AUSTIN (KXAN) – In a time of financial uncertainty, Kind Clinic is seeking community donations so it can continue to provide its clients with consistent care.
Every day, hundreds of Texans walk into Kind Clinic for sexually transmitted infection testing, HIV care and prevention and mental health services. While around 20% of Texans are underinsured, approximately 40% of Kind Clinic’s patients lack health insurance, according to the clinic.
“We're really helping close healthcare gaps for individuals who either have health insurance but can't afford the cost of their medications or outright don't have health insurance,” said Juan Benitez, the chief advancement officer for Texas Health Action.
Last week, Austin Public Health leaders spoke at a Public Health Committee meeting, telling city council members that APH had lost around $15 million in federal grant funding and 50 jobs. It said there is a possibility that it could lose even more grant funding soon.
While Kind Clinic does not rely solely on APH funding – its funding comes from multiple sources – APH provided Kind Clinic and the Texas Health Action around $1.35 million in its 2023-2024 budget for STI and HIV testing.
“We're looking at getting renewed,” Benitez said. “We cannot just eliminate STI testing and treatment at Kind Clinic; [that would] definitely leave a void of care for Austinites.”
Kind Clinic said it has events people can attend and new programs that will help ensure Kind Clinic can continue its mission.
"We really are not just a pillar for the LGBTQIA+ community and those living with HIV and impacted by HIV,” Benitez said. “We're a pillar for public health at large here in Central Texas.”
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