Initiative may spur ‘cultural shift’ for clinics

Houston’s Episcopal Health Foundation announced a $10 million initiative on Thursday to fund clinics across the state in an effort to tackle the underlying conditions that affect health.

The ambitious project called the Texas Community Centered Health Homes Initiative will create a model for clinics to take a larger role in improving the neighborhoods where patients live.

“Medical care alone isn’t enough to keep many Texans healthy,” Lexi Nolen, the foundation’s vice president for impact, said in a statement. She will oversee the project.

“When patients keep coming back with recurring health problems, community clinics are left asking the same frustrating question: What good does it do to treat people if we keep sending them back to conditions that make them sick?” she asked.

The $10 million investment to create a model will be spread over four years. Thirteen clinics across the state are participating, with each receiving up to $500,000 to develop and implement its own community-specific project.

Poverty, rundown and dangerous housing, a lack of affordable healthy food and a lack of safe places to exercise are known to contribute to lingering poor health. Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and asthma can be linked to living conditions.

Dr. Andrea Caracostis, CEO of Houston’s HOPE clinic, said the mission is not limited to a program or process. “It’s a cultural shift,” she said.