Lone Star Family Health Center in Conroe, TX, has completed a $10 million expansion, adding 24,000 square feet, a second pharmacy, and specialized clinics, significantly increasing access to comprehensive care in Montgomery County.
Lone Star Family Health Center (LSFHC), a federally qualified health center in Montgomery County, has completed a significant $10 million expansion, which includes the addition of 24,000 square feet of new space and the renovation of 19,000 square feet of its existing facility in Conroe.
The recently upgraded center now features six distinct clinics all in one location, along with improved dental, X-ray, lab, and pharmacy services.
In 2024, LSFHC provided care to more than 31,000 patients, with CEO Karen Harwell noting that the demand had reached the limits of the original building's capacity. The recent expansion enables a greater number of patients from throughout the county to utilize a diverse array of services all in one central hub.
“We were overflowing,” Harwell said. “Currently, there is significantly enhanced capacity and convenience.”
Notable enhancements feature the introduction of a second pharmacy, accessible to all patients and specifically tailored to better accommodate Medicaid recipients. In the past, the center was required to provide Medicaid prescriptions at no charge or direct patients to other locations, as the state does not compensate health centers for these prescriptions.
“It’s comparable to a Kroger or H-E-B,” Harwell stated. “It just so happens to be located within our premises.”
The OB-GYN team has expanded significantly and is now equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies on-site. LSFHC welcomes approximately 600 newborns annually, and this enhancement minimizes the necessity for outside referrals.
The funding for the expansion came from a mix of grants, loans, and cash reserves. In 2024, the health center secured $1.6 million in federal grants to enhance cancer screening and advance behavioral health initiatives.
Marketing Manager Courtney Galle highlighted the center’s attractiveness as a comprehensive health destination: “You can see your doctor, get a dental cleaning, and pick up your prescription all in one visit.”
LSFHC stands out among the 77 federally qualified health centers in Texas, offering affordable or complimentary services to patients regardless of their insurance status or income level.
