For many families, a trip to the pediatrician means a yearly physical, school vaccinations or treatment for an illness. At Harris Health Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center–Pasadena and C.E. Odom, routine visits connect children with a broader network of care.

From behavioral health and neurology to care coordination and food assistance, the clinics support children's health while helping families navigate everyday challenges that make accessing care difficult.

What specialties and services are offered? 

While families often visit for annual exams, vaccinations or sick care, providers say those visits serve as a gateway to broader services, including:

  • Well-child exams and vaccinations

  • Sick and urgent visits

  • Behavioral health, psychology and psychiatry

  • Pediatric neurology, nephrology and cardiology

  • Lead screenings and developmental evaluations

  • Same-day lab work

  • Case management and care coordination

"The most surprising thing for families is that we provide the entire spectrum of pediatric care right here in their neighborhood," said Dr. Marcus Hanfling, pediatrician, Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center–Pasadena, and faculty member, Baylor College of Medicine. "This means families don't have to travel all over the city to get high-level specialized care for their kids."

Breaking down barriers to care

Providing diverse care under one roof is critical for families navigating logistical and socioeconomic challenges.

To ease transportation hurdles, clinic schedulers routinely coordinate appointments for three or more siblings on the same day.

Language access is equally tailored. While 25% to 30% of nursing staff are certified bilingual Spanish speakers, the centers also use video translation technology for other languages. In one notable case, clinic coordinators worked with language access specialists to secure an in-person interpreter for a mother who communicates in Mexican Sign Language, managing a double-translation process so her children received seamless care.

That comprehensive approach extends to social drivers of health. While standard guidelines suggest testing for food insecurity once a year, staff screen families at every encounter, recognizing how quickly circumstances change.

When clinic surveys revealed local food insecurity rates between 10% and 20%, the centers established direct connections to dedicated case managers and Harris Health’s Food Pharmacy, a program that addresses food insecurity and chronic disease management with on-site free food allocations. For after-hours guidance, a 24/7 Ask My Nurse phone line gives parents clinical support from home.

Four smiling children wearing glasses stand together in a medical exam room with yellow walls.

Offering high-quality care 

While both clinics are deeply embedded in their communities, the care delivered inside is backed by two of the region's premier academic medical institutions. The Pasadena location partners with Baylor College of Medicine, while C.E. Odom partners with physicians from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

As academic learning hubs for the medical schools, attending physicians train the next generation of pediatric residents and medical students—a structure that requires providers to stay at the leading edge of research and clinical protocols. This standard ensures children receive evidence-based care across every touchpoint.

"We base all our decisions and clinical management on evidence-based guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics," said Dr. Dalilah Reyes De Jesus, pediatrician, Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center–C.E. Odom and assistant professor, UTHealth Houston. "The earlier we identify these issues, the earlier we can intervene—and that leads to significantly better long-term outcomes."

That precision is paired with both locations' official certification as Patient-Centered Medical Homes. Rather than treating appointments as isolated visits, providers work as an interconnected team across primary care and subspecialties.

What does this mean for care over time?

From a newborn's first wellness visit to the teenage years, providers aim to become more than just a place families visit when a child is sick. As certified Patient-Centered Medical Homes, both clinics build lasting relationships while coordinating care across every stage of childhood.

Parents remain active partners in their child's healthcare, specialists communicate directly with one another and providers continue caring for children as their needs evolve.

For many families, that continuity begins before birth. C.E. Odom offers twice-weekly midwife services, helping expectant mothers establish care while creating a smooth transition for newborns after delivery.

Because both clinics serve as neighborhood practices, families return year after year. Nurses know patients by name, providers become familiar with family histories and parents have a trusted team available long after an appointment ends through the 24/7 Ask My Nurse line.

"Our goal is to make them feel like they are home," said Amanda Osborne, nurse manager, Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center–Pasadena and C.E. Odom. "They feel heard. They feel listened to, and they know they're part of every decision about their child's care."

Smiling doctor in white coat holds a baby during an exam, both looking at each other.

Ready to start your child’s care?

Whether a child needs a standard checkup, lead exam, mental health therapy or complex specialty care, Harris Health’s neighborhood clinics ensure world-class healthcare remains accessible to every child in the community.

Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center–Pasadena

Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center–C.E. Odom

The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with Community Impact's Storytelling team, using information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.

What pediatric services are offered at Harris Health Pasadena and C.E. Odom?

Both centers provide well-child exams, immunizations, sick visits, same-day lab work, lead and developmental screenings, behavioral health services, psychology, psychiatry and specialty pediatric care in areas such as neurology, cardiology, nephrology and many others—all within Harris Health.

Do the clinics offer behavioral health services for children?

Yes. Both locations offer behavioral health care, including therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists. Telehealth appointments are also available for many visits, helping children receive ongoing care while minimizing missed school and work for parents.

Do I need insurance to receive care?

Harris Health serves patients regardless of insurance status. Staff can help families navigate insurance concerns and assist with Medicaid enrollment, determine eligibility for Harris Health's Financial Assistance Program and connect them with resources to reduce financial barriers.

How do the clinics support families who speak languages other than English?

Both clinics have certified bilingual staff and provide video and phone interpretation services for hundreds of languages and dialects, including sign language. Providers coordinate specialized interpretation services when needed to ensure families fully participate in their child's care.