As the Lone Star College—Tomball Health Science Building will remain closed to students until at least May 4, the facility will become a temporary satellite location for TOMAGWA HealthCare Ministries beginning April 8.

TOMAGWA HealthCare Ministries is a safety-net health care clinic that serves uninsured individuals in the Tomball, Waller and Magnolia areas.

According to an April 3 press release, the LSC-Tomball Health Science Building will serve as an alternate location for the health care clinic to limit exposure to coronavirus for TOMAGWA patients who must be seen in person instead of via telehealth, such as patients with diabetes or impaired lung function.

“TOMAGWA is grateful to LSC-Tomball for adding in the fight against COVID-19 by keeping chronically ill residents health through maintaining access to medical examinations,” TOMAGWA CEO Tamika Simmons said in a statement. “Many LSC-Tomball health science students have trained at TOMAGWA clinics, with several becoming longtime staff members and volunteers. It’s a beautiful thing to have the college and students open their home to the families of our community who are most in need, families we’ve jointly cared for over the years.”

According to LSC-Tomball President Lee Ann Nutt, beginning April 8, TOMAGWA will examine up to four patients per day—one patient at a time—in the satellite facility. Each patient will receive a


Level 2 mask before entering the building, and the treatment room will be cleaned between each patient visit. Caregivers will be in full personal protective equipment.

“Lone Star College has built strong partnerships with local organizations to promote both student and community success,” LSC Chancellor Stephen Head said in a statement. “We are honored to be in the position to assist this very important community resource.”

The LSC-Tomball Health Science Building will be sanitized before opening again to students and employees, the release states. For more information about TOMAGWA HealthCare Ministries, click here.