Medical / Dental Project
Comal County is in
dire need of additional resources for medical and dental care for
indigent, impoverished and under-insured residents. As with most
cities, families without insurance often turn to the emergency room
for minor or routine medical care. This practice can be devastating
to the
operating budget of hospitals and often prevents or limits the
development of a relationship
between
patient and
physician.
To address this need,
TIPHER originally
determined an indigent health clinic was necessary and was prepared
to undertake the project. However, a survey completed by the
Salvation Army of New Braunfels strongly indicated that indigent
dental care is equally important, but not available to the
community.
The Salvation
Army, along with, more recently, the McKenna Health System, which
utilized Phase 2 Consulting,
identified
common barriers to
quality health
care.
The
Salvation Army survey found that 93% of the surveyed families stated
they would utilize this service if it were available. Presently, a
group of Dentists are forming a non-profit organization to provide
this service; however, for the service to be provided, a location
must be secured.
Phase 2 Consulting found that it is essential for McKenna to
evaluate the development of a primary care clinic for Medicaid
patients and uninsured customers and to seek the development of a
free clinic.
As a result, TIPHER has developed a plan to address both needs –
health and dental. The facility will be 2508 sq. ft. and include
two dental exam rooms, two medical exam rooms, two procedural rooms,
two exam rooms for the physically
challenged,
a lab, business office, and other supportive spaces. TIPHER has
formed an agreement with the Comal County Habitat for Humanity to
provide construction planning, supervision, material
resources
and construction volunteers to construct the
facility.
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