The clinic offers free medical and dental care for uninsured individuals living in Comal or Guadalupe County with an income of less than 250% of the federal poverty guidelines.
In Comal County, 13.3% of residents are uninsured, and in Guadalupe County, 13.8% of individuals are uninsured. In the state of Texas, 18.8% of residents are uninsured, according to 2022 U.S. Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates.
Under these guidelines, individuals would qualify if they made less than $39,125 per year, or $52,875 in a two-person household, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Two-minute impact
The clinic—which covers multiple specialities like cardiology and urology—has a nurse practitioner, dental hygienist and registered nurse on staff. Local physicians will volunteer their time at the clinic or send a fixed number of patients monthly to be seen for free, said Jim Wesson, New Braunfels Christian Ministries executive director.
Volunteers in Medicine also has a satellite clinic at Canyon Lake’s Community Resource & Recreation Center, located at 1917 FM 2673.
“A number of folks that live in that area struggle with transportation to get to New Braunfels, and so our ability to have that satellite clinic there helps serve those patients,” Wesson said.
The nonprofit organization’s mission is to share grace, kindness and encouragement to people, Wesson said.
“We know we’re not necessarily the only answer for healthcare needs for everyone, but we are one answer for people who don’t have insurance, and we’ve certainly been an answer for 758 patients in 2024,” Wesson said.
Lend a hand
Individuals can submit an online application to volunteer or donate. A $100 donation would underwrite one appointment, Wesson added.
Notable quote
Amy Miller, a clinic patient, said she learned that she had many undiagnosed, complex medical issues, and Volunteers in Medicine helped her with all of them.
“This place has saved my life,” Miller told Community Impact.
- 1239 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels
- www.nbcm.org/vim
