Odessa Mayor and City Council Funding Free Diabetes Clinic

Credit: City of Odessa

They unanimously voted to designate $500,000 in ARPA funds (federal funds) for a FREE Diabetes clinic.

“Some patients can’t even afford those low-cost clinics,” said Russell Tippin, Medical Center Health System President/CEO.

“One of the things that makes me proud to be a part of this Council is how we are always looking to improve the lives of the citizens. This partnership between MCH and the City will provide an invaluable service to those who lack adequate healthcare,” said Mark Matta, Odessa City Council Member.

Medical Center Hospital System has a clinic on 42nd near Permian High School that was shut down during COVID. It’s the former MCH Urgent Care at 1940 E. 42nd. The City’s plan is, in partnership with MCHS, to use this funding to open it back up. 

“What I like about it, is that it’s ready to go. We don’t have to order equipment six or seven months out. We can flip the switch on this in a couple of weeks and have this going,” said Tippin.

There are nine rooms in the clinic for patients. In the beginning, it will only be open a limited number of days a week with limited hours. 

It hits close to home for Mayor Javier Joven. He’s faced his own set of health challenges as a Cancer survivor and Diabetic. He strongly believes there’s a need for education, especially in the areas of diabetes, hypertension, and high blood pressure.

“I’m committed to improving the knowledge in pre-diagnosis in these areas for the segment of our citizens in Odessa who have limited access or no access to pre-treatment. This clinic will fill this gap locally,” said Mayor Joven.

Another benefit to this clinic, it’s not only there to help patients but also to train up-and-coming doctors. Licensed physicians, training residents, and medical students will be working in the diabetes clinic. MCHS also pointed out that there are a lot of patients who use emergency rooms for primary healthcare, instead of emergencies. The hope is the clinic will help alleviate that problem as well.

If you’re not familiar with ARPA funds, that stands for the American Rescue Plan Act money. 

Please monitor the City of Odessa and Medical Center Health System social media pages for updates on when the clinic will open.