The Bethel Institutional Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, was one of the venues for The Caring Foundation of Texas 'Care Van' vaccination program.
The Caring Foundation of Texas Houston 'Care Van'
According to PR Newswire, the Care Van program came to the Bethel Institutional Baptist Church on Sunday, Aug. 7.
The Care Van reportedly continues its Houston tour and is scheduled to appear in other venues like the Community Family Centers, George R Brown Convention Center, and Spring Branch Family Center.
The news release also said that vaccinations are open to the public and there is no need to pre-register. Also, the Care Van's services are free for children aged 2 to 18 if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
- No health insurance
- Health insurance that does not fully cover vaccines (under-insured)
- Enrolled in Medicaid
- American Indian or Alaskan Native
The program is sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.
Bethel Institutional Missionary Baptist Church
The Bethel Institutional Missionary Baptist Church is a church that started in 1891 in the historic Fourth Ward in Texas, under the leadership of its founder, Rev. Jack Yates.
According to the church's Facebook page, it was under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Melrose A. Nimmo when the church transferred to the Southern Part of Houston.
During this time, the reverend took notice of the growth in Bethel and the possible opportunities that it could provide to the church.
By 1981, the church established its new sanctuary, and two years after, it changed its name to Bethel Institutional Missionary Baptist Church. Because of the efforts of Reverend Nimmo, the church named its gymnatorium after him in 2011.
In 2008, Rev. Dr. Murphy D. Simon Jr. took the leadership of the church. Under Reverend Simon, the church paid off its church debt.
During this time, the pastor also led the church's community outreach program. Also, he was instrumental in the reinvestment and rebuilding of "The Pointe at Crestmont" Apartment Homes complex.
The Caring Foundation of Texas
The Caring for Children Foundation of Texas, or the Caring Foundation of Texas, is an organization dedicated to providing the families of Texas with the preventive care that they need. To this end, the organization partners with nonprofits, government agencies, religious organizations, and other institutions.
According to its website, the organization provides "immunizations, oral health services, health education, and renal screenings."
Over the years, the organization has reportedly given more than 1.4 million immunizations and provided over 395,000 dental services for kids.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas is a "statewide customer-owned health insurer." The organization has been serving Texas for more than 90 years by making partnerships with local nonprofit organizations for the betterment of the communities.
On its page, the organization lays out its programs and plans, including healthcare plans, dental and vision plans, pharmacy coverage, and telemedicine, to name a few.
It also provides budget-friendly options for circumstances such as accidents, disability, and critical illness.
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