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Cristie Pellegrini Named Chief Pharmacy Officer at CommUnityCare Health Centers 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to announce Cristie Pellegrini has been promoted to Chief Pharmacy Officer, where she will lead the strategic, clinical, financial, and operational oversight of the organization’s pharmacy services. 

Pellegrini brings more than 20 years of experience in pharmacy operations and healthcare administration. In her new role, she will continue to focus on expanding medication access, improving affordability, and advancing pharmacy programs that support whole-person care. 

Since joining CommUnityCare Health Centers, Pellegrini has served as Vice President of Pharmacy Services. Under her leadership, the organization has quadrupled the number of pharmacy access points across Travis County and significantly enhanced medication management for tens of thousands of patients. She has also spearheaded efforts to optimize the 340B drug pricing program, integrate pharmacy services into clinical care, and create policies that remove barriers and support the health center’s long-term sustainability. 

As CommUnityCare services continue to grow, expanding pharmacy services remains a top priority to improve access and deliver high-quality, coordinated care. To learn more about our pharmacy services and locations, CLICK HERE.  

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How CommUnityCare Pharmacy Services Are Expanding to Better Serve Our Communities 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is committed to improving the health and well-being of its communities by making health care more accessible and affordable to those who need it most. As the health care landscape continues to evolve, so does the commitment to meeting the growing needs of patients. 

Meeting Patients Where They Are 

In early 2025, CommUnityCare Health Centers began services in the Del Valle Health and Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art facility bringing much-needed primary care services to an area historically underserved. The new health center also brought the first CommUnityCare Pharmacy equipped with drive-thru services. 

“Del Valle pharmacy is an exciting new opening for us. It’s in an area known as a pharmacy desert,” shared Nazley Mohammadi, CommUnityCare Director of Outpatient Pharmacy Services. “There aren’t any pharmacies that serve the population out here, so we’re able to provide drive-thru services, mail order services, and courier services in an area that was underserved – now, we’re meeting that need.” 

“As CommUnityCare Health Centers continues to grow with new clinic openings, expanding pharmacy services alongside them remains a top priority to ensure patients have convenient, affordable access to the medications they need. This new model reflects putting patient-first approach to care delivery, ensuring that barriers like transportation or time constraints do not stand in the way of better health. 

For patients like Cinthia Rivas, this convenience makes a world of difference. 

“I feel good because when I leave my appointment, the pharmacy is right here. I don’t have to get in my car and go somewhere else to find my medication or wait at another pharmacy. I can do it all right here, request it, wait if I need to, and then head straight home.” 

Beyond the Counter: Comprehensive Pharmacy Services for Whole-Person Care 

CommUnityCare Health Centers offers a comprehensive approach to meet the prescription medication needs of its patients. Our team of specially trained pharmacists works closely with patients and providers to deliver the best total patient care, supporting improved health outcomes and quality of life. 

Whether it’s filling a prescription, managing chronic conditions, or navigating insurance coverage, our pharmacy team is here to remove barriers and support each patient’s health journey.  

“CommUnityCare offers pharmacy services, and I like to look at it as two different branches,” explained Mohammadi. “Our clinical pharmacy services are located within the medical side of our clinics, helping with medication adherence, therapy management, chronic disease management, and even lifestyle recommendations. Our outpatient pharmacy services, on the other hand, are where prescriptions are filled and picked up.” 

This integration ensures patients have seamless support. Clinical pharmacists collaborate closely with providers, helping manage complex cases, adjust medications, and provide patient assistance programs that reduce medication costs. 

The Lifeline of 340B: Making Medications Affordable for Our Patients

Affordable prescriptions for patients are made possible with the assistance of the 340B Drug Pricing Program, a vital federal program that allows community health centers like CommUnityCare to purchase medications at discounted prices.  

“The 340B program allows our patients, who qualify, to purchase medications at a reduced price,” Mohammadi noted. “The savings from those discounted prices help fund many of our non-revenue generating programs, like healthcare for the homeless, co-pay reductions, and even letting patients put medications on an account if they can’t pay right away.” 

For patients like Rivas, CommUnityCare Health Centers offering a variety of services and programs is life-changing. 

“The truth is it really is a privilege to have this type of medical insurance, that provides. It’s a huge help for many people. Even for me, it’s a lot of help because I don’t have the money to afford some medications or some type of specialists, and thanks to [CommUnityCare] I can cover those needs,” said Rivas.  

