February 23, 2026

Austin, Texas — The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded Central Health and CommUnityCare Health Centers continued federal funding through its Health Center Program (Section 330) following the recent Service Area Competition (SAC). 

While HRSA funding is awarded annually, health centers must successfully compete every four years to maintain participation in the program. This renewal affirms CommUnityCare Health Centers’ status as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and marks the organization’s 18th consecutive year in the federal Health Center Program. 

Beyond direct federal funding (including $6.8 million annually for the renewal), Health Center Program participation provides significant community benefits, including: 

• Access to reduced-cost medications for patients
• Enhanced Medicaid reimbursement supporting sustainability of safety-net care 
• Federal medical malpractice coverage for providers 
• Expanded access to comprehensive care for uninsured and underinsured residents 

This award supports the unique co-applicant agreement between Central Health and CommUnityCare Health Centers, reinforcing the strength of this public-nonprofit collaboration in expanding access to comprehensive, high-quality care for individuals and families across Travis County and surrounding communities. 

“CommUnityCare and Central Health have built over the past two decades the foundation for something unique in this country: a whole-person health system built around community health centers,“ said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, chief executive officer of CommUnityCare Health Centers and executive vice president of ambulatory services at Central Health. “We are grateful to HRSA and the Travis County taxpayers for their continued Investment in this bold future.” 

This investment supports the full scope of services delivered across CommUnityCare Health Centers, including primary medical care, behavioral health services, dental care, women’s health services, pharmacy services, Healthcare for the Homeless programs, HIV prevention, specialty care, and enabling services such as care coordination and outreach. 

In fiscal year 2025 (which runs Oct. 1, 2024–Sep. 30, 2025), CommUnityCare Health Centers served 148,234 unique patients, provided 507,679 in-clinic visits, delivered 50,062 virtual visits, and totaled 557,741 patient visits — reflecting the continued demand for accessible, affordable care across Central Texas. 

“This investment reinforces the power of partnership in building a stronger, more accountable public health system. Our model is grounded in dual accountability — to our patients, who rely on us for accessible, high-quality care, and to the taxpayers whose support makes that care possible,” said Dr. Pat Lee, president and chief executive officer at Central Health.” Together with CommUnityCare, we’ve created a connected system that listens to patient voices, responds to community need, and delivers care across the full continuum. This renewal helps ensure that model continues to grow and serve Central Texas families.” 

A Collaborative Model That Sets the Standard 

Created by Travis County voters, Central Health is the local public entity responsible for providing access to health care for residents with low incomes. Together, Central Health and CommUnityCare Health Centers operate under a unique co-applicant model that integrates public funding, patient-led governance, and unified clinical operations. 

Many health centers operated by CommUnityCare Health Centers are located in facilities owned by Central Health. In addition, Central Health administers the Medical Access Program (MAP), which provides a locally funded coverage option for low-income, uninsured residents who often have limited or no access to affordable insurance in Texas. MAP serves as a critical payer source, enabling thousands of patients to receive comprehensive care at CommUnityCare Health Centers. 

According to 2024 Uniform Data System (UDS) data reported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, CommUnityCare Health Centers served 77,935 uninsured patients, representing 54.34% of the total patient population — a reflection of the organization’s role in meeting the needs of residents with limited insurance access. 

The two organizations jointly hold Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status, aligning public resources with community-based care delivery to expand access for individuals who might otherwise go without care.  

This level of integration distinguishes the Central Health and CommUnityCare agreement from many other health center models. By aligning public resources with community-based care delivery and operating within a unified system, the collaborative model strengthens accountability, expands preventive and primary access for children and adults and ensures services remain responsive to the evolving needs of Travis County residents. 

Together, the organizations are working toward a more seamless and recognizable system of care, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing health equity across Central Texas. 

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About CommUnityCare Health Centers 

Central Texas Community Health Centers, dba CommUnityCare is a 501.c.3 tax-exempt charitable corporation operating a network of 30+ federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Central Texas. Our mission is to strengthen the health and well-being of the communities we serve. The services at CommUnityCare Health Centers are available regardless of insurance status or household income. For more information, please visit https://communitycaretx.org. 

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About Central Health  

Central Health is the hospital district serving Travis County. Created by voters in 2004, Central Health plans, pays for, and provides care for residents with low income, ensuring care is free or highly affordable for those who need it most. Together with CommUnityCare Health Centers and Sendero Health Plans, the Central Health system forms a unified, publicly accountable health system focused on expanding access, reducing wait times, and delivering measurable value for patients and taxpayers across Central Texas.