The vision is now taking shape as the W.T. and Louise J. Moran Health Center, John S. Dunn Building, in Midtown. This new ministry is slated to begin operations in winter 2009. From the moment the center opens, it will dramatically improve healthcare access for many thousands of uninsured and under served Houstonians.

CHRISTUS Foundation has committed significant, long-term financial support to fund the operating and maintenance expenses of the center. These funds will ensure the center’s sustainability for generations to come and free our collaborators to focus their resources on patient care, social services and education – the center’s true and abiding priorities.

Once the modern, 55,000-square-foot center is complete, San José Clinic, which like CHRISTUS Health has a rich history of serving uninsured Houstonians, will relocate its medical and dental services into the new facility. In turn, Catholic Charities will bring an array of social services and much-needed mental-health counseling services to the center, further broadening the complex’s capabilities.

The health center will directly address the predicament of Houstonians unable to secure health insurance by providing not only the aforementioned medical, dental and mental-health services, but also medical imaging, lab testing and, through the largesse of manufacturers, pharmaceuticals to those with medical needs.

Moreover, thanks to the volunteer physicians, dentists, support staff and neighborhood partners, all of the center’s services will be made available at nominal fees, or no cost at all.

Unparalleled Potential for Needed Services

Situated at the intersection of Fannin and McGowen streets, one block east of the Main Street Metro Rail and near several bus routes, the center will offer visitors easy access by both public and private means. In this manner it addresses our findings that 50% of all patients visiting San José Clinic arrive on public transportation. At the same time, the location will allow the physicians, dentists, nurses and counselors to travel aboard the rail to and from downtown and the Texas Medical Center. This exceptional convenience will help the center attract new volunteers in health care, education and human services.

Our location produces another benefit, too. The centrally positioned Midtown property makes it feasible for the CHRISTUS Healthy Living Mobile Clinic to move its base to the new facility, from where it can extend its reach and expand its benefits.