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Do Not Close the Doors on Community Health Centers 

By Nicholas Yagoda, MD, CEO for CommUnityCare Health Centers

As CEO of one of the nation’s largest community health centers — and as a doctor who has spent my career working to advance healthcare access for all — I am deeply concerned by the new guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services barring people living in the U.S. without legal documents from accessing taxpayer-funded programs, including the federal Health Center Program.

On its face, this might sound like standard policy. Most taxpayer-funded benefits exclude undocumented individuals. But for nearly 30 years, community health centers have been a deliberate and important exception. And for good reason: preventive and primary care for everyone not only saves lives but also keeps costs down for our communities and the health system as a whole.

Health centers were created to serve anyone in need, regardless of race, gender, income, or immigration status. After all, illness and disease know no boundaries. That principle has never been in doubt — until now.

Last year, CommUnityCare in Austin cared for more than 140,000 patients. Across the U.S., community health centers served 32.5 million people. Most were uninsured or covered by Medicaid. We are the front line of prevention. We keep people healthy and nurture thriving communities.

Removing this carve-out will not solve the national debate over immigration or save taxpayers money. Rather it will make people sicker, pushing them out of primary care and into the emergency rooms, while driving up costs for hospitals and taxpayers. It will increase the spread of preventable disease at a time when we’re still recovering from COVID and battling the largest measles outbreak in 33 years. It will leave us further behind other high-income nations around the globe in key health outcomes. This new HHS guidance expressly directs the medical community to abandon our sacred commitment to do no harm.

And it will hurt our communities. Undocumented residents are not outsiders; they are part of our social fabric, contributing vital services to strengthen our community. Many live in families that include U.S. citizens. Denying them access to basic care is not just inhumane — it’s shortsighted and dangerous for our public and economic health.

The health center carve-out existed for a reason. It recognized a simple truth: caring for each one of us leaves us all safer, stronger, and more secure. That truth has not changed. HHS should reverse this guidance immediately. Congress should make it crystal clear that community health centers must remain open to everyone — our nation’s health depends on it.

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The official guidance provided by HHS is posted here. The guidance provides a 30-day public comment period. Comments must be submitted to HHS by 11:59 PM EDT on August 13th, 2025. They can be submitted via the Federal Register here. 

CommUnityCare follows statutory and regulatory requirements and until further notice, in the setting of conflicting interpretation, will continue to serve all patients in need of healthcare services, regardless of immigration status.

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CommUnityCare Health Centers’ Tara Trower Appointed to Sendero Health Plans Board of Directors 

Austin, TX— CommUnityCare Health Centers is proud to announce that Tara Trower, the organization’s Chief Strategy Officer and Interim Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for Sendero Health Plans, a local nonprofit health insurance company and member of the Central Health Enterprise. 

“Tara’s appointment represents a significant step forward in advancing systemwide alignment to better serve our communities,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CommUnityCare Health Centers Chief Executive Officer and Central Health Executive Vice President of Ambulatory Services. “Her deep operational insight and strategic acumen will bring valuable perspective to Sendero’s work and will ultimately benefit the patients we all serve.” 

Sendero Health Plans provides health insurance coverage to Central Texans, including individuals who are medically complex, low-income, or who face barriers to accessing care. The organization plays a key role in expanding access to affordable health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. 

With Trower serving on the board, CommUnityCare Health Centers will gain valuable insight into local health insurance strategy and operations. This will strengthen the organization’s ability to advocate for patients and respond to changes in coverage, cost, and access to care. Her appointment reinforces the organization’s commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system in Travis County. 

“Every decision we make about coverage and care has a direct impact on the lives of the people we serve,” said Trower. “I’m honored to represent community health centers in this work and committed to ensuring that patients’ voices remain central as we build a more connected, equitable healthcare system in Travis County.” 

 

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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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Get Ready for Back to School with CommUnityCare Health Centers

In honor of National Health Center Week, CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to host Back to School events to prepare Central Texas children for the upcoming school year! Event details vary. See below. 

