’ s taking medical psychosocial complexity and partnering that with teams of people who have resources to change the trajectory of their life ,” he said . “ We are deeply grateful for this investment in our program and for the impact it will have . This kind of gift makes a meaningful difference for generations .”
Embedded in a community of need in East Plano , Baylor Scott & White Douglass Community Clinic - Plano staffs a team of care providers and community health workers who have developed trusted relationships with members of the community .
These community health workers are specially trained to walk alongside patients , helping them navigate the health system and take charge of their health . Patients are provided the medical care and resources necessary to transform their lives , including learning to use
Harris and Anne Clark during a recent trip to Antarctica
technology to access virtual medical care and education , and receive assistance with food , housing and other essential services related to social determinants of health .
Generous donors help this become reality : While Baylor Scott & White hospitals provide financial operational support for community care clinics ’ clinical space and basic staffing needs , philanthropic support plays an important role in building capacity to care for more patients , providing access to medications and specialty care , and navigating patients to resources to address social determinants of health that can
impact well-being and quality of life .
“ Building healthier communities starts with healthier people ,” Harris Clark said . “ I believe that person by person , we can improve the future by improving the lives of our friends and neighbors today .”
“ This approach works . It ’ s taking medical psychosocial complexity and partnering that with teams of people who have resources to change the trajectory of their life .”
– Dr . Jeffrey Zsohar
Medical Director of Baylor Scott & White Community Care Clinics
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / SUMMER 2023