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Since 1988, December 1 has been recognized as World AIDS Day. It’s a time for people to unite worldwide in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and commemorate those special people in our lives who were taken away much too soon because of AIDS.

Community members and activists have done amazing work in the decades since the start of the HIV epidemic. At the same time, much work is left to do for a world without HIV.

Everyone deserves access to life-saving whole-person primary care, including sexual health care. Today, HIV is considered a chronic manageable condition, if people have access to the right tools and resources. Yet, the HIV epidemic rages on. In Texas, one in three people newly diagnosed with HIV identifies as black or African American. Two in five are Hispanic or Latino.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically interrupted the world’s efforts to end HIV. Testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections had declined significantly since the start of the pandemic and many sexually transmitted infections are on the rise here in Texas.

At CommUnityCare’s David Powell Health Center patients receive inclusive, person-centered care that includes comprehensive sexual health care, PrEP, HIV testing and treatment. Regardless of who you are, who you love, where you come from, or what language you speak the care at CommUnityCare’s David Powell Health Center is both affirming and inclusive.

For more information visit https://www.davidpowellhealthcenter.org

 

 

 

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Central Health’s Kuang Named Humanitarian of the Year

(Austin) – Dr. Audrey Kuang, Central Health’s director of high-risk populations, was named Humanitarian of the Year last Thursday night by the Travis County Medical Society (TCMS) at the group’s annual awards dinner.

Dr. Kuang joined Central Health in 2022 and was among the first physicians hired by the hospital district to provide direct care to patients, specializing in care for Travis County’s unhoused population. She completed her undergraduate studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her medical studies at the University of Chicago-Pritzker School of Medicine. She then completed her residency training in Internal Medicine at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, California, where she also served as chief resident.

Prior to becoming part of the Central Health team, Dr. Kuang joined the staff of Central Health-affiliated CommUnityCare in 2017 as an associate director and has served as the subject matter expert for individuals experiencing homelessness. Since her arrival in Austin, she has also served as an assistant clinical professor within the Department of Population Health at the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.

“I am incredibly grateful to TCMS for this great honor and am deeply humbled by this recognition,” Dr. Kuang said. “Homelessness puts a face to all the broken and dysfunctional systems that exist, and my greatest joy comes from seeing our community come together with the resources we each have to help relieve suffering, address inequity and help our patients reach their goals. This award is not possible without Central Health’s incredible support and CommunityCare’s Healthcare for the Homeless team, which is doing the work on the frontlines, rain or shine, fighting for our patients and for health equity.”

Among Dr. Kuang’s accomplishments with Central Health and CommUnityCare:

  • She led the clinical team that provided initial local drive-through COVID-19 testing during the shocking and fearful outset of the pandemic.
  • She led care in the temporary shelters for Texas refugee neighbors in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, caring for similar populations after subsequent storms, regardless of patient location or condition.
  • During Texas’ devastating winter storm of 2021, when travel was treacherous and resources scarce, Dr. Kuang drove to the few shelters open to personally care for those experiencing homelessness, often caring for frostbite and exposure complications in addition to ensuring continuity of their chronic disease management.
  • She has delineated partnerships and protocols and care pathways for individuals transitioning from a hospital to a post-acute clinical environment or even back to the streets to ensure that patients have a one stop access point to the resources they need.
  • Her latest initiative is providing expertise and vision to the build of respite service for uninsured individuals discharged from the hospital who need a safe space to heal.
  • Her work ties in directly with Central Health’s Healthcare Equity Plan, which was launched in February to bring healthcare services to traditionally underserved and lower-income populations in Travis County.

Dr. Alan Schalscha, chief medical officer of Central Health and himself a winner of the same honor in 2019, said Travis County is fortunate to have someone with Dr. Kuang’s drive to serve low-income and vulnerable populations.

“Dr. Kuang  serves the clinically complex and the most under-resourced,” Dr. Schalscha said. “She is a system designer and a fierce patient advocate. Our community is so fortunate to have Dr. Kuang as a caregiver, visionary, advocate, colleague, and friend.”

Dr. Kuang said Dr. Schalscha has served as a great role model for her.

“He has helped me grow as a leader and believed in this work, and wholeheartedly supports bringing care to the most marginalized and vulnerable in our community,” she said.

In addition to Dr. Kuang’s honor, Dr. Mike Stefanowicz, sexual health associate director with CommUnityCare, won the “Ruth M. Bain Young Physician Award.”

