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Lone Star Association of Charitable Clinics are independent, nonprofit, grass roots organizations. Each clinic sets its own eligibility requirements and guidelines. However, most clinics have the following characteristics.
They
- Serve the Uninsured: (Most clinics only serve those without health insurance or without Medicare or Medicaid)
- Serve a specific Area: (Clinics typically only see clients who live in their local area, usually the county or in designated zip codes)
- Have Income Restrictions: (There are maximum income levels set, based on the Federal Poverty level)
- Utilize volunteers: (Most clinics are volunteer-based, and can only provide services if the volunteer medical providers are there. Others employ staff, but all charity clinics utilize volunteers in some capacity
- Clinics offer a variety of health care services, including medical, dental and pharmacy services. However, not all clinics offer all services.
- Clinics may offer 'walk-in' appointments, but many only provide pre-scheduled appointments.
- Not all areas/counties have a free clinic; clinics are created and operated by a passionate, dedicated group of volunteers, and if that group does not exist, a clinic cannot exist.
- Many clinics ask for a voluntary donation from their clients, or may charge a small administrative fee.
- Services provided by charitable clinics are offered as a privilege, not a 'right'.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Charitable Clinics provide what they can for as many as they can when they can, but they cannot provide services to all of the uninsured in their area. Please be patient and considerate as your local clinic tries to help you.
To find out more about clinics in your area, use our search feature to find a clinic in your county by clicking here, and then contact the clinic directly.
Mission of LSACC
- To enhance the overall ability of Texas charitable clinics to provide the highest level of care to the underserved through networking, mentoring, advocacy and education.
Objectives
- To promote access to quality, basic health care services for the unserved and underserved population of the State of Texas.
- To provide networking and educational opportunities for Association members, in order that members may create a strong organizational structure and provide for efficient and effective health care services to the unserved and underserved.
- To collect and disseminate information and data for the purpose of the development of public policy and legislation which affects the population we serve.
Association History
- October 2003: Representatives from 3 Texas Clinics (Raphael Free Clinic (Kerrville) , The Good Samaritan Center (Fredericksburg) and Greater Killeen Free Clinic) attended the Southeast Regional Meeting of the National Association of Free Clinics and decided to explore the idea of creating a State Organization
- April 2004: Representatives from 12 clinics met in Kerrville and decided to begin meeting on a regular basis
- October 2004: Clinics met in Austin, voted to form a formal association, and named themselves the Lone Star Association of Charitable Clinics (LSACC)
- March 2005: LSACC incorporated in the State of Texas
- April 2005: First conference was held in Dallas, in partnership with the Dallas County Medical Society and Greater Dallas/Fort Worth Association of Charitable Clinics
- September 2005: 501(c)3 status approved by IRS
- October 2007: Grant awarded by St. Luke’s Episcopal Health Charities
- October 2008: First Executive Director hired, office provided by Texas Alliance for Patient Access
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