After two years of vetting locations for a clinic to serve the uninsured and underinsured population, North Austin Universal Health Clinic opened its doors Jan. 12 in Northwest Austin. Dr. Sanjna Malpani and Kathy McCracken, a registered nurse, worked together with NAUHCs board to open the clinic at 13740 Research Blvd., Ste.3, Bldg. N, to serve the safety net population in Austin. NAUHC is a registered nonprofit that offers primary care services and non-emergency care for acute illnesses, such as coughs, colds, allergies, skin infections or asthmatic attacks, Malpani said. The clinic serves anyone age 5 and older and provides lab work and basic radiological services to patients. "Essentially, it has been the brainchild of a good friend of mine, Kathy McCracken," Malpani said. "The two of us came upon this idea because we used to volunteer together and were looking at some of the issues that people face. [We]actually got recommendations from some of the patients themselves. That is really how we embarked upon this journey." Prior to the clinic's opening, Malpaniand McCracken volunteered together at Samaritan Health Ministries in Cedar Park. Patients told Malpani and McCracken that doctor continuity is important because relationships are established when patients see the same physician for each visit. Keeping this feedback in mind, Malpani said she is the sole physician at NAUHC, but the clinic could expand staff in the future. Malpani said the need for safety net services was high in Northwest Austin, which was a factor in deciding the clinic's location. The clinic is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Although the clinic does not accept walk-ins, patients may call 512-956-0823 during morning hours to be seen the same day or to make an appointment. Sanjna said the clinic recommends patients pay a $40 fee for first-time visits and $25 for follow-up appointments, but patients will not be turned away if they cannot pay. Staff members are volunteers, and anyone interested in volunteering may call the clinic for more information. Visit www.nauhc.org for additional details.