CCC  HERALD  ARTICLE

As parents prepare for another school year, buying new clothes and school supplies, many are also making sure that their children have all the necessary immunizations to return to school. This year as in the 12 prior years, Campus Care Centers (CCC), also gets ready for another busy year of runny noses, immunizations and annual physicals.

In 1992, the Brownville Community Health Center (BCHC) in partnership with the Brownsville Independent School District started a teen clinic at Pace High School to provide medical care and health education for students. From this genesis, BISD and BCHC realized that there was great need for health care services in this population. In 1994, BCHC, with the collaboration of BISD, was able to obtain funding from the Hogg Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Healthy Tomorrows to open a fulltime health center at Clearwater Elementary.

Today, Campus Care Centers operates centers at Clearwater Elementary and Lucio Middle School. Approximately 20,000 BISD students have enrolled for services at CCC since its inception. On average, the Center’s provide over 12,000 medical, dental or mental health visits each year. Its focus on comprehensive health means that students can obtain a vast array of services from basic medical care to care for chronic conditions such as asthma.

Because some of the cost for these services is subsidized by local, state and federal dollars, many students who would go without care due to inability to pay can receive care at the Centers. Although the Centers accept Medicaid, CHIP and private insurance, well over 60% of its patients are uninsured. "The lack of third-party reimbursement puts a strain on our budget every year; none-the-less, we have been able to keep operating when other school-based centers throughout the country have closed. The primary reason we are able to continue operating is because we are part of a Federally Qualified Heath Center (BCHC)," states Alix Flores, Campus Care Centers’ Project Director.

Another reason Mr. Flores thinks the centers have continued to operate for so long is their strong partnership with the school district. "The partnership created by the district and BCHC is a complete "win-win" situation. It has allowed the district to offer affordable, quality care to our students. This means students can reduce their time away from class due to illness," says Maria Castillo, BISD’s Health Services Administrator.

Aside form primary health services, the Centers also offer dental health services, laboratory services, radiology, and pharmacy services. Each center is supervised by a pediatrician who spends one day a week treating students (usually complicated cases) and supervising the work of mid-level providers. A physician assistant or nurse practitioner sees patients the rest of the week. The medical provider is supported by a team of front desk personnel, medical assistants and a full-time social worker.

Celia Cavazos, a licensed social worker, has worked at the Centers for over 10 years. "It is very rewarding to me as a social worker to be able to help families who have so many needs. One case that comes to mind is a student who was in a bad car accident when he was 2 years old. Because he did not receive adequate treatment at the time, he developed several problems affecting his ability to walk. When the family first came to the center, the boy was 10 and needed medical attention beyond what we could offer. I was able to make a referral to the Shriner’s Hospital in Houston and they have been able to provide specialty care to the student which has completely transformed his life. Campus Care Centers was even able to find funds to provide the family with money to travel to Houston. This has been one of the most rewarding cases for me personally," says Ms. Cavazos

Although the center will never turn anyone away because of inability to pay, uninsured families are asked to pay $25 per visit. Mr. Flores says that this does not begin to cover the true cost of the care provided. "Some children who come in for sick visits require expensive laboratory tests. If they had to pay for these tests on their own, the cost would be several hundred dollars. Because the Center’s have negotiated discounted rates, we can ensure that the students will get what they need," says Flores. The Center’s director states that all parents are encouraged to pay something since every bit helps to make sure their doors remain open.

On Thursday, August 10, Campus Care Centers will have an open house to allow the community to tour the Center’s. The open house will take place at the Clearwater Campus Care Centers from 3 PM to 7 PM. Every one is welcome.

Campus Care Centers is open Monday through Friday, usually from 8 AM to 5 PM. During the school-year, the Centers offer evening appointments 2 or 3 times a week. Call either the Lucio site at 956-838-6604 or the Clearwater site at 956-548-8845 to make an appointment or for further information.