This year marks a significant milestone as Austin Community Foundation celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Jordan Award and its longstanding recognition of volunteer contributions in Central Texas. Named in honor of Dr. Wylie Jordan, a generous friend and advocate of the Foundation since its inception in 1977, the Jordan Award shines a light on nonprofits driving meaningful change through volunteerism. This year’s milestone also coincides with the largest amount granted in the Jordan Award’s history.
VHC’s current home on Medical Parkway in Rosedale, Austin.
ACF is excited to recognize Volunteer Healthcare Clinic (VHC) as the 2024 Jordan Award recipient! For nearly six decades, VHC has been a lifeline for Austin’s most vulnerable populations, including uninsured, undocumented, and low-income individuals and families (those earning less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Level). Each year, over 1,000 patients turn to VHC for high-quality medical care, offered at little to no cost. While a suggested donation of $10 or more is appreciated, no one is turned away due to an inability to pay—eliminating financial barriers to healthcare and ensuring everyone has access to the care they need.
VHC has deep roots in caring for the community. Originally established by a ladies’ church group in 1966, the Clinic first operated in borrowed spaces, including a building on the property of St. David’s Church (who is still one of their sustaining partners, to this day). By 1993, it secured a permanent location on Medical Parkway, and in 1996, it was officially renamed Volunteer Healthcare Clinic to honor the organization’s essence: its dedicated volunteers. While the name and location have evolved over the years, VHC’s mission has remained unchanged—to improve the health and well-being of low-income and uninsured individuals through high-quality care, education, and long-term support.
VHC advances its mission by offering a wide range of healthcare services, such as:
UT Project Collaborate pharmacy students doing point of care tests such as glucose and cholesterol checks.
- Acute primary care (nurse and physician consultations, related services like lab testing, imaging or prescriptions)
- Chronic disease management (nutrition counseling, ophthalmology consults, diabetic podiatric exams)
- Mental/behavioral health support (psychiatry services, medication management)
- Specialty care (cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and rheumatology specialists)
- Services encompassing pediatric care, social service referrals and bi-annual women’s health clinics.
For those whose needs extend beyond these offerings, VHC actively connects them with other clinics, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), programs, and support networks in the area. Each August, the Clinic also hosts ‘Healthy Kids Day,’ allowing parents to bring their children for well-child exams and sports physicals in preparation for the school year.
New Balance shoe donations for VHC courtesy of Fleet Feet, a sponsor of Gabby Thomas.
Central to VHC’s ability to fulfill its mission is its committed team of over 400 volunteers. Medical professionals, both retired and active, generously offer their time and expertise to deliver exceptional care to patients. Among them is U.S. track and field Olympian Gabby Thomas, who has led the Clinic’s Hypertension (HTN) Control Program for two years. Non-medical volunteers also play a crucial role, from handling administrative duties to supporting Clinic operations. Additionally, VHC actively seeks physicians, nurses and Spanish language interpreters to extend their services to Austin’s diverse population. Fundraising is another key area where non-medical volunteers contribute, helping organize efforts like the upcoming ‘Tuned to Health’ Musical Fundraiser on November 1, which will raise funds to support their work.
How you can support Volunteer Healthcare Clinic:
- Volunteer! VHC welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds, including those with skills in marketing, fundraising, writing, or web design as well as clinical volunteers. You can make a difference in various ways. Visit their volunteer page to learn more and apply.
- Donate. Running a medical clinic involves significant costs, and your contributions can help sustain VHC’s work in the community. Explore ways to give by visiting their donation page.
Congratulations to Volunteer Healthcare Clinic for their extraordinary commitment to volunteerism, and exemplifying the incredible impact that community and compassion can have in ensuring everyone has access to the care they deserve—now and for many years to come.