National Health Center Week (August 3-9, 2025) serves as an opportunity to showcase the dedication and efforts of Community Health Centers nationwide that diligently work to enhance health outcomes and reduce health disparities. This year’s National Health Center Week theme focuses on the past, present and future – and celebrating 60 years of our nation’s health.  

As part of this year’s celebration, CommUnityCare is proud to launch a new partnership with Bastrop Independent School District to expand access to school supplies, health screenings, and essential services for families in the region. 

“Bastrop ISD is thrilled to be partnering with CommUnityCare Health Centers for our 2025 Back to School Bash,” said Karen Trevino, Bastrop ISD Director of Community Relations. “Each year, the Back to School Bash brings school supplies and valuable resources to Bastrop and surrounding communities. Now CommUnityCare will be taking it to the next level, distributing over 900 stuffed backpacks and providing families with eligibility screenings and the opportunity to sign up for no cost vaccinations at their Del Valle Health Center. Having this information available at our event will undoubtedly make it easier for students to get everything they need to prepare for a healthy and successful school year.” 

 

 

Back to School Events:  

EVENT FLYER ENG SPAN

 

Where: Cedar Creek High School | 793 Union Chapel Rd

When: Tuesday, July 29 | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.  

What: CommUnityCare Health Centers will be offering NO COST backpacks and school supplies for the Bastrop community and surrounding areas at Cedar Creek High School. Backpacks/supplies are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE until supplies last. Financial screening appointments will also be available. Plan ahead and register for a financial screening appointment at the event: https://cuctx.org/FSback2school  

 

Where: Del Valle Health and Wellness Center 

When: Saturday, August 2 | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

What: CommUnityCare Health Centers will be offering NO COST children’s immunizations. An appointment is REQUIRED: http://cuctx.org/vaccinesb2school  

 

Where: Pflugerville Health Center  

When: Saturday, August 2 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

What: CommUnityCare Health Centers will offer NO COST children’s immunizations. An appointment is REQUIRED for immunizations: http://cuctx.org/vaccinesb2school. Patients will receive first-priority for no cost backpacks and supplies, but walk-ins are welcome while supplies last. Supplies are very limited. 

 

Where: North Central Health Center 

When: Saturday, August 9 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.  

What: CommUnityCare Health Centers will offer NO COST children’s immunizations, backpacks, school supplies, community resources, plus more! Backpacks/supplies are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE until supplies last. An appointment is REQUIRED for immunizations: http://cuctx.org/vaccinesb2school.  

Supplies are limited at CommUnityCare Health Centers Back-to-School events. Please see below for additional Back-to-School events happening around Central Texas.

Dell Children’s Health Plan – 3rd Annual Back to School Event

Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Cedar Ridge High School | 2801 Gattis School Rd, Round Rock, TX 78664

EVENT FLYER | DELL CHILDREN’S WEBSITE

Hays County Health Department Back to School Health Fair

Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hays County Health Department | 101 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666

EVENT FLYER ENG SPAN | HAYS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT WEBSITE

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Empowering Moms, Transforming Care: Join Us for the CenteringPregnancy© Launch Event

Expecting a baby is a personal journey, one that is made easier with support, community and trusted care. That is why CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to launch CenteringPregnancy© at Southeast Health & Wellness Center, a powerful program designed to transform the prenatal experience for mothers.

We invite the community to celebrate the launch of this innovative program.

Event details:

  • What: CenteringPregnancy© Launch Event
  • When: Thursday, July 17, 2025 | 9 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: Southeast Health and Wellness Center | Community Room

  The event will include:

  • A look inside how CenteringPregnancy© works
  • Stories from moms who’ve already benefited from the program
  • Introductions to the care team and program facilitators
  • Community connection, and more!

CenteringPregnancy© is a group-based prenatal care model that brings together pregnant patients with similar due dates for shared learning, health assessments and open conversation. The approach is designed to improve both health outcomes and the overall pregnancy experience.

