Mission & History
Telling Our Story . . . 1922 to Present
Mission Statement
The mission of San José Clinic is to provide quality healthcare and education to those with limited access to such services in an environment which respects the dignity of each person.
Reflecting On Our Heritage
San José Clinic is one of the oldest and most premiere charity clinics in the United States. San José Clinic has steadfastly grown into a leading provider of quality healthcare services for individuals and families in the Greater Houston area who struggle the most with accessing affordable healthcare. The clinic was founded in 1922 by Msgr. George T. Walsh to combat the rising rate of infant mortality in the Mexican community in his parish. With $50 from the Charity Guild of Catholic Women and volunteer providers and nurses from the community, San José Clinic began the mission that is still in place nearly 90 years later.
Today, San José Clinic provides healthcare to nearly 4,000 patients annually who in many cases have no other alternative for obtaining timely, affordable care. This number, especially in the current economic environment, continues to rise. Were it not for San José Clinic, many of the uninsured citizens of the community would likely go without healthcare.
San José Clinic fills a unique niche within the Greater Houston community as its provision of primary and specialty healthcare, dental, laboratory and pharmacy services specifically for the uninsured and low-income is unequaled. The clinic relies on volunteer healthcare providers and other community volunteers, donated medications and supplies, and support from funders which combine to keep the clinic costs at a minimum. Because of the focus on in-kind support, the clinic’s services are extremely cost-effective, providing comprehensive services to patients who make nominal contributions-to-care, according to a sliding fee scale based on federal poverty guidelines. Being able to contribute to their care gives patients a sense of ownership and dignity, although no one is turned away for lack of funds. San José Clinic provides its services to uninsured and low-income men, women, children and seniors regardless of income, race, ethnicity or religion.
Historical Milestones
- 1922
With the help from the Charity Guild of Catholic Women, Msgr. Walsh founded San José Clinic as “Clinica Gratuita”. Among the services offered were treatment of the skin, eye, nose and throat, dental, pre-natal care and free eyeglasses.
- 1940
The Houston Chronicle extols the accomplishments of the clinic,
“…over 1,000 patients per month are treated…and over 1,200 prescriptions are filled. How the clinic does so much on such a small amount of money is the result of a practical group of women who manage the clinic so efficiently.”
- 1947
Bishop Christopher Byrne blesses the ground and renames the clinic, “San José Clinic.
- 1960’s
The clinic begins to sign collaborative agreements with Houston’s medical institutions and increases available services.
- 1981
Charity Guild of Catholic Women pledges an annual donation of $50,000 for the pediatric clinic.
- 2006
The clinic board establishes the medical director position.
- 2010
Through a generous gift from the CHRISTUS Foundation for Healthcare, the clinic relocates to the John S. Dunn/W.T. & Louise J Moran Family Health Center to meet the growing needs of the community.