Advocating for Our Patients’ Health

As healthcare policies continue to shift, CommUnityCare Health Centers remains steadfast in advocacy efforts to protect programs like 340B. The organization works alongside national and local partners to ensure policymakers understand the real-life impact these programs have on the patients and families we serve. 

“Our goal is simple,” added Mohammadi. “We want to meet people where they need us, when they need us. Whether they’re our existing patients or not, if there’s a need in the community, we want to be there.” 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Begins Services at New Del Valle Health and Wellness Center

CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to begin services at the new Central Health Del Valle Health & Wellness Center located at 7050 Elroy Rd, Del Valle, TX 78617. The new state of the art facility is designed to meet the growing health care needs of this historically underserved area.  

The new facility replaces the old Del Valle Health Center located at 3518 FM 973, Del Valle, TX 78617, and all existing appointments have now transitioned to the new location.  

CommUnityCare Health Centers is proud to offer comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals and families. With expanded services and an upgraded space, the Del Valle Health & Wellness Center is built to improve access to essential healthcare services, reduce health disparities, and strengthen the well-being of the communities we serve. 

“At CommUnityCare Health Centers, we are growing to ensure no one in our community goes without the care they need and deserve,” said CommUnityCare Interim President and CEO, Dr. Nicholas Yagoda.

The Del Valle Health & Wellness Center is equipped to serve patients with a wide range of services, including: 

  • Primary care for children, adults, and seniors.
  • Adult & pediatric dental services to promote lifelong oral health.
  • 13 exam rooms + a dedicated procedure room for enhanced patient care.
  • A convenient drive-thru pharmacy for fast and easy medication access. 

“This expansion marks a significant milestone in advancing health equity for Del Valle residents, many of whom have long faced barriers to convenient, high-quality medical, dental, and pharmacy services,” add Yagoda. “By closing these persistent healthcare gaps, CommUnityCare and our partners at Central Health are laying the foundation for a healthier, more equitable future for Del Valle families.” 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Celebrates Dr. John Weems as Recipient of the Ruth M. Bain Young Physician Award 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is proud to celebrate Dr. John Weems, Associate Director of Addiction Medicine, for receiving the prestigious Ruth M. Bain Young Physician Award by the Travis County Medical Society (TCMS). This accolade recognizes physicians 40 years or younger, or with fewer than eight years in practice, who are admired by their colleagues as model physicians. Dr. Weems’ unwavering dedication to addiction medicine, his transformative impact on patients, and his leadership in addressing one of today’s most pressing public health crises make him exceptionally deserving of this honor. 

“I’m honored to receive the Ruth M. Bain Young Award. This recognition reflects the support of my incredible colleagues at CommUnityCare and Dell Medical School, our partners, and the resilience of the patients we serve. I am especially grateful for TCMS’ recognition of the importance of addiction medicine and its role in addressing a stigmatized disease in the face of an overdose crisis. This work is a privilege, and we are proud to serve our communities,” said Dr. Weems.  

 

A Physician Who Leads with Compassion, Innovation and Vision 

When history reflects on medicine’s response to great public health crises—from the advent of antibiotics to the fight against AIDS and the COVID-19 pandemic—it highlights visionary clinicians who lead with courage and compassion. Dr. Weems stands tall among these leaders. As an internal medicine physician and addiction medicine specialist, he is deeply committed to advancing equitable access to care for multi-marginalized communities. 

As Associate Director of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Weems is instrumental in increasing access to high-quality addiction medicine services. Beyond his work at CommUnityCare Health Centers, he serves as faculty at Dell Medical School and as the lead subject matter expert for the SHOUT Texas program (Support Hospital Opioid Use Disorder Treatment). 

 

Tackling the Opioid Epidemic 

The opioid epidemic is one of the defining public health challenges of our time, touching lives both professionally and personally. In Travis County, where overdose deaths have surged in recent years, Dr. Weems has been at the forefront of efforts to combat this crisis. Through his leadership, CommUnityCare Health Centers has championed a “no-wrong-door” approach, offering a whole-person model of care that prioritizes the dignity and lived experiences of patients. Dr. Weems’ innovative strategies address not only the medical aspects of addiction but also the stigma, social determinants, and moral injury often faced by individuals living with substance use disorders. 

During Austin’s fentanyl poisonings this past April, which claimed dozens of lives, Dr. Weems was part of a rapid community response that drove widespread naloxone distribution, undoubtedly saving lives. He has also led multiple town halls for the Travis County Medical Society to educate the community about life-saving medications for substance use disorders and to advocate for systemic changes. 

