San José Clinic bridges healthcare gaps in Houston

A Houston Post-Dispatch photo shows the Mexican Clinic (Now San José Clinic) in 1931 at 1909 Canal Street in Houston. (Photo courtesy of San José Clinic)

HOUSTON — In Texas, where the uninsured rate surpasses the national average twofold and Houston alone faces an alarming 26% uninsured rate, San José Clinic remains steadfast in its commitment to providing compassionate care and support to individuals and families, regardless of insurance status, especially within underserved communities.  

Considered a beacon of healing for over a century in the Archdiocese, San José Clinic remains firmly rooted in the Catholic faith and tradition with a mission that transcends mere healthcare provision — it is where medicine meets ministry. 

“We have maintained our commitment to providing health care by demonstrating compassion and dignity to each patient we serve at the clinic,” said Margo Melchor-Hernandez, president and chief executive officer of San José Clinic. “Houston and its surrounding areas have a critical need for our services. We, alongside our community partners, can assist those individuals who work in low-wage, manual labor and service jobs that do not offer employer-based insurance, do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, or cannot afford private health insurance or out-of-pocket health expenses.” 

Melchor-Hernandez appreciates the dedicated work of the selfless souls who grace the corridors of San José Clinic and serve with the compassionate heart of Christ, the majority of whom are volunteers. They serve all without expectation and are driven by a profound belief in the power of giving.  

Mary Neal is an integral part of the dedicated team at San José Clinic. With over 25 years of experience as an obstetrician-gynecologist, including delivering approximately 4,000 babies in private practice, she brings invaluable expertise to the clinic’s mission of compassionate care. Transitioning to the clinic in 2009, her commitment to serving others has helped foster a welcoming environment for both patients and volunteers. 

“We have clergy who help us in our spiritual life and educators who help us to further our knowledge,” Neal said. “As physicians, we are ministering to the health needs of our patients, which should be done with respect and compassion. We are doing God’s work, becoming his hands, touching patient’s lives, and being able to help them with all their healthcare needs.” 

Neal encourages the uninsured and those facing financial barriers to view San José Clinic as their healthcare home, where they receive compassionate support in navigating the often-complex healthcare system. 

“Having someone there who can walk them through the system is invaluable,” Neal said. “We offer patients a welcoming health home where they can address many, if not all, of their medical issues with kindness and without feeling rushed.” 

San José Clinic’s commitment to comprehensive patient care encompasses a wide range of essential services, including primary care, specialty care, dental, vision, pharmacy, behavioral health and lab services. Neal said San José Clinic’s supportive environment for the medical staff alleviates administrative burdens like billing, allowing them to dedicate their efforts entirely to delivering high-quality patient care.  

Going beyond traditional medical offerings, the clinic also addresses the diverse needs of its patient base, including survivors of sex trafficking. Neal recently played a role in launching a new initiative aimed at providing specialized care for these individuals, further underscoring the clinic’s dedication to supporting vulnerable communities. 

“Never in my private practice did I have this opportunity or challenge,” Neal said. “It requires a certain skill set to be able to reach patients who have been so harmed, treating them with respect, understanding that as a gynecologist, my exam can be a trigger for them. That has been an eye-opener for me, and I think it’s helped me grow as a doctor.” 

For all these experiences, Neal has a profound gratitude to God for the privileges she has enjoyed, reinforcing her unwavering dedication to serving others through the clinic. 
“I was born to parents who valued education and using it,” Neal said. “I think with those gifts, there’s an obligation to do something in return. I feel that this ministry allows me to continue to serve others who are less fortunate.” 

The impact of San José Clinic’s staff, like Neal, is evident in the firsthand account of a recent patient. Despite financial constraints hindering access to therapy elsewhere, the patient found solace and support at the clinic. Dedicated volunteers and staff provided the necessary care, aiding the recovery from an accident that left the patient unable to walk. 

“I couldn’t afford therapy, and thanks be to God, I found my way to San José Clinic, where they helped me walk again after an accident left me unable to even stand,” said the patient. “It’s been a lot to handle with a family to care for, but God has provided for me through the medicines, nurses, dentists and therapists at the clinic.” 

Expressing gratitude, the patient acknowledged the extensive support received in addition to physical therapy and healing. 

“The spirit of love and fraternity among the staff has made a significant impact on my recovery,” said the patient. “Thanks to their assistance, I’m able to walk again. I feel like I am among family here — a place where everyone is welcomed with open arms.” 

As one of the 64 ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), Melchor-Hernandez emphasized the critical role the annual appeal has in sustaining San José Clinic’s mission. 

“The current economic climate compounds the challenges we have in delivering compassionate, quality care to the uninsured population, such as increasing food and housing prices,” Melchor-Hernandez said. “As San José Clinic embarks on its next 100 years of service, we thank the faithful in the Archdiocese for considering supporting the DSF that enables us to continue to be a beacon of healing, especially for those most in need in underserved communities.” 

To learn more about San José Clinic’s mission and how to volunteer, go to sanjoseclinic.org. To donate to the Archdiocese’s DSF annual appeal, go to archgh.org/DSF. The DSF supports San José Clinic and 63 additional ministries, whether direct service or education, which require this critical funding to remain in operation. Out of each gift given to DSF, 100% of every dollar goes directly to supporting these ministries.