TOMAGWA Healthcare Ministries Achieves Major Milestone in Healthcare Accessibility
In a pivotal and historic move, TOMAGWA HealthCare Ministries has become an exemplary model of service and resilience after securing a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike designation by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Earned on February 1, 2024, after an arduous three-year journey, this marks the first such designation in TOMAGWA’s 600-square-mile service area and is only the second new designation in Texas in over a decade.
TOMAGWA, a reputable healthcare provider serving residents in Harris, Montgomery, and Waller counties in for over 35 years, now joins the prestigious ranks of seventy-six other health centers in the state. The new FQHC Look-Alike status opens a wealth of opportunities for TOMAGWA to develop services essential to qualify as a full-fledged FQHC while amplifying the effectiveness of each donor dollar.
Notably, this accomplishment confirms TOMAGWA's unyielding mission to ensure high-quality, accessible healthcare services to their immediate community. FQHCs and FQHC Look-Alikes collectively work to provide healthcare for the nation’s underserved communities and vulnerable populations, regardless of their ability to pay.
This achievement is largely due to the tireless efforts of Timika Simmons, TOMAGWA's Chief Executive Officer. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Simmons led the team with a vision and tenacity that has now borne fruit. It was during these turbulent times that Simmons launched the TOMAGWA Tomorrow campaign, aiming to expand service capacity and ensure future financial sustainability.
Simmons shared, “We had a choice to either succumb to the pressures of the times or stand for those most in need who depend on us. After seeking God, we were clear that we had to make a call to our community so that we could once again, bind together, to meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors."
Thanks to the FQHC Look-Alike designation, TOMAGWA can now extend its reach to other healthcare organizations and FQHC’s, offering a comprehensive range of healthcare services. Furthermore, this status also allows TOMAGWA to extend its income-based discounts to individuals and families, regardless of insurance status, and ensure that high deductibles and co-payments do not hinder access to quality healthcare.
In her expression of gratitude, Simmons praised the board of directors, staff, volunteers, donors, and key staff members who supported the journey. On April 11, 2024, Simmons will speak about TOMAGWA's achievement, strategic response, and the potential impact of the designation at the Mayor of Tomball's monthly breakfast.
For more information about TOMAGWA HealthCare Ministries and their services, please visit www.tomagwa.org.
 |
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.
|
