How IDEALhealth is Strengthening Community Health Through Patient Voices
Since opening its doors in November 2024, IDEALhealth – a sexual and reproductive health program under CommUnityCare Health Centers – has become more than just a clinic. It’s a welcoming space where people feel heard, respected, and supported in every step of their care journey.
At the heart of IDEALhealth’s success is the Community Advisory Panel (CAP), a group of local community members who share their voices, lived experiences, and feedback to ensure services truly reflect the needs of Austin. Their partnership has helped IDEALhealth grow into a program shaped by the people it serves.
One of those voices is Sophie Ryland, 23, who was born and raised in Austin. For Ryland, joining the panel felt like a natural way to give back.
“I’ve always been very connected with the community, and I’m passionate about ensuring people have access to quality, affordable health care. When I heard about the panel, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to participate,” Sophie shared.
Living with a chronic autoimmune condition has given Sophie a personal understanding of the barriers many patients face. That perspective fuels her commitment to making care at IDEALhealth as welcoming and inclusive as possible.
“Having a chronic autoimmune disorder has shown me how hard it can be when there are barriers to care. I was super impressed with the quality of care [at IDEALhealth] and the environment itself. So, big shout-out to the whole team,” she said.
In just one year, IDEALhealth has already served more than 1,000 patients, many of whom are accessing PrEP for HIV prevention, an important step in the clinic’s holistic approach to sexual wellness.
Dr. Crystal Walker, a provider at IDEALhealth, says what sets the program apart is its commitment to offering care that meets patients where they are.
“IDEALhealth offers a full spectrum of sexual health care—from STI testing and treatment to family planning, gender-affirming care, and sexual dysfunction support. We can even connect patients to primary care at CommUnityCare, often on the same day,” said Dr. Walker.
She also credits the Community Advisory Panel for helping IDEALhealth continuously improve. For example, panel members recently suggested ways to better support patients who may be experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse. Their input led to a new partnership with Safe Alliance, creating a smoother referral process so patients can quickly access additional resources when needed.
“IDEALhealth is very much aligned with the CommUnityCare mission, in that we want to strengthen the health and well-being of our community members, regardless of their ability to pay. So when people come through our doors, we’re here for them,” Dr. Walker added.
The first year of IDEALhealth shows what’s possible when care is designed with community input, empathy, and inclusivity at the center. Together, the clinic and its advisory panel are not only improving health outcomes—they’re building trust, breaking down barriers, and transforming care in Austin.
IDEALhealth is made possible through a $1.3 million, 5-year grant from the CDC’s Enhancing STI and Sexual Health Clinic Infrastructure Initiative and a $2.4 million, 5-year grant from the DSHS HIV Clinical HIV/STI Prevention in Community Health Centers Grant Program.
To learn more about IDEALhealth or to schedule an appointment, CLICK HERE.