The program offers expecting mothers more time with their care team and encourages peer support, especially meaningful for patients without nearby family or friends. To learn more about Centering© programs offered at CommUnityCare Health Centers, visit CenteringPregnancy© or CenteringParenting©.

 

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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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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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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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Get Ready for Back to School with CommUnityCare Health Centers

In honor of National Health Center Week, CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to host three back-to-school events to prepare Central Texas children for the upcoming school year.

National Health Center Week (August 4th – 10th) serves as an opportunity to showcase the dedication and efforts of Community Health Centers nationwide that diligently work to enhance health outcomes and reduce health disparities. This year’s National Health Center Week theme focuses on empowering communities by connecting them with health centers. 

As Central Texas’ largest nonprofit health center, we ask you to join us at one of our three back-to-school events where we will offer FREE children’s immunizations, backpacks, school supplies, paletas, community resources, plus more! These events are for children 3-18 years of age. 

Appointments are limited and registration is REQUIRED for both immunizations and backpacks. Before registering, please review our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – FAQs ENGLISH | FAQs SPANISH. 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: THERE ARE LIMITED SLOTS AVAILABLE. WALK-IN SERVICES FOR BACKPACKS ARE AVAILABLE THE DAY OF EVENTS FROM 11 A.M. – 12 P.M. ALL BACKPACKS DURING WALK-IN SERVICES ARE FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.

 

Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 

WHERE: Southeast Health & Wellness Center | 2900 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX 78741 

WHEN: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 

To register for backpacks at Southeast Health and Wellness Center, CLICK HERE. (CLOSED)

To register for immunizations at Southeast Health and Wellness Center, CLICK HERE. 

 

WHERE: Pflugerville Health Center  | 2700 W. Pecan St, Suite #450, Pflugerville, TX 78660   

WHEN: 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. 

To register for backpacks at Pflugerville Health Center, CLICK HERE. (CLOSED) 

To register for immunizations for Pflugerville Health Center, CLICK HERE. 

 

Saturday, August 10th, 2024

WHERE: North Central Health Center | 1210 W Braker Lane, Austin, TX 78758 

WHEN: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

To register for backpacks at North Central, CLICK HERE. (CLOSED) 

To register for immunizations at North Central, CLICK HERE.

 

Please be advised that we will no longer be conducting a backpack drive-thru as in previous years. Attendees must park at the event site and enter the building to access backpacks, immunizations and community vendors. 

 

If you need assistance, please review our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – FAQs ENGLISH | FAQs SPANISH. If you continue to experience issues registering for immunizations or backpacks after reviewing the FAQs, please contact us at (512) 978-9015 or communityrelations@communitycaretx.org.

Due to high demand, there are limited slots for the CommUnityCare Health Centers Back-to-School event. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please see below for additional backpack distribution events happening around Central Texas.

People’s Community Clinic – Back to School Community Resource Event

Saturday, 7/13/24 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

People’s Community Clinic, 1101 Camino La Costa, Austin, TX, 78752

Back-to-School Event – People’s Community Clinic (austinpcc.org)

Manos de Cristo – Back to School Program

Monday – Friday, 7/22-26/24 | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (**Or until supplies last**)

Midtown Church Austin, 4425 Red River St., Austin, TX, 78751

Back-to-School Program – Manos de Cristo

Dell Children’s Health Plan – Back to School Annual Event

Saturday, 8/3/24 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

KIPP South Campus, 5701 S I-35, Austin TX, 78744

Back to School Annual Event – Dell Children’s Health Plan (dellchildrenshealthplan.com)

Dove Springs – Back to School Bash

Saturday, 8/3/24 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

George Morales Dove Springs Rec Center, 5801 Ainez Dr., Austin, TX, 78744

Manor ISD – 24th Annual School Resource Fair & Back to School Enrollment Bash

Saturday, 8/10/24 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

**(Manor ISD Students Only) **

Manor Senior High School, 14832 FM 973, Manor, TX, 78653

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Working to Change the Lives of Patients Experiencing Homelessness 

It’s Friday morning, Monick Hamlin is trailed down the hall at Southeast Health and Wellness Clinic by her colleagues Dr. Mike Stefanowicz and Esther Verges. All three load up the CommUnityCare Street Medicine van with their work gear, medical supplies, and other basic essentials to start their day helping those experiencing homelessness in Austin.  