Other award winners from the evening were:

Physician of the Year: Sarmistha Hauger, MD 
Lifetime Achievement: James McMichael, MD 
Humanitarian Award: Dave Clarke, MD 
Ruth M. Bain Young Physician Awards: Lauren Gambill, MD 

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CommUnityCare Elects New Board Member Isaac Sanchez

Isaac Sanchez has been elected to serve on the CommUnityCare Board of Directors. Sanchez has a background in hotel management and is now retired. He is a proud member of the LGBTQIA community and has been actively involved in raising AIDS awareness. He joined Austin Pride in 2008 and has been serving as a co-chair since 2011. Sanchez also spends time lending support to the Austin International Drag Festival and the AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service. He also enjoys volunteering his photography skills to these organizations.

Sanchez is excited to serve on the board of directors to be an advocate for increasing access to health services.

Sanchez moved to Austin in 1997, originally from McAllen, Texas. He graduated from McAllen High School in 1975.

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CommUnityCare Awarded Accreditation from The Joint Commission

AUSTIN – CommUnityCare Health Centers, the second largest nonprofit community health center system in Texas, has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Ambulatory Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

CommUnityCare underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review in July. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with Ambulatory Care standards spanning several areas including environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, medication management, and rights and responsibilities of the individual.

The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help health care organizations measure, assess, and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“As a private accreditor, The Joint Commission surveys health care organizations to protect the public by identifying deficiencies in care and working with those organizations to correct them as quickly and sustainably as possible,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend CommUnityCare for its continuous quality improvement efforts in patient safety and quality of care.”

The accreditation applies to CommUnityCare’s almost 30 health centers in Travis County and surrounding areas.

“Whether your income is in the highest bracket or the lowest, everyone wants to know they are receiving the highest quality and safest medical care at their doctor or dentist’s office,” said Jaeson Fournier, CEO of CommUnityCare. “That’s why The Joint Commission’s independent and rigorous review of our services is so important. It gives patients peace of mind and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our clinicians, nurses, and care team members and demonstrates our commitment to continuously improving our health care services as we strive to achieve greater health equity for all, but especially for our low income and uninsured patients.”

Patients and community members can go online and download the quality report here.

Accreditation is required for hospitals that participate in federal health care programs and optional for community health centers.

As the largest safety net healthcare provider in the Austin region and one of the 1,373 federal Health Center Program Grantees nationwide, CommUnityCare sees 130,000 unique patients, representing 460,000 patient visits each year.

CommUnityCare’s David Powell Clinic, center of excellence for HIV care, also received a new certification by The Joint Committee as a Primary Care Medical Home, a designation that means a health institution focuses on the whole person and respects each patient’s needs, culture, and values.

“We provide communities traditionally left behind with inclusive, non-judgmental care– regardless of income,” Fournier said. “As importantly, we strive toward bringing health equity to these communities by knocking down traditional barriers, like race, ethnicity, and language.”

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Cristie Pellegrini Named CommUnityCare’s Vice President of Pharmacy Services

CommUnityCare announced today that Cristie Pellegrini, RPh, MHA, has been promoted to Vice President of Pharmacy Services and will serve on the senior executive team. Pellegrini will continue leading CommUnityCare’s pharmacy program, which includes oversight of the health system’s three pharmacy locations and medication management at its 28 clinics.

“Throughout her more than four years with CommUnityCare, Cristie has consistently enhanced our increased pharmacy services and programs with an eye to ensuring that our patients continue to access the life-sustaining medications they need,” said Jaeson Fournier, CEO of CommUnityCare Health Centers. “She has dedicated her career to serving the underserved community by increasing medication access and striving for health equity.”

Pellegrini has worked in the health center space for more than 20 years and is an expert in the federal 340B program to maximize patient access to affordable medications.

In her previous role as CommUnityCare’s Director of Pharmacy, Pellegrini added a generic price list option for patients, increased access by quadrupling the number of contracted pharmacy access points in Travis County and surrounding areas, added a new in-house pharmacy, and coordinated a diverse group of healthcare providers in drawing COVID-19 vaccines in support of large-scale vaccination events.

Pellegrini will continue to oversee the pharmacy team and Patient Assistance Program, as well as support CommUnityCare’s clinical pharmacist services including medication therapy management.

