Parkland Health System, in partnership with DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas (DHA), launched 2 Community Centers in Dallas earlier this month that provide various onsite and in-person services to public housing residents.
The hubs are located at Park Manor and Buckeye Commons. Residents can receive health screenings, virtual medical visits, community resources, and financial assistance for health care near where they live.
“Parkland’s partnership with DHA through the Care and coverage program helps close health disparities and delivers important services to those who need them most,” said Grace Matthew, Innovation Programs Specialist at Parkland Health.
“Transportation is a significant barrier for the low-income people we serve. Being onsite in our community hubs removes a huge barrier for residents. Ultimately, we want to make sure our communities are well taken care of. DHA has a long-standing footprint in Dallas County, and we are proud to partner with a trusted organization helping us expand our footprint.
During a panel on the role of Medicaid in funding SDOH to 2022 North Texas Reform State Health Policy Conference Last month, Stephen Palmer, managing director of the Austin office of Health Management Associates, spoke about the importance for the North Texas health systems and Medicaid to address the nonmedical factors that impact health, such as transport and housing.
“Because if the problem is not being able to get to a grocery store, or buy food, or even use food stamps, that’s a problem,” Palmer said. “We definitely have food deserts where there are neighborhoods without access to healthy foods, like fresh produce. Being able to identify these and work with community organizations to try to fill some of these gaps can be another, more population-level intervention to address. [SDOH].”
Panelists cited housing as the social determinant that potentially has the greatest impact on health, but remains difficult to address due to the high costs associated with some of the potential solutions.
Parkland Health entered into a Community Health Needs Assessment with Dallas County Health and Human Services in 2019 which determined the areas and populations that experience the greatest health disparities. The assessment found that a large number of county residents were uninsured and health literacy was lacking in the community.
In response, Parkland has prioritized health equity by expanding access through strategic partnerships with community organizations like DHA.
DHA operates 5,000 units in 31 properties and manages the Housing Choice Voucher program in North Texas. As the tenth largest public housing authority in the nation, the agency provides affordable housing opportunities to more than 55,000 people in the region.
“We are excited about our continued partnership with Parkland Health as we meet the needs of our residents,” said DHA President and CEO Troy Broussard. “These Community Health Centers in Park Manor and Buckeye provide pathways for our residents to improve their quality of life through vital health services. DHA is a mission-driven organization that believes our communities are stronger when everyone has a chance to thrive. We look forward to pursuing our vision of creating positive change through collaborations with valued partners like Parkland Health.
Parkland’s financial assistance program will encourage health ownership among eligible home seekers and work with them to improve their physical, mental and financial well-being.
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