5 Health Care Organizations Serving Texas Communities

Texas Health Care Organizations

General Guidelines For Blood Donors

Donating blood is a great way to save lives and give back to your community. If you meet the basic guidelines, find a blood drive near you can give when you can.

• In general good health
• At least 16 years old
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• Have never tested positive for a blood disease
• Haven't gotten a tattoo in the past year
• Have never used intravenous illegal drugs

Leading Causes Of Death In Texas

In the year 2017, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention

The Structure & Cost of U.S. Health Care

In Depth

Easy access to quality doctors, hospitals, and wellness organizations is a vital component of modern society. Fortunately, the Lone Star state has many excellent medical facilities assisting the public in a variety of fields. In no particular order, here are five outstanding health care organizations serving Texas communities.

Starting off our list at #1 is Texas Heart Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the devastating toll of cardiovascular disease. It achieves this through innovative and progressive programs in research, education, and improved patient care. THI conducts scientific inquiries through clinical trials as part of its mission to improve heart health. The trials are designed to test the safety and effectiveness of new treatments and medications for patients. Through these investigations, answers to important questions about preventing and treating heart disease can be found.

Additionally, Texas Heart Institute has a strong commitment to education. With initiatives that range from postdoctoral and continued medical studies, to public outreach and scientific publications, the institute is dedicated to spreading awareness and sharing updates on ways to prevent, treat, and defeat cardiovascular disease. THI relies entirely on government grants, research contracts, and, most significantly, donor contributions to achieve its goals. If you'd like to volunteer or donate, you can do so at their website.

THI relies entirely on government grants, research contracts, and, most significantly, donor contributions to achieve its goals.

Coming in at #2, AIDS Services of Austin exists to enhance the health and well-being of the community, and people affected by HIV and AIDS. It empowers people to live healthier lives, free from stigma, through a variety of resources. ASA offers integrated, patient-centered, and life-affirming programs that focus on preventing new transmissions, and helping people living with HIV thrive. For more than 30 years, ASA has been supporting residents of Central Texas affected by this disease.

ASA's services include HIV and primary medical care, free and rapid testing, and an online condom store. It also provides access to oral healthcare, food and nutrition advice, housing assistance and help with medication and insurance, among other resources. There are support groups for men and women living with or affected by the disease: The Q Austin and The Women Rising Project. To partner with this organization, you can be a volunteer or make a lasting impact by becoming a sustaining donor. You can also attend community events throughout the year focused on giving a helping hand to those affected by HIV.

Next up, at #3, we have the Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin, which saves babies' lives by providing pasteurized donor human milk. It is the largest non-profit bank of its kind in the world. Mom's own nourishment is always the ideal for your baby, but when it's not available, food generously given by contributing mothers is the next best thing. Your doctor may prescribe this course of treatment for a variety of serious health issues, such as preterm birth or malabsorption syndromes.

Mom's own nourishment is always the ideal for your baby, but when it's not available, food generously given by contributing mothers is the next best thing.

MMBA's Charitable Care Program ensures life-saving breast milk is provided to all infants with a need, regardless of the family's financial situation. Frequently, insurance only pays a portion of the fee for qualified babies, so there is still a significant percentage that is not covered. In cases of loss, the Bereavement Program supports both providers and families, and helps them understand how milk donations can benefit others. If you're a mother who is currently lactating and has a surplus, even if you don't live in Austin, please check with MMBA to see if you are a good candidate to donate.

And at #4 on our list, the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System operates more than fourteen hospitals and numerous specialty programs located throughout the Greater Houston area. It is one of the largest not-for-profit associations of its kind in Southeast Texas. The organization's 5,500 affiliated physicians and more than 26,000 employees practice evidence-based medicine, with a focus on quality and patient safety. It strives to bring together all aspects of health care, delivery, physicians, and treatment solutions, to create a truly integrated system, redefining medical services for the community.

Memorial Hermann has a variety of medical endeavors. It conducts research and clinical trials in the areas of neurology, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, oncology, and more. It also offers healthcare education, wellness services, and safety culture information to employers. Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center is one of the nation's busiest Level 1 trauma centers, and the primary teaching hospital for McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. If you'd like to assist this organization in its mission, please consider donating financially.

If you'd like to assist this organization in its mission, please consider donating financially.

The #5 organization on our list is Carter BloodCare, which provides life-saving resources to local hospitals in North, Central, and East Texas. One of the largest organizations of its kind in the state, it provides 300,000 units to patients annually. It is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration, and is affiliated with America's Blood Centers. With more than twenty contribution sites and multiple drives happening each day, it's easy to help your community by donating.

Carter BloodCare's services include collection, processing, specialized laboratory testing, storage, and distribution of blood and its components. It also participates in research and education by providing technical support and teaching programs for health care employees throughout the area. Every single donation received is life-saving, life-enriching, or life-changing for everyone involved in the process. If you are able, consider giving at one of their drives.