Conversion of Public Hospital District’s Primary Care Clinics to Federally Qualified Health Centers

Chambers County was designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration as one of the 200 poorest counties in the United States in 2006. With a very limited tax base to support the health care needs of its community—in both of level of care and range of services, the designation did not come as a surprise to district leadership.

District leaders had applied for federally qualified health center status for its clinics in previous years but had not met all criteria. In May 2007, after comprehensive preparation, hospital leaders filed a single application for both clinics. They received HRSA's notice of grant award in September 2007. Now, Bayside and West Chambers Clinics provide medical, mental health and substance abuse programs, as well as oral health services, at their sites in Chambers County and/or through collaborative arrangements with partner agencies.