UST, San José Clinic Team Up for Student Healthcare Access

University of St. Thomas-Houston and San José Clinic (SJC)are now in partnership for SJC to provide healthcare services for UST students, staff, faculty and immediate family members who do not have access to care due to lack of healthcare insurance.

This partnership reflects the good faith intentions of both organizations to collaborate in providing access to healthcare for eligible members of the UST community.

Dr. Michael Sullivan,DBe, HEC-C, LFACHE, Interim Divisional Dean for the UST Center for Science and Health Professionsand Program Director for the Cameron School of Business Healthcare Administration Graduate Program, said St. Thomas plays an important role in promoting health equity by providing accessible and affordable healthcare services through this partnership.

"University of St. Thomas fosters a culture of compassion and justice for our students, staff, faculty, and their immediate family by grounding healthcare services in the Catholic Social Teaching, ensuring health and well-being of all are prioritized and nurtured," Dr. Sullivan said. "As a Catholic faith-based ministry of higher education, University of St. Thomas is called to extend the healing mission of Jesus."

UST may refer uninsured students, staff, faculty, and their immediate family members to SJC, and all services rendered are between SJC and the individual referred.

SJC's mission is to provide healing through quality healthcare and education with respect and compassion for those with limited access to care. SJC is a United Way partner, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and the Texas Medical Center Institution where unwavering dedication ensures comprehensive healthcare access for all. Serving the uninsured and uninsurable communities, SJC provides a vital safety-net of essential services that include Diagnostic Services, Primary Care, Specialty Care, Women's Health Services, Dental Care, Vision, Pharmacy, Behavioral Health, and Laboratory Services.

SJC, located in Midtown and Fort Bend, extends dignified, compassionate care and support to individuals and families throughout these communities.

Interim President Fr. Dempsey Rosales Acosta is ecstatic about the partnership and speaks highly of SJC.

"San José Clinic's mission reflects the core Gospel value demonstrated by the Good Samaritan's acts of mercy and kindness toward those in need (see Lk 10:25-37)," Fr. Dempsey said. "As Cardinal Ladaria emphasizes in the letter Samaritanus bonus, hospitals and clinics rooted in Christian values must foster relationships that acknowledge the fragility and vulnerability of the sick. This awareness of human weakness deepens our dependence on God and calls us to treat our neighbors with the utmost respect and care. As an example of this Christian dimension, San José Clinic stands as a true blessing, offering us the meaningful opportunity to embody the spirit of the Good Samaritan by caring for the most vulnerable members of our community."

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that adults' aged 19-34 have the highest uninsured rates of any group in the U.S. In the 2023 academic year, there were approximately 19.28 million college/university undergraduate students in the United States with 1.6 million lacking adequate healthcare coverage, and historically disadvantaged students the least likely to have coverage.

"Many college/university students are living on their own for the first time in their lives and although most are young and healthy, they are also exposed to many new health risks," Dr. Sullivan commented. "Such risks come from living in dormitories or close quarters with other students, through the stress of being away from home and the pressure of academic life. Fifty percent of college/university students affirm their physical health, and wellness adversely impacts their academic success."

Dr. Sullivan emphasizes that the consequences of being uninsured are significant.

"Because uninsured persons do not receive the right care in the right place, they are up to four times as likely as insured persons to require avoidable hospitalizations and emergency care," Dr. Sullivan said. "As a matter of human dignity, UST believes everyone is entitled to health care. Like any basic element of life, health care sustains us and should always be accessible and affordable for everyone - where they need it, when they need it, with no exceptions or interruptions."

UST, in accordance with Catholic social teaching and values, desires to serve as an advocate for everyone, particularly our students, the poor, and other vulnerable populations. UST is committed to moving toward a more just and equitable society that ensures health care for everyone. This partnership continues that important commitment.