Eric Roland, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Legacy Community Health Services, Houston
Tell me a little about Legacy Community Health Services.
Legacy Community Health Services is a full-service, community health center that provides comprehensive, primary health care services in a culturally sensitive, judgment-free and confidential environment. In 2010, Legacy provided no-cost or low-cost healthcare services to nearly 40,000 men, women and children at five locations in Houston. Legacy has specialized in HIV/AIDS testing, education, treatment and social services since the early 1980s, and we also provide care for other chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Legacy’s additional health care services, including eye care, behavioral health, pediatrics, dental, maternity and various education programs, vary depending on the location.
What types of programs do you have?
Legacy offers a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of the communities we serve. Because our two locations in southwest Houston cater to the predominantly Spanish-speaking residents of the Gulfton neighborhood, our education programs include GED, ESL and computer- literacy courses. Our services at that location focus on pediatrics, maternity and an after-hours acute care clinic. Our clinic in the Montrose neighborhood, conversely, has programs focusing on HIV-STD prevention and financial and social-service programs that help people living with HIV or AIDS. Services at the Montrose location focus on sexual health, from family planning to HIV testing and primary care.
Who do your programs benefit?
Legacy Community Health Services is one of several community health centers that provides a health care safety net for people who don’t have health insurance. In Houston, it is estimated that one-third of residents don’t have healthcare coverage, one of the highest rates in the country. Legacy’s programs and services benefit the entire community and most are offered on a sliding-fee scale based on annual income. We also accept Medicaid, CHIP and Medicare, as well as most health insurance plans.
How can the community help you?
There are many ways that everyone can help. Our number one referral method is word of mouth, so we always encourage people to promote Legacy to their friends, family and co-workers. Legacy also offers volunteer opportunities, and people can also help by supporting us financially. The rewards gained by helping Legacy provide service to our patients is immeasurable.
Is the cost affordable?
For patients who access our services on a sliding-fee scale, the cost of a doctor’s visit can be as low as $15, depending on income and family size. Other services range in price from $15 to $125, but all costs are significantly cheaper than paying out-of-pocket at a private doctor’s office. There are also many programs that are free for patients enrolled in health care services.
Is there anything you would like to add?
We are celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2011. Our biggest celebration will be the opening of our new facility in the Montrose neighborhood at 1415 California in September of this year. The four-story, 40,000-square-foot glass and brick building will allow Legacy to consolidate two clinics and two administrative offices into one flagship facility. All services, from primary care to behavioral health and from eye care to dental care, will be available at this new location. Our satellite clinics in Fifth Ward and southwest Houston will remain at their current locations.
For more information, visit www.legacycommunityhealth.org.