 

A Leader Known for Authenticity and Advocacy 

“John has championed multidisciplinary solutions to address addiction, extending far beyond medicine to tackle stigma and social drivers of health. He has cultivated a sense of joy and belonging among individuals who have often been cast out by our healthcare system. We are incredibly proud of his impact,” praised Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, Interim President and CEO of CommUnityCare Health Centers.  

Dr. Weems’ authenticity sets him apart. Whether speaking with c-suite executives, city leaders, or patients, he brings the same level of respect, empathy, and humility to every interaction. His colleagues describe him as a reliable friend, a devoted husband and father, and a clinician who inspires those around him to rise to the occasion. 

Dr. Mike Stefanowicz, Director of Intensive Outpatient Care at CommUnityCare, echoed the sentiment, adding, “Someday, when we look back at whether medicine truly met its moment in the face of the opioid epidemic, I am confident John will be among those to whom we attribute our collective success.” 

 

Dr. Weems’ accomplishments remind us of the profound difference one person can make in addressing systemic issues. His work exemplifies the mission of CommUnityCare Health Centers of strengthening the health and wellbeing of the communities it serves.  

Congratulations, Dr. Weems, on this well-deserved honor! To read his feature in the Travis County Medical Society Journal, visit [page14] HERE. 

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Christmas and New Year Holiday Closures

As the holiday season approaches, we want to keep you informed about our adjusted hours to ensure you can plan your visits accordingly. Please see the following schedule for our clinic and office closures during Christmas and New Year’s.

2024 Christmas Closures: 

  • Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24th
    • All sites will close at 12:00 PM, with the exception of Hancock Walk-In Care

    • Hancock Walk-In Care will remain open with normal operating hours.

  • Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25th
    • All sites will be closed, with the exception of Hancock Walk-In Care.

    • Hancock Walk-In Care will be open with adjusted hours and will close at 4:00 PM.

  • Thursday, December 26th
    • All sites will reopen for normal business hours.

2024/2025 New Year Closures: 

  • New Year’s Eve – Tuesday, December 31st

    • All sites will be open with normal business hours.

  • New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1st
    • All sites will be closed, with the exception of Hancock Walk-In Care. 

    • Hancock Walk-In Care will remain open with normal operating hours. 

  • Thursday, January 2nd
    • All sites will reopen for normal business hours.

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Recognized as a Greater Austin Top Workplace for 2024 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is proud to announce it has been named a Top Workplaces 2024 winner by the Austin American-Statesman. This recognition is based solely on anonymous employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey conducted by Energage, an employee engagement technology partner. The survey evaluates key themes such as employees feeling respected and supported, empowered to execute, and enabled to grow. 

“We are deeply honored to receive this award, as it reflects the voices and experiences of our incredible team,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, Interim President and CEO of CommUnityCare Health Centers. “This recognition underscores our commitment to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, empowered, and connected to our mission of delivering compassionate, high-quality care to our community.” 

This achievement highlights the dedication of the CommUnityCare staff in creating an environment where employees can thrive and deliver exceptional care to patients. 

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.” 

 

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CommUnityCare Statement Regarding CEO Termination: Reaffirming Commitment to Patient-Centered Care

We learned today that Central Health has terminated the employment of Jaeson Fournier.  

I, along with the CommUnityCare board, remain deeply frustrated by the events of the last few months as it relates to the employment of its Chief Executive Officer.   

The purpose of the patient-led board requirement for community health centers is to ensure that the operations and health care delivery are directed by the patients we serve, and that includes direct oversight of the CommUnityCare CEO by its board.   

The CommUnityCare Board did not approve of this action.    

We are profoundly grateful for Jaeson Fournier’s seven years of strong leadership, which has dramatically expanded access to primary care to those who otherwise would not receive care. Under his watch, CommUnityCare has increased the number of patients served by 45% to more than 143,000 unique individuals each year. That represents what is projected to be more than a half million patient visits this year for un- and underinsured Central Texans, most of whom are low-income Travis County residents.   

CommUnityCare remains committed to building a stronger safety healthcare system for Travis County, in partnership with Central Health as the grantee for the public health center. We believe that the patient-centered public health center model is the best vehicle to deliver equitable primary care services in a county with a vast array of needs facing its un- and under-insured residents. We cannot deliver on that promise without the collaborative partnership of Central Health and the support of the Travis County taxpayers.   

CommUnityCare’s model of care is to put patients first. That is true in the exam room and at every level of leadership. We will continue to do so, as we work to strengthen our partnership with Central Health, so we can continue to improve the health and well-being  of the communities we are so privileged to serve. 

