Houston Methodist Invests $10 Million to Expand Health and Mental Health Care Access Across Greater Houston
Houston Methodist is deepening its long-standing investment in community health with a $10 million commitment through its 2026 Health Care Access Grant Program, aimed at expanding medical and mental health services for uninsured and underinsured individuals across the Greater Houston area.
The funding will support 29 federally qualified health centers, charity clinics, and nonprofit agencies, along with several strategic initiatives designed to strengthen the region’s health care safety net. The investment targets some of the most persistent barriers to care, including access to primary care, preventive services, mental health treatment, and continuity of care for vulnerable populations.
“We’re committed to breaking down barriers to care for all Houstonians,” said Jill Campbell, director of community benefits at Houston Methodist. “These organizations were selected because they are best-in-class safety net providers with a proven track record of delivering high-quality, trusted care to the populations they serve. By partnering with organizations that excel at meeting complex health and mental health needs, we’re expanding access to essential services for those who need them most.”
How the Funding Will Be Used
The 2026 program includes two primary funding tracks: the Health Care Access Grant, which focuses on affordable primary and preventive care, and the Mental Health Care Access Grant, which supports expanded access to counseling, psychiatric services, and substance use disorder treatment.
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Key funding highlights include:
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More than $2.1 million in direct funding and $1.3 million in in-kind laboratory support to strengthen primary and preventive care services.
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Over $2.2 million in direct funding dedicated to expanding mental health and substance use treatment programs.
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Approximately $4.2 million allocated to strategic initiatives that improve care coordination, increase primary care capacity, and reduce avoidable emergency department visits.
Together, these investments are expected to serve more than 73,000 individuals throughout Greater Houston in 2026.
A Long-Term Commitment to Community Health
The Health Care Access Grant Program has been a cornerstone of Houston Methodist’s community outreach for more than 30 years. Since its inception, the program has supported 84 unique Houston-area nonprofits with more than $195 million in funding and in-kind support. The 2026 grants continue that legacy by prioritizing local partnerships and targeted investments that address both immediate and long-term health care needs.
2026 Grant Recipients by Service Focus
Primary and Preventive Health Care Providers
These organizations focus on delivering essential medical services such as primary care, screenings, women’s health services, and chronic disease management, often serving as a medical home for patients without insurance: AccessHealth; Casa El Buen Samaritano; Christ Clinic; El Centro de Corazon; Hope Clinic (Asian American Health Coalition); Interfaith Community Clinic; Legacy Community Health; Lone Star Family Health Center; San Jose Clinic; Spring Branch Community Health Center; The Rose; Vecino Health Centers.
Health Care for Vulnerable and Unhoused Populations
These agencies specialize in providing care to individuals facing housing instability or extreme financial hardship: Healthcare for the Homeless.
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Mental and Behavioral Health Services
Organizations in this group provide counseling, psychiatric care, trauma-informed services, and substance use disorder treatment for children, adults, and families: AccessHealth; Avenue360; Christ Clinic; DePelchin Children’s Center; Easter Seals Greater Houston; El Centro de Corazon; Family Houston; Houston Area Women’s Center; Lone Star Family Health Center; Santa Maria Hostel; The Bridge Over Troubled Waters; The Women’s Home.
Youth, Family, and Community Support Services
These nonprofits integrate mental health care with youth development, foster care support, and family stabilization services: Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston; Boys and Girls Country; Child Advocates of Fort Bend; Memorial Assistance Ministries; Northwest Assistance Ministries; Sanctuary Foster Care Services.
Specialty and Therapeutic Programs
These organizations offer specialized approaches to healing and recovery, including equine-assisted therapy: Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship.
By strengthening trusted community-based providers, Houston Methodist’s 2026 Health Care Access Grant Program reflects a region-wide effort to improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, and ensure that quality care is within reach for Greater Houston residents who need it most.
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.