Gulf Coast Health Center serves as a lifeline for healthcare in Port Arthur.
Quality medical services are available to everyone, and patients can pay what they can afford. Our status as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) helps us serve the community through our sliding fee scale system.
Our medical services cover everything from family care to specialized treatments. Patients can get dental care, mental health support, nutrition advice, eye care, women’s health services, and pediatric care.
Our revenue reached $5.7 million, yet we put more than $8 million back into community health services. This shows our steadfast dedication to serving southern Jefferson, Jasper, Newton, Hardin, and Orange counties.
Let’s look at how our center became Port Arthur’s most trusted medical home. We’ll share our story, walk through our detailed services, and explain how we work to make healthcare available to everyone in Southeast Texas.
The History Behind Gulf Coast Health Center
Gulf Coast Health Center opened its doors in May 1989 as a healthcare resource for Port Arthur’s low- to moderate-income residents.
The center started as part of the city’s health services. It soon became independent and started a remarkable healthcare experience in Southeast Texas.
Early beginnings in Port Arthur
Dr. Marsha E. Thigpen’s arrival in Port Arthur in July 1986 laid the foundation for the center.
She led the organization’s transition from a city service to an independent healthcare provider. The center built its own laboratory, pharmacy, and x-ray facilities right from the start. These facilities helped create the base for detailed medical care.
Key milestones since 1989
The center grew steadily with many achievements. Federal grants became our main funding source. We added state funds and started accepting Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. A strong board of directors guided our development and ensured stable governance through the years.
Growth across Southeast Texas
Our expansion in Southeast Texas shows remarkable progress. We now run five locations:
- The main center on Memorial Boulevard, Port Arthur
- Rev. Ransom Howard Street facility, Port Arthur
- Orange facility
- Silsbee center
- Jasper location
Two mobile medical units help us serve approximately 20,000 unique patients annually. Our Port Arthur facility handled over 36,000 patient visits in 2018. The facilities in Orange, Silsbee, and Jasper served an additional 17,000 patient visits.
We are a private, non-profit community-based organization that stays dedicated to improving healthcare access in southern Jefferson, Jasper, Newton, Hardin, and Orange counties.
Our financial strength has grown over the years. Total revenues reached $12.1 million with assets of $9.3 million. This growth lets us expand our services and reach more people.
Gulf Coast Health Center: Comprehensive Healthcare Services
Our 22,000-square-foot facility in Port Arthur brings a wide range of healthcare services together under one roof. Patients receive coordinated care from multiple specialties that make us their medical home in Southeast Texas.
Primary medical care
We have 28 physicians who provide care across 11 specialty areas. Our services include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and women’s health. The facility’s on-site pharmacy and laboratory make healthcare easier for our patients.
Dental and vision services
Our dental center is the only facility in Jefferson County that provides affordable care to uninsured and underserved populations.
We’ve doubled our dental department to eight exam rooms after a recent expansion. Four dentists and two dental hygienists now serve our patients. The dental services include preventative care, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and advanced procedures like root canals.
Our vision care department combines a complete eyewear store with clinical services. The optometry team performs eye examinations and specialized diabetic screenings. Patients can buy their glasses and contact lenses right here on-site.
Behavioral health support
We take a forward-thinking approach with our integrated behavioral health model. Medical and mental health providers collaborate to address patient needs that overlap. Our mental health services include:
- Psychiatric evaluations and medication management
- Individual and family counseling
- Substance abuse treatment
- Crisis prevention support
- Behavioral therapy for various conditions
This preventative approach helps patients maintain stable mental health and reduces emergency room visits.
It also minimizes potential interactions with the criminal justice system. Regular access to affordable medication and psychotherapy enables our patients to lead productive lives.
Gulf Coast Health Center: Making Healthcare Accessible
Gulf Coast Health Center works hard to make healthcare accessible to everyone. Our innovative programs and patient-focused policies help community members get the care they need.
We remove financial obstacles with our sliding fee scale program. Uninsured and underinsured patients can get care for as little as $30.00.
This amount covers complete services, simple labs, and X-rays with no extra charges. We work with all major insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, CHIPS, and private insurance.
Our Patient Navigator Program makes us stand out. These professionals help patients work through complex healthcare systems and find coverage through state, federal, or private programs.
Patients save hundreds of dollars on prescriptions at our in-house pharmacy or any local Walgreens location through our 340b drug program.
No one should miss medical care because of transportation issues. We offer free rides to our Port Arthur, Orange, Silsbee, and Jasper locations. You can schedule your pickup and drop-off at no extra cost by calling (409) 983-1161.
Healthcare Accessibility
Healthcare accessibility now reaches into the digital world with our telehealth services. Patients connect with healthcare professionals from any place with internet access. Our digital solutions have:
- MobileRx® app for prescription refills
- MicroMD patient portal for accessing medical records
- Direct communication channels with nurses and providers
- Health Information Exchange system
Our case management team uses an integrated approach to coordinate healthcare resources and tackle social health factors. The team helps patients enroll in government and grant-funded healthcare programs. They often secure coverage for office visits and medications at no cost.
We’ve improved women’s health services beyond our main Port Arthur location. Our care now reaches rural sites in Jasper, Orange, and Silsbee through mutually beneficial alliances. New ultrasound equipment and specialized prenatal care give quality women’s healthcare to our rural residents.
The Port Arthur center stays open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 8 am to 5 pm. This schedule lets working families get care that fits their daily routine.
