Rep. Cuellar Announces Over $160k in Renovations to Gateway Community Health Center Zapata Clinic
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Oct 4, 2022, 0 Comments
Courtesy Jose Sanz,
The improvements will benefit the over 11,000 patients that visit the clinic each year
Zapata, TX—U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced that renovations to the Gateway Community Health Center Zapata Clinic made possible by $160,387.00 in federal funds have been completed. The 7,500 square foot space has been reconfigured by the demolition of existing office space, construction of six exam rooms with a hallway and an IT room, and redesigning of the nurses’ station, bull pen, and front lobby reception windows. These upgrades, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, will allow for a more efficient turnover of in-person visits and a better service to the clinic’s 11,170 yearly patients.
“Gateway Community Health Center has been instrumental in ensuring that people in rural areas have access to quality health services,” said Congressman Cuellar. “These federal funds will improve the Zapata Clinic’s efficiency and allow it to continue providing quality services to over 11,000 people a year. I will always prioritize investments in our community’s health. As a senior Appropriator, I have secured millions of dollars for community health clinics all across Texas-28.
I have also worked relentlessly to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and other policies that make health care more accessible. I would like to thank Elmo Lopez, CEO of Gateway Community Health Center, and the rest of his staff for their commitment to provide quality, affordable health care to our rural communities.”
“On behalf of our patients, staff and Board of Directors of Gateway Community Health Center, Inc., I would like to express our gratitude to Congressman Henry Cuellar for this $160,387.00 Federal Grant Award to renovate and expand our Gateway Clinic in Zapata, Texas. Our Zapata Clinic provides primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services for the many thousands of citizens who live and work in Zapata County,” said CEO of Gateway Community Health Center Elmo Lopez.
“Gateway Clinics offer affordable, preventive healthcare to those families most in need in our communities. Congressman Cuellar has always been a champion for Gateway and for accessible primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care for families in Laredo, Zapata, and Hebbronville, Texas. We thank Congressman Cuellar for his support.”
The reconfigured spaces and reception lobby windows will allow for a more efficient turnover of in-person visits as well as an increase of technology infrastructure with the new IT room. The reception lobby windows have been modified to enable an easier communication flow between staff and visiting patients.
In addition, a diesel generator with a 48 hour fuel tank was added to the clinic. The generator will provide energy reserves in case of another area wide power outage, thus maintaining its ability to provide services for the local rural areas.
The Gateway Zapata Clinic provides a wide range of services including adulty primary care, STI testing, dental services, and gynecological care at an affordable price. Zapata County is home to more than 14,000 people of which nearly 30% are uninsured.
