In a decisive response to Texas' stringent abortion restrictions, Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Lesley Briones, along with health officials, are set to unveil the first beneficiaries of the $6 million Reproductive Healthcare Access Fund. This announcement is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, at 9 a.m. at the Harris County Administration Building, detailed in a session that will also be available via live stream.

Following the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, which led Texas to enact a near-total abortion ban in 2022, Harris County established this pivotal fund. Financed by the American Rescue Plan Act and managed by Harris County Public Health (HCPH), the fund is designed to bolster reproductive healthcare services and education in the region, particularly targeting areas and groups with limited resources.

The initiative comes at a critical time when, according to Commissioner Ellis, "the need for access to contraceptives and comprehensive reproductive healthcare has never been more acute." The fund aims to mitigate the increased dangers and accessibility barriers to reproductive healthcare following the recent legislative changes, emphasizing support for uninsured residents who represent almost 20% of the county's population.

 Commissioner Lesley Briones
 

Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones

Funding Details and Recipient Organizations

This Tuesday, the Commissioners Court is expected to approve grants for three local organizations from the twelve that will eventually benefit from the fund. These initial grants aim to enhance the capacity of underserved health clinics and empower grassroots organizations to educate and promote reproductive health services across Harris County.

1. Asians Against Domestic Abuse (AADA) is poised to receive $300,000 to continue its vital work offering culturally and linguistically appropriate support to Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African women and children affected by domestic abuse.

2. Fundacion Latino Americana De Accion Social, set to receive $350,000, focuses on health and wellness education about preventable diseases, behavioral health, and mental illness within Latino communities.

3. Omar Welfare Association, with an expected grant of $427,548, supports low-income individuals with immigration cases and provides essential services to victims of domestic violence.

Impact and Vision

"The establishment of the Reproductive Healthcare Access Fund by Harris County is a bold step towards filling the void left by the recent healthcare legislation changes," stated Commissioner Briones. "It reflects our commitment to ensuring that every resident, irrespective of their insurance status or background, has access to necessary healthcare services."

This initiative not only aims to expand healthcare access but also to equip residents with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate their health needs effectively. By funding these organizations, Harris County hopes to foster a more inclusive and accessible healthcare environment, ensuring that reproductive health services reach those who need them most.

For more details on the announcement and to watch the live stream, visit the Harris County official website or tune in to [Commissioner Rodney Ellis’s YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@CommissionerRodneyEllis/streams).