Here, healthcare is accessible.
Our first clinic opened in 2013 off of Skillman and 635. At the time, church and healthcare leaders in the community were looking to steward their resources and gifts to meet gaps in the healthcare system, hoping to make care more accessible while serving in Jesus' name. Thirteen years later, we've just begun to realize the lasting impact. We recently visited with some of our staff and area community partners to reflect on the impact happening through our original location.
Making Healthcare Accessible
At our Skillman Clinic especially, our patients come from different backgrounds, cultures and circumstances, including immigrants and refugees who are newly relocating to the United States. Located just a few blocks from a large refugee resettlement area in east Dallas, we know many of our patients face additional challenges navigating the healthcare system. We believe those challenges should not prevent someone from receiving quality healthcare.
Our clinic is able to see any patient who walks up, no matter their zip code, income level, or whether or not they have insurance. As long as the patient has a need we can address and we still have space that day, they'll be seen. Furthermore, a language line is available on site to help our team communicate with patients from around the world through an interpreter. Bibles are also available on site in a variety of languages. This low barrier of entry aims to make healthcare more accessible to all of our neighbors, including those who are relatively new to Dallas and the American healthcare system.
Making Healthcare Holistic
Pastor Getachew Habte of Ethiopian Evangelical Believers Church shared that once he learned Watermark Health was supporting immigrants and providing a place where they could receive care, he began referring many people to the clinic. Over the years as a friendship grew, he has also led various trainings for Watermark Health volunteers and staff on how to best serve Ethiopian patients based on their cultural context.
This type of partnership with area pastors from a variety of countries has been a central part of the mission of Watermark Health. We celebrate being able to connect our patients to area churches to continue the spiritual conversations that began during their visit.
That holistic care also carries over into a variety of other community partners, both healthcare and social service related. We regularly refer patients for the ongoing needs to a variety of partner organizations across the city. One of those is JFS, an area charitable Primary Care Clinic. Dana Branch, one of their Community Health Workers, is regularly on site to enroll patients in their next step for care. This level of on-site collaboration strengthens the connection for patients to get the ongoing access they need.
“I love working with Watermark Health. I love that they show empathy towards their patients and even me as a provider establishing that partnership with JFS. I love that relationship. We bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, making sure that they have access to care and resources that they need.”
Prioritizing collaboration and unity for our patient's benefit, we enjoy working closely with church and community leaders to best serve the neighborhood. Over the past 13 years, our Skillman Clinic has become a beacon of hope and connection for those who have a difficult time accessing the traditional healthcare system.
Your Giving Makes This Possible
This has only been possible due to generous donors. Watermark Health does not collect any insurance reimbursements and is primarily funded through individuals that donate because they are passionate about its mission. This Giving Day, you can be a part of the important legacy and impact of our Skillman Clinic. Now through September 17th, gifts to Watermark Health will be doubled up to $250,000. It is one of the most strategic times of the year to support the ministry.
Give today and be a part of redeeming healthcare, one person at a time.
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