Project Access Tarrant County Update
By Kathryn Keaton
This article was originally published in the January/February 2026 issue of Tarrant County Physician.
Another year has come and gone at Project Access Tarrant County (PATC), and as we close out 2025, we reflect on a year marked by both meaningful growth and strengthened community collaboration. Through the efforts of our volunteer physicians, hospital partners, and community collaborators, PATC continued its mission of bridging gaps in specialty and surgical access for uninsured residents of Tarrant County.
Patients Served and Clinical Impact
In 2025, PATC supported 243 patients through specialty and surgical care that would otherwise have been treated through emergency departments or would have gone untreated. These services included surgical care in general surgery, gynecology, colorectal surgery, urology, orthopedic surgery, cardiology, gastroenterology, ENT, and ophthalmology, as well as other non-surgical specialties. Despite continued high demand, we eliminated our gynecology waiting list, leaving only general surgery with a significant waiting period.
“I never thought this type of help existed for people in my condition. Even though I work, I don’t have health insurance and cannot afford medical care. I do all kinds of jobs; I don’t look for handouts. I am beyond thankful.” – Joe, 74, prostatectomy
Provider Engagement & Volunteer Leadership
None of PATC’s impact is possible without our network of volunteers. In 2025, over 60 physicians donated their expertise as well as ten hospitals and surgery centers. Our ancillary partners are vital as well, providing required imaging, anesthesia, pathology/labs, physical therapy, and other services. Volunteers see patients in their own offices and choose the maximum number of patients they see annually.
“Volunteering for Project Access is easy. PATC sends physicians the workup needed for patients vetted for our specialty. We just show up and treat the patient!” – Omar Selod, DO; Physical Medical and Rehabilitation and Project Access Tarrant County volunteer
Program Innovation & Process Improvements
In 2025, PATC expanded our technological capabilities. We broadened our patient communication tools to reduce no-shows and improve follow-up adherence and continued integration of CareMessage for appointment reminders, health and disease education, and multi-lingual patient support. In addition, we introduced Salud en Tus Manos (Health in Your Hands), in-person classes that address a variety of social drivers of health issues that our patients face. Thirty-one patients attended four classes held over 2025, and more curriculum is being added for 2026.
“Because of this class, I feel more confident in asking my doctor questions so I can better understand my diabetes care.” – Yolanda, Salud en Tus Manos “How to Communicate with Your Doctor” attendee
Community Value & Financial Stewardship
The collective value of donated care in 2025 is estimated at $1.5 million, reflecting both the generosity of our volunteers and the community’s investment in equitable access. Despite these high service levels, operational efficiency has kept PATC’s cost per surgical procedure coordination at approximately $1,500.
By facilitating specialty care, PATC reduces unnecessary emergency department utilization, prevents costly complications, and supports patient well-being beyond the clinical encounter, underscoring the value of collaboration and reflecting strong stewardship of both financial and human resources.
“The emergency department is the least efficient and most expensive way to deliver gynecologic care. Hemorrhaging women are transfused and sent home, only to return the next month when their menses return. Project Access identifies these suffering women and connects them with the definitive care—usually hysterectomy—they need. My role as the volunteer surgeon is made incredibly easy. Project Access coordinates the facilities, supplies, OR staff, and nursing—all I have to do is operate.” – Michelle Arevalo, MD; Obstetrics and Gynecology and Project Access physician volunteer
Challenges and Lessons Learned
While 2025 brought significant milestones, we also encountered challenges—including our wait list in general surgery, variable engagement across certain ZIP codes, and continued navigation barriers tied to social determinants of health. We are using these insights to expand patient education efforts and approach partnerships from a data-informed angle.
2026 Goals & Momentum
As we enter 2026, PATC is focused on expanding our capacity to meet growing needs. Our priorities include recruiting new physician volunteers—especially general surgeons—as well as expanding patient education related to social drivers of health.
With continued support from physicians and partners across the county, we anticipate a year of elevated impact and strengthened patient outcomes. We thank our physician community for their commitment and look forward to what we can achieve together in 2026.
“This experience changed my mentality—that there are people that may not know someone but still care about them. Sometimes people aren’t willing to donate five minutes of their time, so the doctors giving their services and time is incredible.” – Marisa, 48, hysterectomy
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