ALLEN, Texas — Collin County residents facing chronic disease and limited access to healthcare will soon have a new resource to help address challenges affecting their overall well-being.

The Texas Health Community Resource Center, located in Medical Office Building 2 on the campus of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen, will provide qualifying residents with services such as bloodwork, education and care tailored to chronic health conditions, including diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Nutrition counseling and support groups also will be offered in one location.

In addition, community health workers will connect residents with a local network of resources and organizations that can help with their specific needs, ranging from paying rent or utilities to addressing a lack of transportation. The center will also be home to a Good For You Healthy Hub food pantry, where eligible individuals can access free, fresh fruits and vegetables as well as recipes and other resources to help families make the most of the produce they receive.

“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. “Texas Health knows if we are to be successful in our Mission of improving the health of the people in the communities we serve, we must treat not only the immediate medical need but also join with community organizations to target the underlying factors that further hinder health and well-being.”

The center, which will begin seeing patients at the end of May, is just one part of the system’s outreach efforts in and on behalf of our communities through the Texas Health Community Hope initiative. The center is being funded through the Texas Health Resources Foundation thanks to the generosity of the CMRC TX Fund.

Collin County, one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, recorded a 47.2% increase in population between 2010 and 2022, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Although it is home to some of the nation’s most affluent cities, almost 10% of residents lacked healthcare coverage and 65% of households with children received food stamps in 2023, according to the American Community Survey.

“Sadly, due to a variety of factors, many individuals avoid or delay seeking treatment for their chronic conditions until a medical crisis arises and they’re forced to go to the emergency room,” said Amanda Thrash, FACHE, president of Texas Health Allen. “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.”

The most common barriers to accessing healthcare in the county are the lack of low-cost or free healthcare services, transportation and health insurance, according to community focus groups and listening sessions held as part of Texas Health’s Community Health Needs Assessment.

“Collin County is home to more than 150,000 residents who do not have health insurance and many others who cannot afford it, leaving them at higher risk to adverse health effects,” said Catherine Oliveros, DrPH, vice president of Community Health Improvement for Texas Health. “This program will take a holistic approach to community health improvement, from providing the medical care and education needed to manage their diabetes to helping put fresh, healthy produce on their dinner tables.”

To qualify for assistance at the center, individuals must be:

• A Collin County resident
• Age 18-64
• Have an unmanaged chronic condition such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension/high blood pressure and/or congestive heart failure
• Make less than or equal to 250% of the federal poverty level or meet Texas Health’s charity care guidelines for the medically indigent.
• Lack health insurance or have insurance with a high deductible

A grand opening for the new center is planned for May 15. To learn more about the center or to make an appointment, please visit TexasHealth.org/CommunityResourceCenter or email CMRC@TexasHealth.org.