“CommUnityCare has grown substantially over the past five years in terms of our overall revenue and number of patients seen — now at more than 125,000,” said Fournier. “Cristie has been among those at the helm of this growth. I am looking forward to Cristie’s continued leadership in helping us achieve greater health equity a reality in Central Texas.”

She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Rutgers University and completed her Master of Healthcare Administration at the University of Southern California.

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Participates in Nourishing Black Communities Roundtable

Tara Trower, chief strategy officer for CommUnityCare, recently sat on a panel focused on creating racial equity in the food system. The panel, “Nourishing Black Communities,” explored community-based commitments to providing nutritious foods and discussed how individuals can take steps to address barriers to quality food access.  

“As the affordability issue changes in Travis County, such as our Black and Brown communities moving further and further out, the transportation and time puzzle as connected to food is more imperative for us to solve,” said Trower. 

The panel, cosponsored by Umoja Food and the Black Healthcare and Medical Association, discussed the historic ways Black and Brown communities have been underserved, overlooked, and riddled with barriers and how these communities remain impacted in the present day.  

“I think the mistake that a lot of people make with our populations is that they are not interested in health, which couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Trower. “Really, it’s about the choices they need to make to survive.” 

Access to basic necessities varies across the country. Communities of color unfortunately often fall into geographical areas that experience a lack of access to grocery stores.  

“Here locally [in Austin] there’s one half of the city where there are probably 55 supermarket outlets and east of the interstate there are maybe five,” said Trower. “So, the question not only arises do ‘I have the money’ but do ‘I have the ability’ to get there on a regular basis. We have looked into models that provide food boxes during their visit to the doctor but that does not solve for the fresh produce.” 

CommUnityCare Health Centers served 125,278 patients in 2021, and 86% of those patients identified as racial or ethnic minorities. Ninety-six percent of patients fell at or below 200% of the federal poverty level guideline.  

To watch the full Nourishing Black Communities Roundtable Discussion with Umoja Food for Health, please visit https://umojasupply.com/.  

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By Dr. Nicholas Yagoda

You may have heard mention in the local news or social media about young people in Central Texas overdosing on the drug fentanyl.

What you may not know is that many of the victims had no idea they were taking fentanyl, a tasteless opioid drug similar to morphine, but much more potent. Compared to other opioids, fentanyl is particularly dangerous because it can be deadly in extremely small doses. How deadly? The amount of fentanyl that can balance on your pencil point can fatal and the drug can take many forms — pill, powder, patch, solid or liquid. There is no way to make sure fentanyl is evenly distributed, so each pill can be the one that causes an overdose.

In recent years, an increasing supply of illegal drugs combine fentanyl with other more well-known drugs, the ones that young people often experiment with at parties or in friend groups. Many individuals have no idea what they are consuming. It can be made to look like other well-known drugs such as oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax or even Adderall.

Some versions of the drug can resemble candy – think Sweet Tarts and other small, colorful candies — as a way to target teens and young adults. Physicians and school officials are asking for increased vigilance, especially as music festival season and Halloween approaches. Teens should never share medications, and even items that look like candy should be wrapped in known commercial packaging before consumption.

Last year in Travis County, 118 people died of fentanyl overdoses, and the vast majority were accidental. This year since June, four Hays County high school students have died of fentanyl-related overdoses. For reference, more people in Travis County died of drug overdoses in 2021 than died in traffic accidents, falls or drowning. The increase caused Travis County commissioners to declare the opioid problem in the county a public health emergency.

The Austin Independent School District is working on a plan and awareness campaign and student resource officer carry naloxone (Narcan), the drug that can neutralize the effects of an overdose to give time for someone to seek medical care. Other districts, including Eanes and Hays, have Narcan available in their school nurses offices.

Families who have reason to suspect that a loved one may be at risk for fentanyl overdose due to suspected or known drug use can access Narcan without a prescription at local pharmacies including Walgreens and CVS. Some providers, including CommUnityCare Health Centers, can provide Narcan to patient families and are working toward wider community distribution this Fall. Organizations in the state of Texas can obtain Naloxone at www.morenarcanplease.com.

Additional safety tools include fentanyl test strips which detect this potentially fatal substance if used to lace or as a substitute for other drugs. However, these potentially lifesaving test strips are not yet available legally in Texas.

