In a move set to transform healthcare access for women in Amarillo and the surrounding region, the Amarillo City Council has approved a $1.4 million investment in a new women’s health clinic at Amarillo Public Health (APH). The funding was unanimously approved during the latest city council meeting, marking one of the most significant health-related investments in the city’s history.
The new clinic, which will be located at 850 Martin Road, is set to open its doors in mid-2025 and aims to significantly expand the range of health services available to women in the area. The clinic will address a critical gap in access to healthcare services, particularly for those in the Texas Panhandle, where many counties are underserved in terms of maternal and women’s health services.
“We are so appreciative of our city council for funding this program,” said Casie Stoughton, Director of Amarillo Public Health. “There is a huge need for these services. Most of the Texas Panhandle has limited or no access to essential women’s health care, and only about five counties in the region are considered to have full access to maternal care.”
The new women’s health clinic is designed to meet those needs head-on, offering a range of services aimed at improving both the immediate and long-term health of women in the community. These services will include mammogram referrals, screenings for HIV, cervical cancer, and anxiety, as well as contraception and domestic violence counseling. The clinic will also provide pregnancy testing.
In addition to these essential services, the new clinic will offer “pre-prenatal care,” which includes services such as STD testing, drug screening, mental health counseling, domestic violence programs, and Medicaid navigation to help women access the support they need before and during pregnancy.
“The hope is that by providing these services, more women will be able to take better care of themselves,” Stoughton said. “This, in turn, will lead to healthier babies, healthier families, and ultimately a healthier community.”
The $1.4 million funding marks a significant step toward improving health outcomes for women in Amarillo and beyond, ensuring that critical healthcare services are available to those who need them most. As the clinic prepares for its opening in 2025, the investment reflects the city’s commitment to building a stronger, healthier future for its residents.
