June 1, 2015 - Jasper, Texas – East Texas Health Access Network (ETHAN), a non-profit organization that assists low income, uninsured and chronically ill rural residents with desperately needed healthcare services and programs, will be closing its doors on June 12, 2015. ETHAN has been serving the eight rural East Texas counties of Jasper, Newton, Sabine, San Augustine, Tyler, Hardin, Shelby, and Polk for over 14 years. ETHAN, a safety net provider and rural health network, collaborated with public health agencies, hospitals, healthcare providers, universities, businesses, civic groups and community leaders to bridge the gap in rural healthcare services.
“It is with deepest regret that I inform you of ETHAN’s closure on June 12, 2015. Rural health funding has been extremely limited in recent years and our area is not considered a priority. Everything possible has been done to avoid this situation but without funding we are no longer able to provide services. We will work with everyone to the best of our ability to ensure the best possible transition for both our partners, clients and our rural community at large,” stated Kim Harris, Executive Director.
Some of the programs and services provided by ETHAN included free Diabetes Education Classes, Prescription Assistance, Dental Services, Mammography, Nutrition Counseling, Durable Medical Equipment Program, Health Insurance Screening and Patient Navigation Services.
