The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

For the Record

The medically "under insured" and "under served" people of Orange now have a place to seek medical assistance.

Triangle Area Network, located at 3749 N. 16th Street, is a tax-exempt, non-profit, community service organization which was initially created in 1987 as Triangle AIDS Network. However, they have expanded their clinic services as a Federally Qualified Health Center. The size of their "umbrella" has grown along with the number of services they now provide.

TAN now specializes in Primary Care, Women's Health, Hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment, Nutritional Counseling, STD Testing and referrals, all while continuing to care for HIV and AIDS patients too.

They receive funding from the Department of Health and Human Services which has allowed the expansion.

The goals of TAN is to create a healthier, knowledgeable community.

After more than 27 years the changing landscape of healthcare has led TAN to expand their healthcare endeavors to include health care for everyone. They have a clinic in Beaumont,but wanted to reach out to include other communities in need. As a result, they determined Orange was in need of a clinic.

"There is definitely a need in Orange with the recent closing of the hospital," said Dena Hughes, executive director of TAN. "We want to build the clinic around the needs of the community."

Hughes also stated the clinic staff has plans to build up the pediatric unit too.

The clinic accepts most private insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid plans, and CHIP. For those unable to pay, there is a sliding fee scale for the services provided. It will vary on the costs, but the first initial visit can range from about $10 to $25, according to Hughes.

"You don't have to worry about not being able to afford our services," Hughes said. "We want to work with the community to ensure they get the health care they need."

If needed the staff can make referrals to meet other necessary medical needs. In addition, the staff can help patients obtain free or lower cost medications through a medical assistance program. They will also assist with all the forms and required paperwork.

Anyone needing a primary care physician is asked to consider the TAN clinic as their choice of a medical home. TAN is staffed and managed by individuals in Southeast Texas for Southeast Texans. They are your neighbors and friends and understand the needs of the people.

The clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with the exception of Wednesday and they are open until 6 p.m. In addition, they have Hepatitis C testing. For more information please call 409-920-4223. In addition, more information is available at www.tanhealthcare.org.

Hughes wants to invite everyone to get involved and come to their annual meeting. The meeting provides TAN the opportunity to open their doors and give everyone a look inside. The staff at TAN are excited about the expansion and thrilled with their awesome staff and ability to continue providing quality care for the community. Interested persons can RSVP at 409-832-8338.