AccessHealth Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Medical-Legal Partnership, Assisting Over 200 Patients with Legal Needs
(Richmond, TX) – AccessHealth proudly marks the one-year anniversary of its groundbreaking Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP), a collaborative initiative designed to integrate legal services into the healthcare setting to address the root causes of health inequities. Since its launch last year, the MLP has provided legal assistance to over 200 patients—and counting, transforming lives by resolving issues that directly impact health and well-being.
The partnership—formed in collaboration with Houston Volunteer Lawyers and their partner local legal aid organizations—addresses a wide range of civil legal issues, including housing instability, access to public benefits, family law, employment rights, and more. These are often barriers that patients face outside the clinic but that significantly affect their physical and mental health. Leading this effort is in house attorney Susan Soto.
“Kudos to the two organizations that partnered to bring the medical-legal partnership to fruition,” said Susan. “We've made an incredible difference for the community during the first year and I look forward to continuing the work to improve health outcomes for friends and neighbors in Fort Bend and Waller Counties through legal assistance.”
Others have seen their lives changed through restored benefits, protective orders, and support—all services seamlessly integrated into their medical visits.
The success of the program underscores AccessHealth’s commitment to holistic, patient and community centered care. As demand continues to grow, the MLP team is already exploring ways to expand services and reach more individuals in need.
AccessHealth extends its gratitude to the staff, community partners, and legal advocates who have made this initiative a success—and looks forward to deepening this innovative model in the years ahead.
About AccessHealth
AccessHealth is a private, not-for-profit organization and Federally Qualified Health Center. Since 1975, AccessHealth has opened its doors to all who wish to receive care without regard to income or circumstance. Today, AccessHealth has 6 Clinic locations and 11 WIC Centers all throughout the Fort Bend and Waller counties. AccessHealth continues growing and collaborating with patients, their families and other community organizations to address the physical, social, and psychological needs within their community with compassion, competence, and integrity. For more information, visit www.myaccesshealth.org
About Houston Volunteer Lawyers
Founded in 1981 by the Houston Bar Association, Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL) provides free, civil legal services to low-income residents of Harris County by linking qualified applicants with attorneys who volunteer their time on a pro bono basis. HVL is an equal opportunity agency, providing services to clients without regard to race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin or religion.