This video shows how to recognize and respond to these symptoms of overdose:

  • Difficult or not able to awaken
  • Slow or no breathing
  • Unresponsive
  • Bluish or pale lips and fingernails
  • Limp body
  • Pale or clammy skin
  • Vomiting or foaming at the mouth

Please call 9-1-1 immediately, start giving rescue breaths, and administer Narcan, if available. For more information about how to combat fentanyl and opioid use in teens, or to access support and treatment options, call the CommUnityCare Addictions Recovery team at 512-978-9401 or visit www.soberaustin.com.

Dr. Yagoda is chief medical officer at CommUnityCare Health Centers.

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The deadline to register to vote in November’s election is quickly approaching. Eligible Texans will have the chance to cast their ballots for statewide races such as governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, as well as for their U.S. representatives, state senators, state representatives.

How do I register to vote? To register to vote in the State of Texas, you must fill out a voter registration application, print, sign, and mail it to your county’s voter registrar. You can also register to vote in person by visiting the voter registrar in your county.

You can check your voter registration status through My Voter Portal and find your poll location.

Who is on my ballot? The League of Women Voters Austin Area publishes an unbiased Voter Guide in multiple languages, both on paper and a digital version. The League will be publishing the 2022 version in the coming weeks.

Important Dates

  • October 11, 2022 – Last day to register to vote
  • October 24, 2022 – First day of in person early voting
  • October 28, 2022 – Last day to apply for vote by mail ballot (Received, not postmarked)
  • November 8, 2022 –Election Day

Make an informed vote. Your voice matters!

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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a public health emergency and has allowed you to continuously keep your Medicaid coverage since March of 2020, without having to reapply. This continuous coverage is expected to end this fall. You will need to submit a new Medicaid application for the State of Texas to determine if you are still eligible.

What you need to do

  • Use the Medicaid benefits you have now.  Do not wait to go to the doctor or dentist.  It is unclear when the continuous Medicaid enrollment will end.  However, it is expected to end later this year.
  • Make sure your address and contact information are updated/correct on your Medicaid account.
  • If you receive a Medicaid renewal packet, DO NOT DELAY. Complete and return the packet today to avoid losing your Medicaid coverage.

The best way to complete your Medicaid renewal is online at YourTexasBenefits.com. (HHSC)

To check if it is time for you to renew your Medicaid coverage, log into your account on YourTexasBenefits.com Or call 2-1-1, choose your preferred language and select Option 2. (HHSC)

If your child is eligible for CHIP, your coverage will not change because of the end of continuous coverage. (HHSC)

For more information, visit this link.

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CommUnityCare Health Centers has launched a new Doula Pilot Program to help support its Black patients through pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.   

According to Texas Health and Human Resources in Central Texas, Black mothers rank the highest in maternal mortality and morbidity rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Various factors such as access to quality healthcare, underlying chronic conditions and implicit bias contribute to these disparities. 

CommUnityCare is dedicated to recognizing the inequities that persistently affect Black women. By partnering with Black Mamas ATX, CommUnityCare is able to launch a one-year pilot program to provide doula care to its Black patients.  

“I am thrilled that CommUnityCare has partnered with Black Mamas ATX and is taking the necessary steps towards improving the maternal outcomes for underserved populations in the clinical setting,” said Ebony Williams, Doula for CommUnityCare and Black Mamas ATX. “I believe that providing culturally congruent care/ doula support provides a safe space where Black birthing families can be seen, heard, educated and cared for. This type of equity and care is imperative to reducing the infant/maternal mortality rates amongst Black families.” 

CommUnityCare has hired Ebony Williams to become a part of the onsite care team. She will advocate for Black mothers to make informed decisions about their prenatal, birth and postpartum care resulting in better outcomes for mom and baby. The doula will also help families create birth plans and provide emotional and physical comfort throughout birth and postpartum.  

“I’m delighted about our collaboration with Black Mamas Doula ATX and the great work flourishing within our OB communities. We began this partnership over two years ago and we are ready to see the launch of our efforts. I am looking forward to seeing our continued growth with the expansion of this project,” said April Arriaga, CommUnityCare OBGYN Senior Practice Administrator. 

CommUnityCare is the largest community health system in Central Texas, with more than 27 locations that provide outpatient primary health care, women’s health, dental care, pediatric, specialty care, lab, radiology, mammography, pharmacy, and behavioral health services. CommUnityCare is committed to strengthening the health and wellbeing of the communities it serves.  

If you are a CommUnityCare patient, please speak with your OB provider about our doula services. If you are not a CommUnityCare patient, please contact Black Mamas ATX at blackmamasatx.com.