Christ Clinic provides free care

Christ Clinic of Katy is offering free medical services after Harvey. In front, from left, are: Amy Huston and Holly Goshu, both nurse practitioners, and Taylor Oakes, a registered nurse and volunteer from Tennessee. In back are: Jean Andersson-Swayze and Dr. Gary Nichols, both of Heart to Heart International. less Christ Clinic of Katy is offering free medical services after Harvey. In front, from left, are: Amy Huston and Holly Goshu, both nurse practitioners, and Taylor Oakes, a registered nurse and volunteer from ... more Photo: Karen Zurawski Photo: Karen Zurawski Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Christ Clinic provides free care 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

Christ Clinic of Katy began treating all patients for free on Aug. 30 in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and later was joined by medical personnel from Heart to Heart International.

Lara Hamilton, clinic executive director, said on Sept. 7 that since last Wednesday the clinic had treated 584 patients compared to the normal 700 in a month.

The services will be provided for as long as the relief effort continues. "We're seeing anyone," she said, "and waiving all fees."

For information, visit http://christclinickaty.org/ or call 281-391-0190.

She said conditions will be evaluated but she anticipated a two-month recovery period. Patients have come to fill prescriptions - the clinic has a pharmacy - for mental health service and counseling and for wound care. Direct Relief provided medications for the clinic during this emergency.

The clinic, 25722 Kingsland Blvd., has help from Heart to Heart International, which Hamilton anticipated would be working in Katy for two to three months.

Heart to Heart is an international relief group. Its website says, "Heart to Heart International strengthens communities through improving health access, providing humanitarian development and administering crisis relief worldwide."

That site at http://www.hearttoheart.org/hurricaneharvey/ also tells people how they can be a "Hero for Harvey."

According to Heart to Heart's website, it sent its mobile medical unit and staff to Texas Aug. 25 and is providing staff support and patient overflow. Starting Labor Day, it provided a Clinic in a Can in Katy and Tomball.

Medical personnel at the Clinic in a Can have been providing free tetanus shots to Department of Public Safety troopers, National Guardsmen and volunteers and residents who have worked in the Harvey aftermath.

Hamilton points out that some places are charging $75 for the tetanus shots and encouraged people to visit the clinic where they are free.

Hamilton said 2,000 special masks for people who work in areas that have mold also will be distributed free.

As to how people can help, Hamilton mentioned funding to help cover costs such as overtime for staff.

Hamilton also thanked the community for its support and all that it's been doing.

Christ Clinic, which receives no state or federal funding, serves the uninsured and under-insured and those that fall within or below the 200 percent federal poverty guidelines.