Home Programs Adolescent and Children's Clinic The Program

The Program

The tragedy of the estimated 45 million uninsured Americans has become a widely known statistic in the U.S. Children represent 20 percent or 9 million of all those who are uninsured.

In response to the growing problem of providing children’s health and dental services, the Network of Community Ministries’ Adolescent and Children’s Clinic offers free health care and dental services to uninsured children. All services are provided by a dedicated staff of volunteer physicians, dentists, nurses, hygienists and front office workers.

The Network Clinic has been on the frontline of medical assistance for uninsured or uninsurable children since its inception in 1992, working closely with the Richardson Independent School District and local medical agencies to ensure the best quality of care. From 2007 through 2009, the clinic served the medical needs of 1,455 children in the community.

In December 2009, two of the clinic's exam rooms were renovated to serve as dental operatory facilities. With the addition of dental services in January, 2010, it is projected that an additional 400 - 500 children per year will receive free dental screening and care through the Network Clinic.

Assessments indicate as a response from our data and the Richardson Independent School District, that absenteeism due to acute illnesses among students has consistently declined in the last three years. Parental response reflects a positive rating of services offered through our clinic as well as a favorable response to the subsequent follow-up by doctors and the school nurses.