Introducing Community Health Development, Inc. Ham Lane Multi-Purpose Community Health Center in Uvalde

About the Center

The new Community Health Development, Inc. (CHDI) Multi-Purpose Community Health Center, in Uvalde is designed as a long-term investment to support the region. The 16,181-square-foot center provides healthcare services and meeting spaces for the Uvalde community, including:

• 7 primary medical care examination rooms

• 3 dental operatories

• Behavioral health services via telehealth

• Class A pharmacy with drive-up access

• Medical laboratory

• 20 full-time employees as well as rotating staff from other CHDI sites

• 150-person capacity community room

• Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid office

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas office space

• College / job preparation training space for students

• Tranquility garden honoring victims of the Robb Elementary School tragedy (in progress)

How it Began

After the Robb Elementary School tragedy in May 2022, CHDI, a federally qualified health center in Uvalde, began working to address an urgent need to expand resources available for the community to support their physical, behavioral, and emotional health. CHDI created an advisory committed to plan and implement three key initiatives: building a new community health center, establishing a school-based health center to serve students and personnel, and creating the Robb Elementary School Dream Scholarship Fund.

Why it Matters

CHDI is the largest healthcare provider in the Uvalde region, serving 12,000 individuals in the rural area each year. Founded in 1983, CHDI is now in the top 10% of health centers nationwide for best overall clinical performance. The new health center will allow CHDI to expand on its commitment to bridging social, ethnic, and economic gaps to deliver high-quality healthcare.

Investing in Uvalde

Centene Foundation and Centene’s Texas health plan, Superior HealthPlan, have invested more than $8 million in the new, state-of-the-art multi-purpose community health center. Additionally, Superior HealthPlan is supporting the advisory committee, staffing the position of chair, and collaborating with CHDI to provide ongoing access to behavioral healthcare and other wellness programs.