Parkland’s Garland Health Center staff celebrates 20 years of service
Thousands of patients have received care
It’s been two decades since Parkland Health & Hospital System’s Garland Health Center opened for residents seeking primary care and in those 20 years the clinic has grown from an estimated 12,000 visits the first year to nearly 50,000 adult and pediatric visits in 2015.
In recognition of its service to the community, a 20th anniversary celebration was held April 28. There, Parkland leaders spoke of the collaboration between the health system and city officials, and praised the partnership that resulted in a full-service clinic for the community.
“Parkland is dedicated to the health and well-being of the individuals and communities entrusted to our care,” said Sharon Phillips, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Population Health. “The Garland Health Center is a prime example of that mission. In working with city leaders and community members we identified a need for primary care in that area. We are pleased that we are filling a need for the residents we serve.”
As part of Parkland’s network of community-based health centers the Garland center provides a full range of preventive healthcare for children, adults and seniors as well as nearly 25,000 women’s health visits. Physicians, nurses, social workers, nutritionists and others make up the multi-disciplinary team who care for patients.
Through the Garland Women’s Health Center, the staff provides OB/Gyn services including family planning, routine prenatal care, gynecology services and basic ultrasounds. In addition, there is a mental health counselor who provides assistance to patients with post-partum depression or difficulty adjusting to parenthood.
“Garland has provided an invaluable service to the community by bringing low cost healthcare, resources, and community outreach relating to wellness, fitness and preventive medicine. For the past 20 years the Garland Health Center has continually adjusted its programs to meet the ever changing needs of our growing and diverse population,” said Pamela Harris, Investigator/Coordinator with Garland Fair Housing Services and a member of the Garland Health Center Advisory Board. “I believe that if the services provided locally by Parkland were not available there would be a significant number of our citizens who would be without healthcare and that in and of itself would pose a danger to the individuals and a negative economic impact on the city with more people using emergency services because they would have no other alternative.
“After 20 years Parkland has grown into an integral part of this city and I am honored to be a part of this organization and the good works that continue to be done in service of the citizens of Garland,” Harris added.
Robyn Armstrong, Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator with the Garland Housing Agency and a member of the Garland Health Center Advisory Board offered similar sentiments.
“The Garland Health Center fills a vital role in the city of Garland and surrounding communities. Not only do they provide invaluable health resources to ensure a thriving community, they help an often overlooked population feel valued,” she said. “I am honored to have partnered with them and witnessed that Garland COPC’s staff truly respects their patients and strives to provide the best health care possible. The staff serves from their hearts.”
Services at both the Garland Health Center and Garland Women’s Health Center are provided at low or no cost to patients and financial counselors assist patients with applications for Medicaid or other programs that may provide coverage.
Learn more about Parkland's Garland Health Center and other community clinics.
Back