CUC-Priscilla

December 9, 2024 by CUC-Priscilla

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.

December 4, 2024 by CUC-Priscilla

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.

November 22, 2024 by CUC-Priscilla

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.”

November 19, 2024 by CUC-Priscilla

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

November 18, 2024 by CUC-Priscilla

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.

October 31, 2024 by CUC-Priscilla

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.

October 21, 2024 by CUC-Priscilla

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. 

October 1, 2024 by CUC-Priscilla

CommUnityCare Health Centers Earns Prestigious Community Health Quality Recognition Badge

CommUnityCare Health Centers is thrilled to announce that it has been recognized with the Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) Silver badge for 2024, placing it in the top 20th percentile for clinical quality care across fellow Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and look-alikes nationwide. This recognition underscores the commitment to delivery of excellent healthcare services for the un- and underinsured in Central Texas.

The CHQR badges are awarded to health centers that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in several critical areas including access, quality, health equity and health information technology.

“At CommUnityCare, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care to all communities we serve. This dedication is central to our mission of advancing health equity and social justice. This national award reflects the passion, dedication, and vision of our teams at CommUnityCare Health Centers, who continually strive for improvement,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CommUnityCare Health Centers Interim President and CEO. “As we celebrate this recognition, we remain steadfast in our belief that every member of our community is entitled to the highest quality healthcare.”

This honor is based on the data from the 2023 Uniform Data System (UDS) reporting period. In 2023, CommUnityCare Health Centers served 134,180 total patients. Of these, 97% from households earning at or Below 200% of Federal Poverty Guideline. Additionally, 87% of patients identified as racial and/or ethnic minority patients, 60% were best served in a language other than English and 51% were uninsured.

To earn a Health Center Quality Leader (HCQL) badge, health centers must achieve outstanding performance in clinical quality measures (CQMs), including cancer screenings, immunizations, prenatal care, chronic disease management, and others. These awards highlight the exemplary work produced within the community health center model, the nation’s most effective demonstration of high-value, equitable primary healthcare.

August 19, 2024 by CUC-Priscilla

Pediatric Residency Program Spotlight: Empowering the Next Generation of Pediatricians

At CommUnityCare Health Centers, we pride ourselves on not only providing exceptional care to our community but also fostering the growth and development of the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The CommUnityCare Pflugerville Health Center is proudly helping train the next generation of pediatric leaders through its pediatric residency program affiliated with Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.

How a Resident is Involved in Your Care

Residency programs serve to educate doctors in training while caring for current patients. Residents are scheduled in clinic regularly and far in advance to maintain stable teams and provide patient continuity. This approach not only ensures that patients receive consistent and familiar care, but it also introduces a new level of attention and thoroughness to their medical treatment.

“Residents bring fresh perspectives and the latest medical knowledge from their rigorous training. Their commitment to learning and improvement often results in excellent patient evaluations and innovative treatment plans,” said Dr. Tara Greendyk, CommUnityCare Director of Child and Adolescent Health and Dell Medical School Assistant Professor.

“Also, the collaborative environment, with supervising physicians overseeing and mentoring residents, guarantees that patients benefit from a combination of experienced oversight and the energetic, up-to-date approach of resident doctors. This dynamic not only enhances the quality of care but also fosters a learning culture where every interaction aims to improve patient outcomes and healthcare practices.”

Residents are physicians who have completed medical or osteopathic school. After earning their M.D. or D.O. degree, they pursue 2 to 7 years of advanced training in a specialty like pediatrics. Key to Dell Med’s graduate medical education curriculum, the residents that train within CommUnityCare Health Centers are equipped to tackle systemic challenges in health and lead change in an evolving health care landscape.

A Focus on Community Health

Community health is a central tenet of the pediatric residency program at CommUnityCare Health Centers. Residents learn to understand and address the social determinants of health that impact our patients.

