Matagorda Episcopal Health Outreach Program, MEHOP, has been refining internal processes and growing to meet the needs to the community since becoming a Federally Qualified Health Center in March of 2009. The mission of MEHOP is to improve the health care status of our clients by providing quality primary healthcare and spiritual care to people in the communities we serve regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or the ability to pay. The focus has been on the triple aim to reduced cost, increased quality of care and increased access to reduce health disparities. Healthcare Reform at the national, state, and regional level has created a dynamic environment where the ability to communicate, respond to requests, and change processes has become a required skill. This approach implies a methodical process conducted over time. Expectations of healthcare entities by public and private insurance, federal and state regulations, as well as the pubic are requesting radical changes which insist on nearly spontaneous changes by all healthcare organizations including MEHOP.
Recent industrial growth in Matagorda and surrounding counties is encouraging. This growth could potentially bring new clients requesting MEHOP’s services. Although there are bright spots of industrial growth; many are still struggling to find jobs and provide for their families due to the cost of food and transportation. Therefore, the demand for MEHOP’s services continues to increase as well as the necessity to expand services to all primary care sectors. Successful implementation of these directives requires collaboration at the local, regional, state and even federal level. Robust processes to respond to and implant change are fundamental. A unique challenge for MEHOP continues to achieve recognition as a vital, reputable healthcare provider in the community.
MEHOP has continued to grow over the years and currently has three locations at which behavior health, obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, and dental are offered. Throughout this growth, MEHOP’s service area has increased to include Matagorda and the three surrounding counties. MEHOP employs two family medicine doctors, two gynecologists, a pediatrician, two dentists, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a therapist, a counselor, three nurse practitioners, a physician assistant, and two dental hygienists – not to mention a host of nurses, dental assistants, medical assistants, and receptionists. In April, MEHOP proudly welcomed the only pediatric dentist in a four county area to their staff.
MEHOP service area continues to grow and now includes Matagorda, Wharton, and Brazoria counties MEHOP will continue strive to improve the health status of its patients by providing quality primary healthcare services and spiritual care to the people in the communities it serves regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or ability to pay.
MEHOP has developed services through collaborations that assist additional needs of the community. As a partner with The Rose, MEHOP provides mammography services to women who have never had a mammogram and are past the required age of accessing this service. If results are questionable, The Rose will follow through with the patient for complete treatment. When children are seen at the pediatric clinic and are in need of additional treatment, MEHOP’s pediatrician has access to local sources as well as Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston for specialty care. The Department of State Health Services conducted free confidential HIV & STD testing for anyone beginning at age 14. MEHOP providers have agreements in place to conduct sports physicals for three school districts. MEHOP is an organization that gladly provides the opportunity for high school students to shadow licensed personnel. Collaborations are in place for college student rotations with Baylor College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program, Sam Houston State University, Prairie View A&M University Nursing Program, TAMU Corpus Christi College of Nursing, Texas State University, Texas State University School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing, Wharton County Junior College Dental Hygiene and Nursing Program and the TAMU Health Science Center Pharmacy Student Training Program. MEHOP’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is supervising a LPC-Intern. Medical and personal supplies are offered free of charge to MEHOP patients through the Direct Relief Organization and Americares. Transportation is provided free to those patients who have no other way to come to MEHOP. The staff embraces opportunities to provide new services for its patients and is partnering with St Luke’s Hospital to perform tele health for treatment of Hepatitis C and With MD Anderson to hand out Fit tests for colorectal screening. If a positive is found MD Anderson will provide further testing and will find treatment options. Two certified application counselors assist the community to sign up for the Federal Insurance Marketplace. MEHOP has been designated as a “Books for Babies” site through First Book to present books to infants and through a grant, provide books to children. LabCorp and Quest (draw station) and Bay City Imaging (ultra sound) services are available for MEHOP patients. Participation in various health fairs throughout the region is scheduled to highlight MEHOP services in addition to providing immunizations, BMI, blood pressure, and glucose checks.
MEHOP is an organization with a caring, holistic approach to healing and helping. It is an organization that strives to serve in ways beyond primary care: health care home, referrals, outreach, staff funded special account to help patients, community garden, prescription assistance, low cost eye glasses, free books, special educational programs and more. Our belief that God guides us each day is felt by staff, patient, board and volunteers. Our faith provides us with a well of patience, empathy, kindness and understanding.
