Harris Health officials celebrated 50 years of health and specialty care in northwest Houston at the Northwest Health Center, both at its current center on W. 34th St. and its previous location off Heights Blvd., with a community event held May 3.

The celebration

At the May event, attendees were treated to free food, drinks and entertainment, including face painting, balloon art and a bounce house for children, according to an event flyer. Senior Operations Manager Dwanika Walker and CEO of Ambulatory Care Services Jennifer Small accepted a proclamation from Harris County Precinct 1 Rodney Ellis commemorating the center, according to Harris Health officials.

Walker discussed the health center’s role in providing comprehensive healthcare services to underserved populations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have been able to see that Harris Health, and specifically the Northwest Health Center, has been an entry point for patients, for care, to many of the specialities that they often need. A lot of people in the community, especially those without health insurance or limited health insurance, they’re not as knowledgeable and they’re not able to navigate the healthcare system on their own. So we’ve been able to provide some valuable support to give them the care they need,” Walker said.

What they offer

With more than 100 healthcare workers onsite, including 12 faculty positions and residents from Baylor College of Medicine, the health center provides expanded specialty services that include:

  • Family medicine
  • Obstetrics
  • Ophthalmology
  • Podiatry
  • Psychiatry
  • HIV case management
  • An onsite pharmacy
  • Nutrition and health education services

What residents should know

Harris Health is the public healthcare safety-net provider established in 1966 to serve Harris County residents. Appointments can be scheduled during business hours at 713-526-4243.