2022 Fall Newsletter - Legacy Community Health

Legacy’s in-school program providing comprehensive pediatric health care on campus is expanding, thanks to both a generous donation from H-E-B and the opening of a first-of-its kind clinic in Galena Park ISD (GPISD).

Our School-Based Health Care (SBHC) program operates clinics in 34 locations on GPISD, KIPP, and YES Prep campuses, and Legacy’s providers have already treated nearly 6,000 patients through 12,000 appointments in the first two months of this new school year. Parents don’t have to take precious time away from work for doctor’s appointments, and students don’t have to miss school.

SBHC’s behavioral health services recieved a much-needed boost from a grant of $100,000 from H-E-B. “We are proud to support Legacy’s school based mental health program,” says Lisa Helfman, H-E-B Senior Director of Public Affairs. “It meets students where they are at to deliver services when and where they need them. And,by being in their trusted schools, it also removes the stigma often associated with these services. The need is greater than ever and H-E-B is glad to be a part of Legacy’s commitment to meeting the need.”

Clinicians are also purchasing improved worksheets and tools to use with children during therapy sessions. Dr. Bhatt’s team also plans to bring H-E-B healthy snacks into the clinics for students who might not otherwise have nutritious food at home. “Our patients look forward to coming to their next therapy appointment because they know they’re getting something good to eat!”

Legacy opened its first ever free-standing SBHC clinic in Galena Park ISD this summer. A ribbon cutting ceremony honored former GPISD Trustee Almatha Clark Taylor, for whom the facility will be named.

The building was occupied by Harris Health System until 2020, and Legacy has reopened the clinic to continue Taylor’s vision of affordable health care in the community.

Legacy’s providers are already benefiting from this generous contribution with specialized trauma training for children. “We are already using these funds to provide specialized trauma training for our clinicians,” says SBHC Senior Director of Behavioral Health Roma Bhatt. “This will allow our clinicians to more quickly help students manage anxieties and fears related to traumatic events outside of the classroom, like school shootings or violence in their neighborhoods or at home.”

GPISD Superintendent Dr. John Moore cuts the ribbon at the dedication ceremony.

“GPISD was rated an ‘A’ by the Texas Education Agency, and we know that’s possible because our children are healthy,” says Dr. Michelle Epps, GPISD’s Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. “They can pay attention in class and therefore perform better academically.”

Legacy SBHC staff with Johnny Taylor, Amaltha Clark Taylor, and GPISD student Donovan Felton

Because the clinic is just off-campus, Legacy can offer services to all GPISD students, not just those attending nearby CloverleafElementary. “More than 4,000 students live within a two-mile radius of the ACT clinic,” says Roma Bhatt. “Any of them can easily access health care close to their homes.”

Legacy’s partnership with GPISD and H-E-B is so important because our collective leadership believes in the value of students receiving great care for their physical and mental well-being. “After all,” says Bhatt, “SBHC’s motto is ‘To Learn Well, You Must Be Well!’”

Scan to view a video behind the scenes of the new SBHC ACT clinic.