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HEALTH TIPS
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day
Many of us find it difficult to eat a healthy breakfast on the go. Here are some tips to make it easier on you!
Pick up portable breakfast items when at the grocery store. You should buy foods like fruit, low-fat yogurt, whole grain breakfast bars, or granola bars for those mornings when you have to eat breakfast on the go.
The History of HACS
Houston Area Community Services was established in 1998 as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization to provide affordable, quality medical care, a pharmacy, behavioral health services and living assistance to individuals and families residing in Harris County and the surrounding areas.
In 1997 the founder and current CEO Joe Fuentes realized the need for an agency that would provide essential and specialty health services to patients living with chronic conditions such as HIV/AIDS. Although medical services were available for these individuals, many patients suffered from life issues extending far beyond the scope of traditional medical services. Mr. Fuentes saw that patients who found a stable living situation through housing programs were more likely to make their medical visits, take their prescribed medications and attend their behavioral counseling sessions. Quickly, it was apparent that patients who addressed their behavioral health and living environments experienced dramatic improvements in their physical health. They were able to self-manage their health and their lives.
Shortly after launching this model for HIV patients, Mr. Fuentes extended the approach to all eligible residents of Harris County who were faced with the same social determinants that contributed to poor health. Today, patients who make Houston Area Community Services their medical home provider enjoy greater success in their personal life, in addition to their improved medical outlook.
The Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) designates HACS as a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC). The Joint Commission accredits HACS' Ambulatory Care and Behavioral Health programs and also certifies the agency as a Primary Care Medical Home (PCMH). The Texas Department of State Health Services licenses HACS' adult Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOT) program as well as its Class A Community/Retail Pharmacy. These accreditations ensure that HACS continues to provide quality services by meeting or surpassing national benchmarks for healthcare services.
