New partnership brings health clinics to churches in Dallas
The goal is to open the first clinic in a church in the Dallas area by December.
DALLAS – The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for better access to health care in underserved communities.
An alliance of churches in Dallas has teamed up on the first of its kind nationwide to create medical clinics in churches.
“Most of the churches in which we serve are not just food deserts, they are also medicinal deserts,” said Pastor David Wilson, president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.
During the pandemic, many churches hosted COVID-19 tests and vaccine pop-up clinics. This new initiative seeks to take the next step in an effort managed by At Your Door Labs.
“Comfortable care, they can stay in their vehicles, they can have their children with them, they can get on and off in ten minutes,” said Anwar Kazi, CEO.
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The IMA signs an agreement with At Your Door Labs and the non-profit Health Momentum for the permanent establishment of community clinics in churches.
“The centers that we are opening and wanting to co-locate with your churches will be government qualified centers,” said Lorna Lizotte, General Manager of Health Momentum. “This means that your insolvency will not affect your ability to receive medical care.”
The clinics will ultimately deliver more than COVID-19 and flu tests and vaccines.
“We will have a complete one-roof concept for these clinics,” said Kazi. “That means they have their specialists on site via telemedicine, they will be provided with their pharmacy and medication needs there, they will also have x-rays and radiology carried out under one roof in their church, which we are.”
The churches also benefit by renting space in their buildings that generate additional income.
“This will turn heads if we are successful and we will be successful. This will draw the nation’s attention. This will be a project that everyone will be looking at,” said Lizotte.
The goal is to open the first clinic in a church in Dallas by December.
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