Partnership Story of Impact: AccessHealth and Second Mile
In the heart of Fort Bend County, two mission-driven organizations, AccessHealth and Second Mile Mission Center, have come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. Rooted in compassion, trust, and a shared commitment to community well-being, their partnership is not only addressing immediate needs like food and healthcare but also building long-term pathways toward better health and stability for underserved residents. We asked Julie Johnston from Second Mile and Jordan Neal from AccessHealth to give their insight into this lasting partnership.
What led to the collaboration between AccessHealth and Second Mile?
“For many years, Second Mile operated a free medical and dental clinic. The responsibility of managing a clinic on top of our other core programs became increasingly difficult to sustain,” shared Julie Johnston, Senior Director of Programs at Second Mile. Recognizing the underutilized potential of their clinic space, the organization began searching for a partner that could carry the healthcare mantle forward with both excellence and empathy. “When considering potential partners, AccessHealth quickly rose to the top of our list. It felt like a natural fit.”
That decision was more than logistical—it was visionary. Second Mile and AccessHealth had already been connected through patient referrals and mutual admiration. By deepening their relationship, the two organizations unlocked a new model of community-centered care.
How has Second Mile benefited from being a partner with AccessHealth?
Julie Johnston is unequivocal in her gratitude: “We have a trusted, compassionate agency to refer our neighbors to...one that we know will provide excellent care and treat every person with dignity and respect.” For Second Mile, the partnership offers more than convenience—it provides hope. By having AccessHealth as an embedded partner, Second Mile ensures that individuals struggling with poverty, chronic conditions, and lack of insurance have a safety net.
How does AccessHealth feel they have benefitted from their Second Mile partnership?
From AccessHealth’s perspective, the partnership has opened doors—literally and figuratively. “This collaboration is especially vital in reaching individuals experiencing food insecurity,” said Jordan Neal, Senior Population Health Manager at AccessHealth. “Through our Hey Neighbor Community Nutrition events, we’ve connected with individuals who may not have otherwise engaged with healthcare services.”
This alignment helps AccessHealth fulfill its mission in tangible, community-centered ways. By building trust in spaces where people already feel safe, such as Second Mile’s resource center, AccessHealth is dismantling barriers to care one conversation at a time.
How does working with Second Mile align with AccessHealth’s mission and vision?
Jordan Neal describes the partnership as “deeply aligned” with AccessHealth’s mission: “Together, we are bridging gaps in care, reducing disparities, and empowering healthier futures for Fort Bend County residents.” That alignment extends beyond services—it’s about values. Both organizations prioritize dignity, equity, and service. Their work is a testament to what’s possible when compassion leads.
Can you share any specific success stories or milestones that demonstrate the impact of our partnership on the community?
Julie Johnston points to one program that exemplifies their shared impact: “One of the most meaningful examples is the monthly nutrition education sessions the AccessHealth team leads at Second Mile. These classes go beyond just information. They empower families.” These sessions equip individuals with practical tools, increasing confidence and enabling real change. Neighbors leave with more than handouts—they leave with hope.
A Dietitian’s Perspective: Health Starts with Food
Registered AccessHealth Dietitian Rumaysah Popalzai sees the impact firsthand. “Many patients, despite facing barriers like limited resources, are highly motivated to improve their health,” she said. Rumaysah’s one-on-one consultations and classes help neighbors discover how to creatively use the ingredients in their food boxes—turning nutrition education into a culturally relevant, empowering experience.
“Working alongside the Second Mile staff, we’ve been able to create an environment where patients feel supported and empowered to make healthier choices,” Rumaysah continued. “This collaboration has shown me the powerful impact of providing not just food, but the knowledge to use it effectively.”
How do the values of AccessHealth and Second Mile complement each other in this partnership?
“At the heart of both AccessHealth and Second Mile is a shared commitment to serve with compassion, dignity, and respect,” said Julie Johnston. Their complementary strengths—AccessHealth’s healthcare expertise and Second Mile’s holistic approach to poverty relief—create a full spectrum of support. Together, they “meet people where they are and walk alongside them on their journey toward greater health and stability.”
A Partnership with Purpose
The collaboration between AccessHealth and Second Mile is not a one-time initiative or a temporary alliance. It is a deeply rooted partnership built on shared goals and sustained by mutual respect. It’s about reimagining how healthcare and community services intersect.
AccessHealth and Second Mile are proving that partnerships, grounded in trust and a common mission, can create lasting change for the communities they serve. That change is not just visible. It’s life-changing.