Our health center’s commitment to serving underserved populations ensures that residents gain valuable experience in providing care to diverse and vulnerable patient groups. This experience not only enriches their training but also instills a deep sense of social responsibility and compassion.

Through the pediatric residency program, skilled and compassionate pediatricians go on to make significant contributions to the field. Their success is a testament to the quality of training they received and their dedication to improving the health and well-being of children.

Success Story: Yesenia Delgado, M.D.

Dr. Yesenia Delgado’s journey to becoming a pediatrician at CommUnityCare Health Centers is a testament to her resilience and passion for serving underserved populations. Growing up as a first-generation Mexican American, Delgado experienced firsthand the challenges faced by many of the families who receive care at CommUnityCare Health Centers. This personal history instilled in her a deep empathy and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children from similar backgrounds, something her family fostered from a young age.

“My family did a really good job of fostering the dream of becoming a pediatrician. They never giggled or thought it was funny. They encouraged me, even buying fake stethoscopes,” said Dr. Delgado. “My dad did have had one rule though, no matter what you do in life you need to help people.”

During her three-year pediatric residency at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Delgado took advantage of the individualized curriculum to gain exposure in both general pediatrics and subspecialty medicine.

During her rotations at CommUnityCare Health Centers, Delgado fell in love with the centers commitment toward serving underserved populations. Dr. Delgado’s cultural background and personal experiences uniquely positioned her to understand the struggles of the families she served at CommUnityCare. She brought a profound level of empathy to her practice, often going the extra mile to ensure her patients received the care they needed. Whether addressing common pediatric issues or more complex health concerns, she worked to break down barriers to healthcare for her patients.

“As a first-generation Mexican American, I think I resonate with a lot of the things my patients experience. For instance, English being my second language or having a mom who doesn’t speak English,” added Delgado. “I try to reassure my patients and a lot of them find comfort with someone who talks like them or has experienced similar things as them. That is really what draws me here to CommUnityCare Health Centers and I feel very fulfilled after my workday.”

Dr. Delgado’s story is an inspiring example of how personal experiences can fuel a career dedicated to helping others. Dr. Delgado has completed her residency at Dell Med and accepted a position with CommUnityCare Health Centers as a Primary Care Provider at the new Del Valle Health Center opening late 2024. The Del Valle Health Center brings health care to an area historically underserved in Eastern Travis County.

Pflugerville Health Center

We are now accepting new pediatric patients at the CommUnityCare Pflugerville Health Center. To make an appointment, visit communitycaretx.org.

Additional Educational Opportunities

CommUnityCare Health Centers is home to nine medical residency programs affiliated with the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, including pediatrics, family medicine and internal medicine. We also partner with a variety of other higher education institutions and school districts, including Austin Community College and the Austin Independent School District, helping to train frontline healthcare workers.

For more information, visit our Educational Opportunities page.

August 15, 2024 by CUC-Priscilla

CommUnityCare Health Centers Partners with Vot-ER to Encourage Voter Participation

CommUnityCare Health Centers recognizes the vital link between health care and voting, which is why we are proud to partner with Vot-ER to help drive voter registration in our communities.

Check Your Registration

We encourage our community, patients and staff to verify whether their voter registration is up to date at their current address. By confirming that your voter registration is up-to-date, you can secure a seamless voting process this November, whether you choose to vote from home or in person.

Shape your Community, Shape your Health

Casting your vote is an important way to ensure your voice is heard and to impact government decisions that shape our community. Studies indicate that when more people participate in the democratic process, our communities experience better health outcomes. The leaders we elect play a key role in decisions that affect us daily, such as the pricing of prescription medications and the availability of fresh produce in our neighborhoods. By voting, we have the power to directly influence these policies and contribute to the long-term well-being of our community.

Vot-ER Resources

Vot-ER allows you to easily check your voter registration status, register to vote, request a ballot, learn more about voting in your state, plus connect with a helpline and chat with a real person for any questions.