The goals of these projects include promoting physician recruitment and retention efforts, offering mentoring and shadowing for undergraduate students by healthcare professionals, and providing a mechanism for liaison and interaction between key governmental decision makers and health organizations in the region. Additionally, areas are examined for specific needs. We are now compiling that information, and will use it during Phase II to identify ways to make rural areas more attractive to physicians. In Phase II of the Communities that Care program, AHEC will identify and publicly recognize two communities that are meeting the healthcare needs of their underserved populations with the least amount of financial incentives from government programs. Jasper, Texas, also received recognition for a similar free clinic, with hospital employees donating time to care for economically disadvantaged patients.
Free medication is distributed in that town as well.
East Texas AHEC exists to improve the health of Texans, especially in underserved areas, by creating partnerships among community and academic organizations. Serving 111 counties in eight regions of the state, the organization links health care resources to build and strengthen community-based education programs. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation , based in Princeton, NJ, is the nation s largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to health and healthcare. This gateway is maintained by the staff of UTMB's Public Affairs office. Please review our privacy policy and Internet guidelines .