The need for behavioral services in North Houston has surged, adding more demand for medical services provided by Interfaith Community Clinic, the medical home for the uninsured residents of Montgomery County north of Houston.

That pressing need qualified Interfaith for a $75,000 CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grant from St. Luke’s Health-The Woodlands Hospital. The grants are awarded to nonprofits dedicated to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable and underserved populations. 

“Interfaith provides medical, dental services and behavioral health services to uninsured residents regardless of their ability to pay,” said Missy Herndon, Interfaith President and CEO. “The CommonSpirit Health community grant will go towards operations and actually allow us to keep our doors open and serve those who would otherwise not be able to receive care in Montgomery County.”

The funds will allow Interfaith to provide health care access to 938 uninsured patients. In addition to behavioral health screenings, adults will receive an annual medical appointment, specialized referrals if needed, and two healthy-living educational classes. Three outreach clinics will give flu shots and wellness checks and two health fairs will provide free dental, medical, and vision screenings for area kids. A new satellite location offers health care access in a rural area of Montgomery County with very limited resources.

Tammy Donahue is alive today thanks to Interfaith. She had been through a divorce and at one point she decided she no longer wanted to live. “[Interfaith]'s been an amazing place for me and actually saved my life,” she said. Tammy received the mental health support services she needed as well as overall medical care. Much to her surprise, clinic doctors were able to treat her aching knee. “It worked and it really helped and took away the pain,” she said.

Sharon Williams underwent an eye exam at Interfaith and the doctor diagnosed diabetes. “It was kind of like a miracle to me because, within two and a half months, my blood sugar leveled off. I don't know where I would be right now. There are so many people out there that don't have insurance and don't know which way to turn and Interfaith is an avenue for them,” Sharon said.

St. Luke’s Health, a member of CommonSpirit, awarded 19 grants to 13 organizations in 2024. “Our vision of a healthier future for all extends far beyond what we provide to the patients within the walls of our hospitals and clinics,” said Doug Lawson, PhD, South Region President of CommonSpirit Health. “Making a lasting impact in our communities requires collaboration with organizations working to equip vulnerable individuals with the resources to be healthy. That’s why these grants are such an important part of our mission at St. Luke’s Health in Texas and CommonSpirit across the country.”