Mi clínica Hispana

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A 2016 graduate of Atlanta High School, Alaina Hernandez is opening a bilingual medical clinic in Texarkana, hoping to address healthcare disparities within the Hispanic community. Hernandez, a nurse practitioner, said her inspiration for the clinic stemmed from her experiences working in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

“I saw a lot of instances where Hispanic people, due to a lack of access to care, came to the ER after becoming very sick,” Hernandez said. “They were scared to seek out care or didn’t know where to get it.”

Hernandez’s own journey with Spanish began at age 16 while working at Amigo Juan restaurant in Atlanta. She practiced with Spanish-speaking colleagues and used Rosetta Stone to further her language skills. She credits her husband, Hugo Hernandez, with being instrumental in helping her realize her dream. The couple has four children.

The clinic, located at 3505 Summerhill Road, Suite 5 in Texarkana, has yet to officially open but has already received positive feedback from the Hispanic community. “They are such an important part of our community, and they have been grateful to see someone reaching out to them,” Hernandez said.

The clinic staff, including receptionist Monica Camarillo and medical assistant Angelica Olvera, are also bilingual and will be a communicative resource to the Spanish community. Hernandez’s primary goal is to provide exceptional healthcare to the Hispanic population while also sharing her Christian faith. She hopes to eventually expand by opening clinics in other underserved areas.

“The greatest thing about starting the clinic is seeing that this was God’s plan for my life,” Hernandez said. “He put all the right people in my life at the right time,” including her supervising physician, Dr. John Baugh, who she said has been supportive from the beginning.

While the clinic is focused on serving the Hispanic community, Hernandez emphasized that its doors are open to everyone. “My goal as a nurse practitioner is to meet the needs of all of my patients and for them to feel heard,” she said.

The clinic will provide primary and urgent care services, as well as some aesthetic services. Hernandez expressed gratitude for the support she has received from her friends and family, including those who have provided childcare.