Starting July 28, 1,000 families in Mesquite will receive free, unlimited access to virtual medical care through a new telehealth pilot program from MD Health Pathways in partnership with Sharing Life Community Outreach.
The program aims to help Texas families facing barriers like transportation and cost by connecting them with licensed providers remotely. This aims to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and provide quick care for common illnesses.
MD Health Pathways’ Tap Telehealth platform lets patients get diagnoses, treatment plans, and prescriptions via phone or computer without leaving home. It reportedly manages 97% of common illnesses and helps users find nearby low-cost pharmacies.
“We believe healthcare should be simple, affordable, and available when people need it, not just when they can afford it,” said Dr. Dirk Peritt, CEO of MD Health Pathways, in a release. “This pilot is about removing barriers. We’re excited to work with an organization like Sharing Life that’s already doing so much good in the community. Together, we’re creating real, practical impact for families who need it most.”
“Sharing Life has always been committed to meeting families where they are, with dignity and compassion,” said Teresa Jackson, CEO and Founder of Sharing Life, in a release. “This partnership with MD Health Pathways is a natural fit. Access to care is a basic need, and now our families will be able to speak to licensed providers from home. It’s convenient, it’s private, and it’s completely free for them. That’s a big deal.”
The pilot is offered at no cost to the City of Mesquite and will be evaluated over the coming months for its impact on healthcare usage, school attendance, and community satisfaction. Telehealth has grown in popularity in Texas since the COVID-19 pandemic, as providers look for innovative ways to reach underserved populations. If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for other Texas communities facing similar barriers.