CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Compassionate Care Medical Clinic is a nonprofit that opened its doors back in January and offers free medical services for adult patients who are uninsured.
That's where a partnership with A&M's Coastal Bend Health Education Center comes into play, as they settle in as the new neighbors to the health clinic.
Certified diabetes care specialist Juanita Garcia calls the partnership important especially for those wanting to live a healthier lifestyle.
"Diabetes is very prevalent here in South Texas," Juanita said. "At least 14 percent of the population has diabetes here in South Texas, we do teach classes in English and in Spanish."
Among the services are weekly healthy cooking classes.
"We show samples of portion sizes, when you go to the restaurant you get a large enchilada plate which normally that feeds 2 to 3 people, talk about portion control in our classes," she said.
This location will be the fifth for Texas A&M in the city, often opening next to clinics like the new compassionate care offices.
In just four months the volunteer staff with the clinic has already helped a whopping 700 patients. The services free for those who don't have insurance.
"We know a lot of individuals don't have health insurance and they won't get care they end up in the emergency room or in the hospital and that is so costly for them," Juanita said.
One of the biggest ailments-complications are related to diabetes.
"When you come for our diabetes education classes, you are going to get health screen, A1C, cholesterol, weight, we'll do your blood pressure, get a blood pressure meter and strips," she said.
In addition to the education the staff provides, they also help fill a patient's medication needs.
After getting a referral from the clinic, the next step is a visit with Sandra Garcia.
"Seeing these people when they get their medication or know they've been approved you feel relief because you know you've helped them and they are living healthier lives," Sandra said.
The prescription services are also entirely free.
In another part of the building, Dr. Roman Torres helps put clients' fears aside and gets them moving again something that can also help lower blood sugar.
"Sometimes people are coming in, and haven't worked out in so long, in years," Torres said. "Things they can do at home, to get back on track and get their lives back on track and enjoy lives with children and grandchildren."
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