MLK Family Center Clinic encourages health and wellness

by Connie Webster, DCMS director of community service

The Martin Luther King Jr Family Center in the Fair Park area of Dallas provides primary medical and dental care to the medically underserved, as part of the MLK Community Center. But medical services are just part of the offering. The center also provides a library, child care, senior center, and recreational opportunities for the entire family.

The privately owned clinic provides services to more than 20,000 patients each year and immunizes an additional 8000 children annually at its site at 2922-B Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. The three physicians, two dentists, and two nurse practitioners see an average of 200 patients a day.

MLK providers encourage patients to care about their health and wellness, according to Joyce E. Tapley, MLK chief executive officer. "We strive to support the larger hospital and health system networks by keeping patients out of the emergency rooms and hospitals, when possible," she says.

The center qualifies as a federally qualified community health center, one of more than 25 community clinics and health centers in Texas and only two in Dallas. It is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, founded in 1986.

Its focus, as defined by the federal government, is to increase patient access to health care and eliminate racial disparities. The clinic offers internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatric services, as well as dental care for patients older than 12 months, immunizations, and a triage for walk-ins. The center is governed by a 13-member board of directors, seven of whom are clinic patients.

For added convenience, the clinic has an in-house laboratory and pharmacy. For patients with appointments, but not transportation, the clinic van transports patients to and from the clinic. The MAC (Mothers and Children) Mobile Van provides medical and dental exams at community health fairs.

Students training in healthcare professions such as medical assistants, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dental assistants, pharmacists, physicians, and healthcare administration complete clinical externships at the center. The MLK Center is a designated National Health Service Corps site for scholars and those repaying student loans.

The clinic is open from 8 AM to 5 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and from 11 AM to 8 PM on Wednesdays. The clinic phone number is 214-426-3645.
For information about volunteer opportunites, contact Connie Webster, DCMS director of community service, at 214-948-3622 or connie@dallas-cms.org.