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Apr 21, 2014 | Ivan Davila

El Buen Samaritano Offers Healing Hands

El Buen Samaritano will be hosting a Health Fair
on Saturday, April 26. Learn more here.

Access to affordable health care continues to be a challenge in Texas despite the Affordable Care Act. But healing the sick continues to be part of the mission El Buen Samaritano. El Buen, an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas in Austin, served nearly 12,000 people in 2013—8,000 of whom were uninsured individuals who accessed the ministry’s health and integrated behavioral health services.

 

According to a U.S. Census Bureau report released last fall, nearly 25 percent of Texans are uninsured. Currently at capacity, El Buen’s clinic serves 2.2 percent of the uninsured in the surrounding five counties—Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson.

 

Many individuals with no health insurance who turn to El Buen when they feel sick. Last October, Alberto Zamora,* 45 and uninsured, came to the clinic for an earache, but received an unexpected diagnosis of diabetes.

 

Some years ago, Zamora had been diagnosed as a pre-diabetic, but was never given any information regarding the condition. Asymptomatic, he continued his life as normal until he went to El Buen’s clinic last fall.

 

“I’ve never felt any symptoms,” Zamora said. “I was confused and didn’t know what to do with the information the doctor was giving me.”

 

To his surprise, the clinic’s Diabetes Disease Management Program team was quick to take him under their wing. His medical provider referred him to Maria Ramos, a diabetes educator, who taught him to check his glucose levels and he scheduled weekly meetings with nutritionist Mark Smith, who suggested a healthier eating regimen.

 

“I’ve always eaten well in the mornings,” Zamora said. “But in my [current] job, I have no chance to eat throughout the day, so I would just snack on a fruit here and there or get street food as my route allowed.”

 

Zamora drives around the city six days a week to repair floors and tiles. On Sundays, he attends St. Louis King of France Catholic Church—a Roman Catholic parish in North Austin—where he serves on the hospitality committee.

 

After his diagnosis, Ramos talked to him about the effects alcohol and tobacco on his health. He sought additional counseling at the clinic to help reduce his drinking and lower his axiety. “God’s placed me where I need to be for a reason,” Zamora said as he explained how he decided to give up smoking and drinking to improve his health and mental wellbeing. “I have not touched a drop of alcohol or a cigarette since December 31.”

 

Zamora was born in Tejupilco, Mexico, and grew up in Mexico City. He was 18 when he migrated to Austin to be closer to his sisters. He is grateful to the team of providers that have cared for him at the clinic.

 

“At one point, I was experiencing anxiety and depression,” he said. “But I feel much more at peace now.”

 

Beyond its health and integrated behavioral health services, El Buen offers a comprehensive system of care to help low-income families in Central Texas leverage their resources while empowering them to lead healthy and productive lives. Offerings emphasize healthy living, and include human services, a food pantry, case management, eligibility and referrals; and a robust education program for all members of the family.

 

El Buen Samaritano will be hosting a Health Fair on Saturday,
April 26. Learn more here. For more information, visit www.elbuen.org.