Its a combination that is causing clinics and health-care centers across Southeast Texas to see an influx of patients. The start of flu season, rising unemployment rates, and high percentages of uninsured Southeast Texans is causing a perfect storm for healthcare providers in the area. 12 News Reporter Liz McKernan has the story.

"I just got laid off about six weeks ago - I'm just doing the best I can right now" said Kennath Maxey of Port Neches.

Maxey was recently laid off, and is selling scrap metal to make ends meet. He says he notices a difference lately when it comes to not having healthcare anymore, and trying to see a doctor.

"Sometimes its hard to get in there without the health insurance and everything, you got to be really sick before they take you" said Maxey.

"Just because people are low income, or because you don't have insurance, there's no reason for them not to have the same quality care" said Loyce Sinegal, C.E.O. of Gulf Coast Health Center.

The health center parking lot was full Monday morning, the waiting room full of patients with little or no healthcare.

"In the last few months, especially with the unemployment rate in Port Arthur on the rise, we've seen a lot more patients come in who don't have any form of insurance" said Dr. Annette Okpeki with the health center.

This has created a tough combination at the clinic. High numbers of unemployed people mean high numbers of uninsured people - right at the start of flu season.

Its a hard recipie for running a business that relies primarily on private donations and government funds. But a sliding fee scale along with discounts on medical fees to help Southeast Texans stay healthy, makes the medicine go down a little easier.

"The highest you would pay for any type of antiviral be it Tamiflu or Relenza is not going to be more than ten dollars" said Dr. Okpeki.

Giving people like Maxey a second chance to get help, while they get back on their feet.

"It'll go by. You just have to do what you have to do" said Maxey.

Gulf Coast Health Center runs off of government grants, donations and fundraisers, and patient revenue. They expect their shipment of the H1N1 vaccine by the middle of October.