Greetings from the editor!
Happy Spring! Is it any wonder that spring is a favorite season for many of us? At every turn there is a sense of the new, of rebirth. We see the trees gloriously blooming and the flowers popping from a seed that was hidden in darkness just a short while ago. The smells point to a certain freshness (consider the scent of the air after an April shower). The sounds of birds chirping with uncontained enthusiasm bring an irrepressible smile. Even the sun that warms our skin has a different “feel”.
It is this sense of rebirth, of growth and of potential transformation that inspires me with hope. Nature knows this creative cycle-and leans into it naturally. Why shouldn’t we?
So, whether it is the anticipation of new experiences, new relationships, or new attitudes, may your spring be one that is filled with hope. ~TMJ
ABOUT US
Our Mission: To reflect God’s love by providing quality healthcare, education, and advocacy with dignity and compassion, to the residents of Collin County who are uninsured or underserved.
Julia’s Center for Healthcare Earned the 2025 Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) Quality Standards Program which underscores its mission and commitment to provide quality care to the uninsured adult residents of Collin County.
Julia’s Center remains a member in good standing of the Texas Association of Charitable Clinics and the Collin County Coalition of Charitable Clinics for 2025.
The following are the planned clinic closures for 2025: July 3rd, November 27th, and December 23rd thru January 1st.
“Hang up and dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room”. Please remember that we do not offer emergency services or urgent care. In addition, while we also provide the flu vaccine annually, we do not offer any other vaccinations. Anyone requesting any other vaccine (including the measles vaccine) is urged to contact the Collin County Department of Health.
Healthcare by the numbers:
The following are services that were provided at the clinic from January 1, 2025 through March 31, 2025:
349 Total appointments.
26 New patient appointments
8 Pap smears
21 Eye visits
28 Diabetic patient visits
488 Labs
10 Radiology images performed
These services are free to our patients. For further details please contact our Community Service Lead, Callie Acquaye at the clinic at (972) 535-5099.
What’s New
Specialties:
We have added Podiatry to the current specialties we offer, which include: Family Medicine, Neurology, Cardiology, Optometry, Ophthalmology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, and Geriatrics. The Women’s Health Clinic for non-OB issues is on hold at this time. THR (Texas Health Resources) offers free quarterly mobile mammogram services.
Tech News: A welcome video on the “How-To’s” containing patient responsibilities and available services, is now complete and being shown in the waiting room.
Chris Garduno has taken over the job of IT manager. We are still working to improve the efficiency of the registration and check-out process. We have updated the communication system to improve communications with patients and staff, and purchased a printer/copier. We retuned the leased copier machine and reduced the costly rental payments.
Recent Events:
The Annual Anniversary party was held on Saturday, February 22, from 2-5pm. Approximately 80 people joined in the celebration of the clinic’s accomplishments over the past year, including our relocation from our smaller clinic at A400 to our larger more efficient space at A100. The event was a success.
On Saturday, April 12, 2025, our Irene Ouazaa and Callie Acquaye, Registered Nurses, attended the local “Empowered” event, organized by the Collin County Crime Victims Council in partnership with the Plano Police Department’s Victim Services Unit resource fair designed to support crime survivors.
“Dining for Dollars” – Our first of its kind ‘come and eat’ fundraiser took place on Wednesday April 16, from 4-8pm at the Flying Fish in Plano. A portion of all proceeds from that timed event were donated to Julia’s Center.
THR sponsored their mobile mammogram screening for our patients on Friday April 25th.
The Volunteer Appreciation Event was held on Saturday, April 26th from 2–5pm. All volunteers were recognized for their many hours of hard work, and the top producing volunteers received special awards for their service (further details will be announced soon).
Call for Volunteers!
Immediate Need: We have an urgent need for all of the following volunteer Providers: MD’s, DO’s, PA’s, NP’s, Nurses: RN’s, LPN’s.
Bi-lingual Translators and Medical scribes. If you are a Spanish and English-speaking individual, WE NEED YOU NOW! If you have 8 hours a month to serve, you would be a blessing to us and to the many in our community who need your help. Contact Barbara Dawson at (972) 535-5099.
We welcome IT support! This includes: Informational Systems volunteers skilled in software systems, Web Design, data analysis (Excel), video development, support to assist with integration of communication systems such as the EMR portal, and Cloud/EMR/records support. Contact: Jim Fini at (972)535-5099.
We have an ongoing need for social workers and other allied health professionals.
We have an urgent need for a Certified Diabetic Educator and additional prayer ministers. We welcome clergy and members of the faith community. Interested parties please go to our website www.juliascenter.org. where you will find additional information including a link to apply to volunteer. Prayer ministers contact: John Reglin at (972) 535-5099.
Community Outreach: Volunteers are needed to participate in health fairs, helping the homeless, food drives, and community activities. Contact: Callie Acquaye at (972) 535-5099.
We are continuing the process of improving our Quality Assurance Program to ensure that best practices are utilized by all providers and staff at Julia’s Center. QA is an ongoing requirement. If you have time and talent in this area, contact Jim Fini at (972) 535-5099.
Video/Web Design and production: Our patient education videos must be in both English and Spanish. We plan to include information on options for care in other charity clinics, social services, ESL classes, and mental health. If you are skilled in videography, please contact Mary Lee at (972) 535-5099.
Diabetic Education: We are in the process of developing our Diabetic Support Group. Management of this chronic and multi-faceted illness can be stressful and challenging for both the patient and provider. Having a group of peers led by a physician, diabetic educator, and other allied health professional such as a nutritionist will help this population cope with their illness and bring them to goal. We are looking to launch the program in the second quarter. Stay tuned.
To donate: If you are looking for a unique way to donate to Julia’s Center; please consider a gift to honor a family member or friend, or to celebrate a special birthday for that person who materially has everything. Your generous donation enables Julia’s to continue to provide quality care to those who may otherwise go without any form of medical care. Indeed, your support in the form of time, treasure and/or talent might just save a life.
Go to https://juliascenter.org/donate/. Thank you in advance!!!!
Final Comments
Charity clinics such as Julia’s Center play an enormous role in addressing healthcare inequities by providing needed medical services and relieving emergency room over-utilization.
Prevention, early detection, and treatment are the keys to keeping patients well. The incidence of strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure, and diabetic shock can be reduced when chronic conditions are well managed. What we do matters, and what you do makes a difference.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” (Margaret Mead).
Julia’s Center for Healthcare is a non-profit, 501 (c)3 organization serving the indigent and uninsured residents of Collin County, TX. ~TMJ
