Cook Children’s and JPS Partner to Build Health Care Center

In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Cook Children’s Health Care System and JPS Health Network are joining forces to bring critical health care services to children and families in the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood.

Leaders from both organizations are pleased to announce construction plans for the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Health Center on 3.7 donated acres at the corner of Calmont Avenue and Cherry Lane in west Fort Worth. The center will provide pediatric and adult medical services, behavioral health services, and social services support such as food insecurity in the form of a food pantry, community education, and onsite job training for health care industry positions. With support from the City of Fort Worth, a Fort Worth Police Storefront will also be housed in the building to help foster police relations within the community.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community, and to do it side-by-side with incredible partners such as JPS, LVTRise and the City of Fort Worth,” said Rick W. Merrill, President and CEO of Cook Children’s Health Care System. “It’s an honor to be part of the great revitalization of the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood and I look forward to the lasting legacy of this important work for generations to come.”

Cook Children’s Board of Directors approved the plan for the 40,000-square foot building in early May. A presentation was made to the JPS Health Network Board of Managers on May 11, followed by a presentation to the Tarrant County Commissioners Court on May 16.

“The JPS partnership with Cook Children’s and the City of Fort Worth symbolizes the significance of public, private partnerships. We look forward to serving these residents by providing health care and improving access in the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood,” said Dr. Karen Duncan, President and CEO of JPS Health Network.

The two-story building will include the ninth Cook Children’s Neighborhood Health Center and the newest JPS Medical Home. The facility will break ground later this year and an expected opening slated for late 2025. Cook Children’s Health Foundation will spearhead funding for the project with the support of the philanthropic community.

“Advocating for access to comprehensive health care in the Las Vegas Trail area has been a priority of my tenure on the City Council,” said Michael D. Crain, Fort Worth City Councilmember, District 3. “I am grateful to Cook Children’s and JPS for understanding the need and embracing this unique partnership. The facility will be a testament to a continued focus on providing hope and healing for all of our residents.”

Since the closure of Carswell Air Force Base in the early 1990s, the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood has experienced high levels of crime and economic distress. It has also been identified as a health care desert, with residents lacking easy access to basic medical care.

“The opening of this clinic in LVT is literally a dream come true for all of those we serve in the LVT community,” said LVTRise Executive Director Paige Charbonnet. “Having wrap around health care and social services within walking distance will be transformational.”

In the LVT area, there are more than 20,000 children aged 0-14 with a 7% growth in this population expected by 2025. Currently, Cook Children’s Emergency Department and Urgent Care Clinics account for more than 4,000 annual visits from children in the 76116 and 76108 zip codes. Additionally, more than 7,000 members of Cook Children’s Health Plan live in these zip codes. Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Health Center will allow Cook Children’s patients and Health Plan members to have a medical home for their health care needs that’s close to their own home.

The JPS Medical Home model allows patients to access care under one roof for convenience and efficiency. The new clinic will include primary care and behavioral health services, as well as other social support to address the socioeconomic needs of the community.