 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Nicholas Yagoda 

Interim President and CEO 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Expands Telehealth Services Creating Greater Access

 CommUnityCare Health Centers is expanding its telehealth services, offering patients greater flexibility and addressing common barriers to care. For many, accessing care can be complicated by transportation challenges, work schedules or family responsibilities. By CommUnityCare Health Centers expanding its telehealth services, patients can eliminate some of these obstacles and allow them to choose how they want to receive care. 

“We recognize that an in-person visit can sometimes create the inability for them to make it to their appointments,” said Rosa De La Torre, CommUnityCare Associate Chief Medical Officer. “The beauty of telehealth is that we can see patients, as long as they are in the state of Texas, anywhere they want to be whether that be during their break at work or from the comfort of their home so they can continue to receive the care that they need.” 

The expanded telehealth access features a dedicated team of three providers and supporting staff members, offering services that cater to a wide range of needs, including pediatric care, chronic disease management, and acute evaluations. A fourth provider will join the new team at the beginning of 2025. Furthermore, new patient appointments will become readily available, reducing wait times for appointments.  

Additionally, telehealth appointments are integrated into patients’ broader care plans. Providers ensure continuity by sharing visit details with primary care doctors, maintaining a seamless connection between telehealth and in-person services. 

“If you see me as a telehealth provider, it won’t disrupt your relationship with your primary care doctor,” explained Dr. Roberto Rodriguez, CommUnityCare Telehealth Pediatrician. “I share the details of each visit with your regular provider to keep them in the loop about your health.” 

CommUnityCare Health Centers aims to reach 30,000 unique telehealth patient encounters in fiscal year 2025.  

The expanded telehealth program is a testament to the commitment CommUnityCare has to patient-centered care. By addressing barriers and offering more ways to connect with healthcare providers, the organization is paving the way for a healthier, more accessible future. To learn more about CommUnityCare telehealth services or to schedule an appointment, visit our telehealth services webpage. 

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Important Update for CommUnityCare Health Centers Patients 

Starting November 1, Executive Order GA-46 requires public hospitals to collect immigration status information from patients. However, this rule does not apply to CommUnityCare Health Centers or Carousel Pediatrics.

Key Points:

  • We do not collect immigration status information before providing care.
  • Our commitment to offering you safe and comfortable healthcare remains unchanged.
  • We encourage you to attend your scheduled appointments and participate in financial aid screenings.

If you have any questions about your rights as a patient, please visit Patient Rights and Responsibilities.

Thank you for trusting CommUnityCare Health Centers with your health.

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CommUnityCare Employee Honored with Statewide Award 

Austin, TX – The Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC), a private, not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to advancing equitable access to quality health care across Texas, proudly presented Audrey Straus, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C), Director of Employee Wellness and Health Services, with the 2024 TACHC Emerging Leader Award.  

This prestigious award recognizes exceptional Texas health center staff for their outstanding contributions to enhancing patient and staff experiences, a crucial element of the value-based care model. 

“I feel incredibly humbled to receive this recognition and to be in the company of people like Dr. Mike Stefanowicz who is such an effective leader, improving the lives of our patients, teams, and community. While I’m technically receiving this award, it’s really a reflection of the tremendous work that CommUnityCare Health Centers has undertaken to support our workforce and our community — Nothing I do is done alone,” said Straus. “We are one team, and each of us plays an important role in lifting one another to sustain the work we do every day, providing high-quality, compassionate care for our neighbors. I’m endlessly grateful to have had the opportunity to grow, to lead, and to learn; without the advocacy of those before and around me, I would not have the opportunities I do to support those around me who share the same vision of health equity and social justice in Central Texas.” 

The TACHC Emerging Leader Award celebrates rising stars in Texas health centers, fostering new leadership to advance quality, community-centered health care.  

Straus is one of seven community health center staff members to receive the 2024 Emerging Leader Award. Straus proudly accepted the award at the TACHC Annual Conference in Fort Worth on October 19, 2024. 

Pictured left to right: Carlos Gormaz, CommUnityCare Board Member; Audrey Straus, CommUnityCare Director of Employee Wellness and Health Services; Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CommUnityCare Interim CEO; Barbara Shirley, CommUnityCare Board Member

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About TACHC 
The Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC) represents community health centers across Texas, supporting their mission to deliver high-quality, comprehensive primary and preventive health care services to underserved communities. 

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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 twenty-nine federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Central Texas. Our mission is to strengthen the health and well-being of the communities we serve. CommUnityCare services are available regardless of insurance status and discounted based on financial means for those with incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level. For more information visit https://communitycaretx.org.