Alonzo lives with congestive heart failure
but without insurance. The Rockwall man
wears a defibrillator vest to prevent sudden
cardiac arrest. And, when needed, he visits
the Grace Clinic.
Rockwall County residents with qualifying
incomes and without health insurance or
medical assistance programs can contact
the Grace Clinic, near downtown Rockwall.
Each Wednesday evening, local health
care professionals volunteer to treat basic
ailments—coughs and colds—or more
serious conditions.
Since March 2014 the clinic has served
“the uninsured and underserved” at 418 E.
Bourn St. Grace Clinic staff has made good
use of space provided by Piedra Angular
Assembly of God, which has shared office
areas and contributed rooms for patient
examinations. But the clinic will soon
move to its own facility.
Happy Campers
I recently met some of the clinic staff
during their 6 to 8 p.m. hours. A non-
English speaking woman, Guadalupe Vera,
greeted me from her desk in the foyer,
where she volunteers with patient check-in.
Her bilingual daughter, Esmeralda, soon
arrived to work beside her.
Beyond the foyer I met Grace Clinic’s
Board President, Brenda Cross, who
showed me the two exam rooms they
outfitted with donations from Baylor
Hospital’s warehouse. Afterward, in the
small office shared by the entire health care
team, I met others on duty that evening.
Clinic Manager Debi Williamson told
me about the client with the wearable
defibrillator. Alonzo comes for check-ups
since he’s not eligible for Medicare until
November.
Several feet from Debi’s workspace, the
clinic’s Medical Director, Dr. Rebecca
Burchfiel, pulled files from a cabinet. The
doctor, who works with Benchmark Family
Medical in Rockwall, said Grace Clinic
treats a lot of health issues related
to diabetes and high blood pressure.
They told me about the other health care
team members. Dr. Steven Bray serves as
the Assistant Medical Director and regular
attending physician. The clinic’s nurse
is Kate Elsey, a school nurse at Springer
Elementary.
I also met Karen Straughan, who works as
a local real estate agent but also serves as
Grace Clinic’s board secretary. While the
others worked around us, she and Brenda
filled me in on their plans to move. While
listening, I noticed the group’s happy
camaraderie. Karen explained:
“There’s just joy.”
A Holistic Approach
As I looked at the clinic’s
brochure with a stated
mission as a Christ-centered
organization, I wondered
how these diverse people
came together.
How did Dr. Burchfiel
get involved? “She’s our
doctor,” Brenda and Karen
chimed in together.
Brenda, who works by day
as a marketing strategist,
explained how the clinic
emerged from a kitchen table
conversation with friends
several years ago. She said
they all knew that out-of-
hospital care is a challenge for those
at the poverty level, “who too often
head to the local emergency room in
place of a clinic, even if they only need
medication refills.”
Karen was part of that original
brainstorming session and told me they
believed another clinic could supplement
other available health care in the area.
“There’s a huge need for indigent care
in Rockwall, and we hope to fill some of
those gaps,” she said. “We’re open in the
evening. Our staff is volunteer. We’re a free
and charitable clinic like the Hope Clinic in
Garland—that’s our model.” (Grace Clinic
requests only a $10 donation from clients).
Dr. Bray, who had hoped for a local mission
opportunity, responded to a notice about the
clinic in the weekly bulletin at Lake Pointe
Church, where most of the clinic’s board
members attend church.
Grace Clinic honors the scriptural
admonition “to do good and to share
what you have” (Hebrews 13:16), which
includes spiritual care. The group told me
they sometimes ask to pray with clients.
However, “Dr. Bray prays with everyone,”
they said—nearly singing in unison.
“This is not just about health care,”
Brenda added. “It’s about equipping people,
offering health education, personal
encouragement and Christian ministry.”
More Grace This Summer
The clinic’s new location just north of
downtown, at 602 Goliad, will provide
twice the space, with room for patient
education and conferences. And having
their own building will allow the staff to
add another evening and extend the hours.
“A very generous local resident gave us
the house to use,” Brenda said. The older
home is being renovated and should be
ready for move-in this summer.
Grace Clinic’s long-range goals include
becoming a five-days-a-week clinic (still
evenings) and paying mid-level providers.
As a 501©3 not-for-profit organization,
these and other goals depend on the
support of individuals, businesses
and local churches.
Find out more about Grace Clinic
and volunteer opportunities at www.
RockwallGraceClinic.org or call
972-722-4606 for an appointment.
By Blue Ribbon News special contributor
Patti Richter of Heath.
GOOD FAITH
18
Summer Edition 2016
BlueRibbonNews.com
More Grace in Rockwall County
The charitable Grace Clinic prepares to expand
Alonzo is a Rockwall County resident who
benefits from the charitable clinic. Photo
courtesy of Grace Clinic.
The new location at 602 Goliad will allow Grace Clinic to
expand their services. Photo courtesy of Grace Clinic.
Donated equipment from a Baylor Hospital
warehouse outfitted the clinic’s examination
rooms. Photo by Patti Richter.