TYLER, Texas — For many immigrants, access to quality healthcare can be a significant challenge.
But here in East Texas, Bethesda Health Clinic is working to break down those barriers and provide compassionate, affordable care to the Hispanic community with its mission to care for the underserved.
As the new Bethesda Health Clinic Medical Director Dr. Jose Ricardo Martinez, serving the local community is more than just a job, it's his calling. He's committed to ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare.
"As long as they're working and they're not able to get insurance through work, we will take them, we will see them, we will try to help them out in whatever way we can," Martinez said.
Patient Melchor Palomares Alonso knows firsthand the obstacles immigrants can face when trying to communicate with doctors. Before finding the Bethesda, he said he often felt hesitant and unsure when seeking medical care, worried he wouldn't be able to properly express his concerns.
"I had doubts. I was shy because I couldn't communicate," Alonso said. "But here at Bethesda, they always have Spanish interpreters and support to help us feel confident in expressing ourselves."
Bethesda makes it a priority to have bilingual staff on hand to break down language barriers.
"We are blessed to have a lot of bilingual folks at the front that can answer questions, providers as well and things like that," Martinez said. "We have a lot of folks that definitely use Spanish as a primary language."
While Bethesda started out mostly focused on primary care, Martinez said they've steadily expanded their services over the years.
"Slowly, specialists have been added. Cardiology, pulmonology, nephrology, endocrinology, those kinds of things," Martinez said.
It's a level of affordability and compassion that Alonso says has had a profound impact, not just on him, but on the entire Hispanic community.
"Bethesda has been constant, Bethesda has always been there. For us immigrants, and for the general public who don't have health insurance, it's been a great help," Alonso said.
Beyond just medical care, Bethesda takes a holistic approach, incorporating mental health services and even spiritual support for patients. It's a mission that resonates with Martinez.
"We can put God first, and we can talk about our religion, our Christianity, with our patients. We try to not only provide good medical help, but also mental health and spiritual health in that respect," Martinez said.
For Alonso and so many others, Bethesda Health has been a beacon of hope. For Martinez, it's a workplace that provides quality care regardless of one's immigration status or ability to pay.
“And I feel very proud, privileged and blessed to be here," Martinez said.
Bethesda Health Clinic is located at 409 W Ferguson St. in downtown Tyler.