The Communities We Serve

Panhandle Community Services (PCS) is a nonprofit Community Action Agency headquartered in Amarillo, Texas, dedicated to empowering low-income individuals and families across the Texas Panhandle. Serving all 26 counties in the region, PCS offers a comprehensive suite of programs aimed at bridging the gap from poverty to self-sufficiency.​

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Key services include housing assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, utility bill support, weatherization services to improve home energy efficiency, and transportation solutions via Panhandle Transit, which provides demand-response rides across rural areas. PCS also facilitates access to health insurance programs like Medicaid and CHIP, offers tax preparation assistance, and supports veterans through specialized programs. Additionally, the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) engages older adults in meaningful community service.​

 

With multiple service centers throughout the Panhandle, PCS remains committed to fostering economic stability and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Northwest Texas Healthcare System (NWTHS) is a 495-bed acute care academic teaching hospital located in Amarillo, Texas. Serving the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle, NWTHS offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including specialized care in cardiology, emergency medicine, stroke treatment, and pediatric care. The hospital is recognized as a Level III designated trauma center, providing critical care services to the region.​

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NWTHS encompasses various specialized centers and programs, such as the Northwest Children's Hospital, a dedicated Behavioral Health facility offering inpatient and outpatient services for all age groups, and a Therapy Center equipped with advanced rehabilitation technologies. The hospital also provides services in areas like neurology, orthopedics, women's health, and weight-loss surgery. In 2024, NWTHS was named among the Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for its performance in treating heart attacks and heart failure.​

Regence Health Network (RHN) is a nonprofit, full-service primary healthcare system serving the Texas Panhandle and South Plains through locations in Amarillo, Hereford, and Plainview. RHN offers comprehensive, integrated care that includes medical, dental, behavioral health, lab, and outreach services, with a mission to provide affordable, high-quality care to individuals and families, regardless of insurance status.​

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RHN’s medical services encompass family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and women’s health, supported by on-site laboratory testing and pharmacy services. Dental clinics in all three cities offer preventive and restorative care—including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures—in modern, state-of-the-art facilities designed to serve patients who may otherwise lack access to affordable dental care. ​

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Behavioral health services are available for patients of all ages, with licensed professional counselors providing individual and family therapy. RHN also operates outreach programs such as WIC (Women, Infants & Children), smoking cessation classes, and community education initiatives. 

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As a federally qualified health center, RHN accepts most insurance plans, including Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare, and offers sliding fee discounts for those who qualify.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) is a leading healthcare institution that not only educates future medical professionals but also provides a wide range of direct patient care services across West Texas. With campuses in Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, Odessa, and Midland, TTUHSC delivers accessible, high-quality healthcare to rural and underserved communities.

 

Through its clinical practices, the institution offers primary care, women's health, pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, and specialty services—including oncology, endocrinology, and neurology. Patients can receive care through TTUHSC-affiliated clinics, hospitals, mobile units, and telehealth platforms.

 

The university’s commitment to community health is further strengthened by its focus on prevention, research-based treatment, and care coordination, making it a central resource for comprehensive healthcare in the Texas Panhandle and beyond.

The Texas Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is a statewide public health initiative designed to support low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under the age of five. Administered by the Texas Department of State Health Services, WIC provides access to nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, health education, and referrals to healthcare and social services.

 

Participants receive monthly benefits through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to purchase approved healthy food items such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, whole grains, infant formula, and baby food. The program also offers personalized nutrition counseling, online education, and support for infant feeding practices.

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A key strength of WIC is its robust breastfeeding support, which includes access to lactation consultants, peer counselors, educational classes, and a 24/7 breastfeeding hotline. WIC also connects families to essential services like immunizations, prenatal care, and community resources.

To qualify, individuals must live in Texas, fall within income guidelines (185% or below the federal poverty level), and be at nutritional risk, as determined by a health professional. U.S. citizenship is not required, and participation in Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF automatically qualifies individuals.

The InfantRisk Center (IRC), located at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Amarillo, Texas, is a globally recognized authority on medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Founded by Dr. Thomas Hale, a leading expert in perinatal pharmacology, the center is dedicated to supporting the health of mothers and infants by providing evidence-based information on the transfer of medications into breast milk.​

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A cornerstone of the IRC's services is its free call center, staffed by trained nurses who offer personalized guidance to healthcare providers and mothers worldwide. Operating Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM CST, the center addresses complex inquiries involving multiple medications, aiming to assess potential risks to infants while promoting safe breastfeeding practices. ​

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In addition to direct consultations, the IRC offers digital resources to enhance accessibility. The MommyMeds app provides pregnant and breastfeeding mothers with immediate, easy-to-understand information on over 20,000 prescription and over-the-counter medications. For healthcare professionals, the InfantRisk HCP app delivers comprehensive safety ratings and evidence-based summaries for a wide range of drugs, facilitating informed clinical decisions.

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The IRC is also at the forefront of research in lactation pharmacology. Its state-of-the-art Clinical Pharmacology laboratory conducts studies on the transmission of various substances into breast milk, contributing significantly to the limited data available in this field. By publishing numerous studies annually and collaborating with pharmaceutical companies, the center plays a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and shaping guidelines for medication use during lactation.

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Through its comprehensive services, the InfantRisk Center empowers mothers and healthcare providers with the information necessary to make safe, informed decisions regarding medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Texas Public Health Region 1, administered by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), serves the Panhandle and South Plains regions of Texas. Headquartered in Lubbock, this region encompasses 41 counties and is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of its residents through a comprehensive array of public health programs and services.

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The region offers a wide range of services, including immunizations for children and adults, tuberculosis education and treatment, sexually transmitted disease (STD) and HIV screening and prevention, and community health initiatives focused on infant safe sleep and child passenger safety. Additionally, Public Health Region 1 provides emergency medical services (EMS) support, environmental health services, and programs aimed at tobacco prevention and control.

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To facilitate these services, the region operates several field offices and clinics located in Amarillo, Dumas, Hereford, Lubbock, and Pampa. These facilities are staffed with professionals committed to delivering essential public health services to communities across the region.

Obstetrics + Gynecology (OB + GYN)

 

Texas Tech Physicians offers comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care through its Amarillo and Canyon clinics, serving women across the Texas Panhandle. Their experienced team provides a full spectrum of services, including well-woman exams, prenatal care and delivery, family planning, menopause management, and treatment for conditions such as abnormal Pap smears, infertility, and pelvic floor disorders. Specialized procedures like hysteroscopy and minimally invasive surgeries are also available, ensuring personalized care at every stage of life.