Heart to Heart International announced Tuesday the installation of a point-of-care laboratory at the Arthur Nagel Community Clinic in Bandera, expanding onsite testing capabilities as part of its Texas flooding disaster relief efforts.
Heart to Heart International is a nonprofit international health organization headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas. It responds to domestic and international disasters by supplying medical relief and mobilizing volunteers, according to the organization.
The laboratory was installed using donor funding designated for Texas flooding response initiatives through Heart to Heart International’s Laboratory program, according to the organization. The clinic was impacted by flooding earlier this year.
A press release says the new point-of-care lab allows medical providers to perform diagnostic tests during patient visits, delivering rapid results that can support timely treatment decisions.
Heart to Heart International said the approach is designed to reduce barriers to care such as transportation challenges and additional testing costs, which often lead patients to delay or forgo medical services.
The Arthur Nagel Community Clinic, located at 1116 12th St. in Bandera, received the laboratory installation during a scheduled upgrade, followed by staff training that will continue through Jan. 15.
The installation included modern laboratory equipment, training, technical support, and supplies and reagents for the first year of operation.
All equipment installed becomes permanent property of the clinic, the organization said.
“This enhancement will allow us to deliver faster, more accurate testing right here in Bandera, giving our patients real-time answers and improving the quality of care they receive,” said Sandra Imery, executive director of the Arthur Nagel Community Clinic. “Heart to Heart International’s commitment to reducing barriers and advancing equitable health care aligns perfectly with our mission, and this upgrade will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the community we serve.” Point-of-care testing is particularly important for diagnosing and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, according to Heart to Heart International.
The organization said immediate access to test results allows clinicians to develop treatment plans more efficiently and increases the likelihood that patients will follow medical guidance.
“This partnership embodies our commitment to the goals of our Laboratory program and supports our mission of improving access to equitable health care in medically under-resourced communities and in disaster situations,” said Tenagashaw Tiruneh, senior vice president of programs for Heart to Heart International.
With the addition of the lab, clinic patients will no longer need to travel to outside facilities or pay additional fees for many common tests. Heart to Heart International said the model promotes more frequent testing, stronger engagement between patients and providers, and quicker paths to treatment and recovery.
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