Harris Health System: Your Community Safety Net

Harris Health System is the public hospital and clinic network for Harris County. It exists for one reason: to make sure everyone in the county can get healthcare, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. If you are uninsured, underinsured, or on Medicaid — Harris Health is your safety net.

The system operates two hospitals (Ben Taub and LBJ), 18+ community health centers, a psychiatric emergency center, a dental program, and specialty clinics. It serves over 300,000 patients per year.

Source: Harris Health System, harrishealth.org

Ben Taub Hospital — 586-bed Level I trauma center in the Texas Medical Center. One of the busiest emergency rooms in the country. If you are seriously injured, this is where you want to be. Also provides inpatient care, surgery, and specialty services.

Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital — 266-bed hospital in northeast Houston (5656 Kelley Street). Emergency room, inpatient care, surgery, women's services, and Level III NICU.

Community Health Centers — 18+ clinics across Harris County providing primary care, pediatrics, women's health, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health. These are your everyday doctor's office within the Harris Health system.

Financial assistance (Gold Card): Harris Health's financial assistance program — sometimes called the "Gold Card" — covers clinic visits and hospital stays for eligible uninsured residents. Eligibility is based on income (generally up to 150% of poverty) and Harris County residency. You apply at any Harris Health location.

What you need to apply:

• Proof of Harris County residency (utility bill, lease, mail)
• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or self-declaration)
• Photo ID
• Social Security card if you have one (not required)

Source: Harris Health System; Harris County Healthcare Alliance

For a regular doctor visit:

1. Find the closest community health center at harrishealth.org/locations
2. Call to schedule a new patient appointment
3. Bring: ID, proof of address, proof of income, insurance card (if any), list of medications
4. If uninsured, ask about financial assistance at check-in — they will help you apply on the spot

For emergencies:

• Ben Taub ER: 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030 — 713-873-2000
• LBJ Hospital ER: 5656 Kelley Street, Houston, TX 77026 — 713-566-5000
• Or call 911 for ambulance transport to nearest hospital

For dental:

• Harris Health dental clinics provide cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures
• Call 713-566-6400 to schedule

For mental health:

• Harris Health partners with The Harris Center. Call 713-970-7000 for mental health intake.
• Psychiatric Emergency Center: 2415 Holly Hall, Houston — walk-in 24/7

Harris Health System:

• Main line: 713-566-6400
• Website: harrishealth.org
• Find a clinic: harrishealth.org/locations

Hospitals:

• Ben Taub: 713-873-2000
• LBJ Hospital: 713-566-5000

Financial assistance:

• Apply at any Harris Health location or call 713-566-6400