Heal the City, a nonprofit providing free healthcare to uninsured residents in Amarillo, has been named the 2024 Bank of America Neighborhood Champion. This recognition includes a $50,000 grant, leadership development training, technical coaching, and access to a national network of nonprofit peers, furthering Heal the City’s mission to provide compassionate, accessible healthcare in the Texas Panhandle.
The Neighborhood Champions program, introduced by Bank of America in Amarillo in 2019, supports nonprofits addressing critical needs in local communities. Over the past five years, the program has awarded $300,000 to six Amarillo organizations, including Family Support Services, The Maverick Boys & Girls Club, and High Plains Food Bank.
“We are honored to name Heal the City as this year’s Neighborhood Champion,” said Ashley Allen, president of Bank of America Amarillo. “This clinic provides vital care for uninsured residents, addressing one of the most pressing needs in our community. By helping people stay healthy, Heal the City empowers them to pursue their hopes and dreams. We’re proud to support their mission and amplify the impact they make every day.”
For Heal the City Executive Director Liz Rascon-Alaniz, the recognition is particularly meaningful. She was part of Amarillo’s inaugural Neighborhood Champion in 2019 when she served as executive director of Amarillo Wesley Community Center.
“I am thrilled to see the impact of the Bank of America Neighborhood Champion grant here at Heal the City, just as I witnessed its transformative power at Amarillo Wesley Community Center,” Rascon-Alaniz said. “This funding is more than financial support — it’s a validation of our mission to provide accessible, compassionate healthcare to the uninsured in our community. With this support, we can improve health outcomes and address the unique needs of our patients.”
Comprehensive care for Amarillo’s uninsured residents
Heal the City serves more than 1,900 unduplicated patients annually, offering a wide range of services to uninsured residents. Its flagship Shalom program focuses on managing chronic conditions, while its acute care services provide critical support for urgent medical needs. Patients also have access to dental care, behavioral health services, wellness classes, and a pharmacy.
Dr. Alan Keister, the clinic’s founder, shared his thoughts on the importance of this recognition.
“When we started Heal the City, the goal was to create a place where everyone could receive the care they need with dignity,” Dr. Keister said. “This grant allows us to continue fulfilling that mission by expanding our services and reaching more patients. The generosity of Bank of America and the support of the Amarillo community make it possible for us to provide life-changing care.”
Dr. Keister reflected on the clinic’s impact over the years. “We are often the first and last resort for people who have nowhere else to turn. It’s incredibly humbling to see the difference we can make when people have access to quality healthcare,” he said.
Addressing the broader community need, Keister emphasized the importance of the clinic’s role. “Amarillo has a significant population of uninsured individuals who are falling through the cracks. This grant helps us provide a safety net and ensures that health isn’t a barrier to pursuing a better life.”
A legacy of generosity in Amarillo
Heal the City relies entirely on local donations and foundations to support its operations. Rascon-Alaniz praised the community’s generosity, noting that it is the cornerstone of the clinic’s success.
“Panhandle people take care of Panhandle people,” she said. “This community has always been incredibly generous. We’re 100% funded by local donors and foundations, and we simply couldn’t do this work without them. This grant is another example of how much our community believes in taking care of one another.”
In addition to healthcare services, Heal the City collaborates with organizations like the High Plains Food Bank to address broader patient needs. Through this partnership, the clinic provides meals for patients attending wellness programs.
“This Thanksgiving, we’ll distribute turkeys to families in need thanks to the generosity of local organizations,” Rascon-Alaniz said. “It’s another way we’re trying to help our patients and their families thrive.”
Bank of America’s commitment to Amarillo
Bank of America’s Neighborhood Champions program aligns with its broader mission to build thriving communities.
“Health is one of the most critical needs, and programs like Heal the City ensure that people who are uninsured have access to the care they need,” Allen said. “By addressing health disparities, we’re helping to create a stronger, more resilient community.”
Reflecting on the program’s five-year history in Amarillo, Allen said, “When we launched this program in Amarillo in 2019, we couldn’t have imagined the incredible stories of resilience and innovation that would come out of it. Heal the City exemplifies what it means to be a Neighborhood Champion. Their work is saving lives and inspiring hope, and we’re proud to be part of their journey.”
How to access Heal the City’s services
Heal the City’s Shalom program serves patients managing chronic conditions, providing access to wellness classes, behavioral health care, and medication through the clinic’s pharmacy. To enroll, potential patients must attend an informational session and complete an application.
“Our goal is to make healthcare accessible to everyone who needs it,” Rascon-Alaniz said. “With the support of programs like Neighborhood Champions, we can continue breaking down barriers and ensuring that no one in our community goes without care.”
For more information about Heal the City and its free healthcare services, visit https://www.healthecityamarillo.com
Source: amarillo.com
