GARLAND, TX — The Hope Clinic of Garland has been a cornerstone of free healthcare services for 24 years, operating from a facility donated by the Dallas Baptist Association at 800 S Sixth St, Suite 100. The clinic focuses on providing essential healthcare services, particularly for underserved populations. It is open Monday through Friday and features an urgent care clinic on Thursday evenings, which is entirely volunteer-driven.
In addition to medical care, the clinic offers spiritual services and partners with Saint Vincent de Paul to deliver medications directly to patients’ homes, ensuring comprehensive support for both physical and emotional needs.
I recently had the opportunity to tour the clinic and learn about its significant impact in the Garland area. Tanya Downing, the Executive Director, shared the clinic’s history and the challenges it has faced over the years.
Over time, the clinic has adapted to significant changes, especially following the closure of the Garland Baylor Hospital, which previously funded many services. Now, the clinic relies heavily on community support and fundraising events like the Celebration of Hope breakfast and the Wheels of Hope Car Show.
While touring the clinic, Eva Hummel, Manager of Public Affairs at Atmos Energy, stopped by to present a $1,500 donation check. When asked why it’s important for Atmos to support the community and give back to organizations like Hope Clinic, Eva said, “It’s part of our culture. This contribution reflects Atmos Energy’s ongoing commitment to local initiatives.”
At the end of the tour, I sat with Downing and Hummel as they discussed the many ways Atmos and other community partners have contributed to the clinic over the years. They brainstormed new ways to work together in the future to support this critical cause. The relationship between Atmos and Hope Clinic predates both of them, with their predecessors establishing the partnership.
The clinic was quiet downstairs where patients were being seen; the lobby wasn’t crowded with anyone eagerly waiting. Patients were tended to promptly, and the quality of care and attention they receive is a priority here.
A poster in the clinic lobby promoted an upcoming fundraiser that read, “Please come out and support a former employee of Hope Clinic of Garland Inc. on her treatment journey. Donations welcomed.” The benefit takes place on Saturday, May 31st, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to support Maxine Sechrist, a former employee of the clinic who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
The clinic’s Medical Director, Dr. Jennifer Kampas, shared, “A lot of our uninsured community members go without primary care because it’s difficult for them to access due to financial barriers or limitations in navigating the healthcare system. Hope Clinic provides a comfortable place where they can receive quality medical care without facing these obstacles.”
Downing noted that corporate partners often engage their employees in volunteer opportunities. She emphasized the significance of community involvement, stating, “I love for the community and for corporate partners to get engaged.” She also encouraged in-kind donations, actively seeking coloring books, crayons, and colored pencils. Although the clinic serves adults, many patients bring their children along, making these donations especially meaningful.
The Hope Clinic of Garland remains a vital resource for free healthcare. As they prepare for their 25th anniversary, the clinic invites community members to learn more about their work and consider joining the planning committee to help make the celebration a success.
