This August, the Caring Foundation of Texas Board President, Patty Escoe, and Chief Operating Officer, Latoya Edwards, hit the road to visit our operating partners in Corpus Christi and El Paso!

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Amistad Community Health Center in Corpus Christi joined the Foundation to promote and disseminate COVID-19 vaccines. Over the last two years, Amistad has expanded services to provide childhood immunizations, health screenings, and health education. As a faith-based organization, Amistad provides holistic, affordable, and quality health services for those without a medical home. This year, Amistad has provided over 2,000 health care services.

“Visiting our partner sites is a unique opportunity to interact and observe daily operations. The CFT team obtains a deeper understanding of program impact as well as engages in collaborative discussions on future service expansions,” said Escoe.

In El Paso, Escoe and Edwards visited with the City of El Paso Department of Public Health, Immunize El Paso, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Care Van teams. The City of El Paso-Care Van team advocates for health and well-being through its efforts to build health literacy in the region. The program’s health education presentations cover a variety of topics, which include chronic disease prevention, nutrition, growth and development, and personal hygiene.

“When we visit schools, the kids recognize us and are excited to share how they used what they learned at home. We get to see firsthand the difference of early education. It is great,” said Mario Hernandez, Health Education & Promotions Program Training Specialist for the City of El Paso Department of Public Health.

Immunize El Paso was the next stop on the El Paso tour. Immunize El Paso provides immunizations and health education for children and adults who do not have a primary medical home. The organization is a mainstay in the community and has collaborated with the Foundation on initiatives in the past. Since rejoining in May, Immunize El Paso has provided over 100 vaccines to children and adults.

“Immunize El Paso is a household name that ensures trust from the community, furthermore, the program is adaptable while maintaining quality of care,” said Danny Acosta, Director. It is in this unique capacity that Immunize El Paso was able to administer nearly 115,000 vaccines in 2022.

The final stop was to visit the team at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTHSC) El Paso.  The Care Van is shared among the Medical Student Run Clinic (MSRC), El Paso Health Education and Awareness Team (EP-HEAT), Family Community Medicine, and the Departments of Neurology, Psychology, and Outreach/Engagement.

TTHSC is community-focused and innovative in its approach to providing preventive screenings and health education. They collaborate with other non-profits, community centers, and local business owners to secure locations to hold clinics that are convenient to participants. This year, the TTHSC El Paso-Care Van team has provided over 1,300 health care services.

“Our Care Van partners are doing impressive work in finding opportunities to provide care in non-traditional but trusted community settings,” said Patty Escoe.

Amistad Community Health Center, City of El Paso Department of Public Health, Immunize El Paso, and TTHSC El Paso Care Vans are helping to lead the way on accessible health care brought directly into neighborhoods through these innovative programs. Thank You to our Care Van Team! Your hard work is creating a healthier Texas.