Expanding Access to Quality Healthcare: Katy Community Health Center Unveils New OB/GYN Extension
In the heart of historic downtown Katy, the Katy Community Health Center (Katy CHC), part of the Spring Branch Community Health Center (SBCHC) network, has expanded its services to include obstetric (OB) and gynecological (GYN) healthcare, extending its vital lifeline to families and individuals in need.
Established in 2017, the Katy CHC has been a steadfast source of support for the local community, even bouncing back stronger after renovation due to Hurricane Harvey's damages the same year. Seven years on, the center continues to grow, with the OB/GYN extension being completed in late 2023 and officially opening its doors in early 2024.
"When choosing a location for the expansion, we considered population demographics, urbanization trends, and health metrics," says Bruno Gonzalez, director of strategic partnerships for SBCHC. "We aim to place sites in high-traffic areas close to school campuses, public transit, and residential areas."
SBCHC CEO Dr. Marlen Trujillo, one of the founding Board Members of SBCHC in 2003, led the expansion, aligning with the organization's mission to increase the number of healthy families in the community by providing high quality, comprehensive health services. Dr. Trujillo manages SBCHC’s network of eight community health centers and two mobile units. Driven by a mission to improve healthcare through Value-Based Models, she works to solve access issues and collaborates with various community partners to address public health needs.
Dr. Marlen Trujillo, right, with Maida Guillen from Harris County Precinct 4. (Photo: SBCHC)According to Gonazlez, the driving force behind the establishment of the Katy CHC was to establish the Katy CHC alongside the rapid expansion of residential areas and the rapid growth of the Spanish-speaking Hispanic population moving into the Katy area. The decision to expand the healthcare services to include OB/GYN was born out of a deep understanding of community needs.
"SBCHC leadership identified a high need for OB/GYN services through hyper-local, population research," Gonzalez explains. "Now, women can secure annual exams, preventative screenings, contraception, pregnancy testing, and prenatal care locally, along with post-partum care."
A testament to SBCHC’s commitment to quality healthcare is their Joint Commission Gold Seal accreditation. "Since 2012, we’ve been among the elite 10% of healthcare providers with this designation," Gonzalez adds. "What sets us apart are our efforts to serve patients from every income level. We offer an income-based sliding fee scale for services, and we have partnerships that provide additional savings."
In addition to routine medical care, the Katy CHC also offers a range of social services, including programs that assist patients in accessing healthy foods, transportation, clothing, and housing. "We understand the non-medical drivers of health and design programs to promote stability and optimal well-being," Gonzalez elaborates.
Katy CHC recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new expansion on April 10th with the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. "As a chamber member, the Katy CHC will have increased opportunities for networking with potential partners, community involvement in local health events, and sponsorships for the clinic’s indigent patients," shared Gonzalez.
Dr. Marlen Trujillo, center, with staff and supporters along with the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce in celebration of Matthew Ferraro, President and CEO of the Katy Area Chamber expressed his support for the initiative. "The Katy CHC's expansion is a testament to their commitment to community health. We are proud to witness their growth and success," Ferraro states. "Their dedication to improving the lives of families and individuals in Katy is inspiring and praiseworthy."
The Katy CHC is the result of SBCHC’s continuous growth from a single humble clinic to eight locations across West Houston and Harris County. While there are no immediate plans for further physical expansion of the Katy CHC yet, Gonzalez affirms that the “focus will continue to be the expansion of services to meet the community’s needs.”
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
