Wednesday, February 5, 2025
2/5/2025
Project Director Name: Jason Wallace Contact Phone Number: 956-548-7473 Contact Email Address: jwallace@brownsvillechc.org Website: https://brownsvillechc.org Health Center Program Grant Number: H80CS00717 Address: 191 E Price Road City & State: Brownsville, TX 78521 BCHC is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization serving as a community and migrant health center and has served as the medical home for thousands of low-income and uninsured families in this border community since 1972. Brownsville Community Health Center was originally established by a volunteer group of local health care professionals and was funded by the city of Brownsville. In 1987, BCHC became an independent non-profit organization. To meet the growing demand for accessible and affordable medical care services, BCHC staff have grown to 241 employees, with 17 medical doctors, 11 mid-level practitioners, 3 licensed professional counselors and 2 dentists and 2 hygienists. On site ancillary services include a CLIA certified laboratory, radiology, a Class A pharmacy, social services, case management, patient education and eligibility assistance. In 2022, the BCHC Eye Clinic was added and expanded psychiatry and behavioral health services. Brownsville Community Health Center (BCHC) proudly provides healthcare services to the population residing on the southernmost tip of Texas, directly on the United States/Mexico border. As the main provider of care for the low-income, uninsured families in Brownsville, BCHC clinics are intentionally located in the central and southern areas of the city, less than 15 minutes from most areas of the city. The population of this border community is primarily Hispanic (94%). The family and cultural ties to Mexico are strong, with many families having relatives on both sides of the border. Spanish is the primary language spoken in over 85% of the homes in Brownsville. In 2023, BCHC served 15,073 unique patients of which 97% were Hispanic. 248 migra nt workers were served in the same year and 20% of patients were homeless. BCHC served 583 unique patients with a mental health diagnosis in 2023 and 154 patients with a substance use disorder diagnosis. BCHC behavioral health providers work collaboratively alongside primary care physicians to ensure comprehensive care of both mind and body. Services provided include mental health evaluation and referral, brief solution focused therapy, psychiatry consultation, depression screening and case management, substance abuse assessment and referral, and treatment of co-occurring disorders. BCHC offers on site integrated behavioral health services across all Health Center locations. BCHC will leverage HRSA BHSE funds to increase access to behavioral health services through the expansion of mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services. Project activities include: - Leveraging community partnerships to better serve underserved populations (those who are uninsured, persons experiencing homelessness); - Integrating primary care, dental, and behavioral health, conducting assessments and connecting clients with Peer Support Specialists to expand access to supportive services; - Go beyond providing medical care by addressing social drivers of health through community collaborations (housing insecurity, food insecurity, financial strain); - Expand the role of primary care providers in the use of FDA-approved medications for treatment of opioid use disorder through training and education; - Hire additional behavioral health staff to expand access, meet the growing demand; - Broaden the use of mobile services across BCHC sites. Program goals to be achieved via the project activities listed above include: - Increase the number of patients receiving mental health services; and - Increase the number of patients receiving SUD services, including treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).