“The van is our office and clinic, all in one,” joked Hamlin, a Medical Assistant and Community Health Worker for the CommUnityCare Street Medicine Team. 

The first stop is a parking lot in downtown Austin, where the team encounters an older gentleman experiencing a new cough and shoulder pain. This is only the first of many stops throughout the day to help anyone facing barriers and unable to access healthcare at one of the 28 CommUnityCare Health Centers across Travis and Williamson County.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people experiencing homelessness often face higher rates of poor health outcomes than people with housing.

“You and I are very capable of driving our cars, going to our appointments, picking up our prescriptions because we have the capabilities to do that. Our friends and neighbors out here on the streets don’t have that luxury. So, what we have been able to do is meet our patients where they are at,” added Hamlin. “For those living on the street, it’s an everyday struggle. It’s a struggle from addiction, mental health and lack of support. Anywhere we can fill the gaps is what we try to do.” 

In 2022, CommUnityCare Health Centers served 2,920 homeless patients, that is according to the Health Center Program Uniform Data System (UDS) Data Overview. Preliminary UDS data shows CommUnityCare Health Centers exponentially increased that number serving a total number of 4,765 homeless patients in 2023. 

The CommUnityCare Street Medicine Team is just one of the teams that make up the Health Care for the Homeless continuum of care service line. The Street Medicine Team provides primary health care services to unsheltered people experiencing homelessness, wherever they are. The team visits areas across North, East, Central and South Austin throughout the week to provide services. 

Across downtown Austin, the CommUnityCare Mobile Health team has set up a healthcare base at Sunrise Community Church located along Menchaca Road. The CommUnityCare Mobile Health Team offers health care services in on-site community locations for individuals who are or have experienced homelessness. This is done in partnership with community-based organizations by setting up a temporary clinic in their location. 

“I think the regularity of Sunrise and CommUnityCare together has been what has made this work. Them [patients] knowing there is going to be someone, having the assurance that someone is going to be here is what works. When you work in homeless services predictability and regularity is one of the most important things you can bring to the table,” said Mark Hilbelink, Sunrise Community Church Homeless Navigation Center Executive Director. “In the chaotic life of someone experiencing homelessness, it creates a stable foundation for them to start working on some of things they need to work on.”

Sitting in the pews of Sunrise Community Church and waiting to see his CommUnityCare healthcare provider is Roy Miller an Austin unsheltered resident, and a patient at CommUnityCare Health Centers who is experiencing homelessness. 

“Every day I look up and think, alright, I’m going to be okay. Whereas at one point I thought, I guess this is where it ends,” said Miller. “These services have blessed me beyond belief.” 

Miller describes an easy life growing up, born into a wealthy Texas family, living out his dream of being a rodeo cowboy for 20 years, going to school for theatre, and the stability of a trust fund.  

“I’m no longer trust fund Roy,” he says. “I would use [drugs], go to treatment centers and I did this for years. Until one day, I became homeless, and I didn’t know what to do. I’m slowly working my way out of this.” 

“Healthcare is a human right,” said Regina Evidente, Nurse Practitioner for the CommUnityCare Mobile Health Team. “We want to be able to provide them with a space where they feel safe and not judged. I tell patients all the time we’re here to support them in however that looks for them.” 

Also, part of the healthcare for the homeless services are the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) Clinic, the Care Connections Clinic, and the mobile, medical, and mental health (M3) team.  

The ARCH Clinic provides primary medical care to people experiencing homelessness. CommUnityCare services are located inside the ARCH Shelter. The CommUnityCare Care Connections Clinic is where patients experiencing homelessness are encouraged to access services directly at this site without a referral.