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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. 

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AUSTIN — CommUnityCare Health Centers has chosen Yvonne Camarena to serve as its inaugural Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). The creation of the role is in recognition of the non-profit organization’s sizable growth as the largest community health system in Central Texas. Last year CommUnityCare served more than 125,000 patients with more than 400,000 plus dental and medical visits provided.

Camarena has served as CommUnityCare’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) since 2018 and as its director of nursing prior to taking that role.  As COO, Camarena shepherded multiple clinic expansions and openings and is currently supporting the development of four new clinics that are expected to open in 2023.

The new CNO role will allow CommUnityCare to better focus on its care management and enabling services, as well as strengthen its pipeline of nurses and medical assistants.  As CNO,  Camarena will also support the further development of CommUnityCare’s expanded patient-centered care model.

“Camarena is a solutions-focused nurse administrator with a comprehensive background in clinical, administrative, and quality fields,” said Chief Executive Officer Jaeson Fournier. “She is a tireless and dedicated leader and as CNO she will be directly involved with CommUnityCare’s evolution toward greater systems. Most importantly, she is a staunch patient advocate that strives to ensure our patients receive the care they need and deserve regardless of their income level or insurance status.”

Camarena’s commitment to serving Central Texas is long, including health care roles with the City of Austin, Austin Regional Clinic, Central Health and CommUnityCare spanning nearly three decades. She was also chief operating officer of Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center in Northern California from 2013 to 2016.

Camarena graduated from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (formally Pan American University) with an associate degree in nursing. She continued her education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin, followed by a master’s degree in health care administration from Purdue University Global University.

She began her health care career as a nurse’s aide in an acute care hospital. Having begun with bedside care, she understands the importance of patient care at all service levels. She is passionate for the need to create a caring environment for patients and developing positive employee engagement.

“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to engage even more deeply in developing our care teams to best serve our patients’ needs,” Camarena said. “The key to expanding patient access is having well-trained teams, who can provide culturally sensitive and high-quality care that meets the needs of some of our most vulnerable populations.”

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AUSTIN — CommUnityCare Health Centers, the largest community health system in Central Texas, has selected Nancy Ban to serve as its Chief Operating Officer. Ban comes to CommUnityCare with years of leadership experience in nonprofit health care systems in Massachusetts, Maine, and Colorado.

Ban will oversee daily business operations of CommUnityCare’s 27 health centers in and around Austin, as well as the management and growth of business units, including primary, pediatric, behavioral health, dental, and specialty care service lines. Last year, CommUnityCare saw 125,000 patients representing more than 400,000 visits.

“Nancy’s expertise, leadership, and dedication in nonprofit healthcare systems will serve our patients well,” said Chief Executive Officer Jaeson Fournier. “We look forward to working with Nancy to continue providing high-quality, accessible care to the underserved communities in Austin and surrounding areas.”

Ban joins CommUnityCare on August 29. She comes from NEXXT Health Advisors in Massachusetts where she served as the Lead Healthcare Consultant. Notable work during her time there was strategic planning for Federally Qualified Health Centers.

She previously worked at Central Maine Healthcare, a nonprofit health care system dedicated to providing accessible, comprehensive care where she quickly climbed the leadership ladder. Her roles included Vice President of Operations and Strategic Initiatives, Vice President of Non-Acute Care Services, Interim System Director of Support Services, and Executive Director of Results Management Office.

Ban also spent time at Centura Health in Colorado, a nonprofit healthcare system as Group Special Projects Manager and Chief of Staff.

“CommUnityCare Health Centers is a progressive and diverse organization that embodies innovation and person-centered health care,” said Ban. “I believe strongly in the organization’s mission and look forward to contributing my experience in operational excellence to positively impact the health and well-being of the communities in which we serve.”

CommUnityCare’s current COO, Yvonne Camarena, will transition into a new senior leadership role as the organization’s first Chief Nursing Officer to help better support CommUnityCare’s rapidly growing nursing and care management teams.

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It’s National Health Center week, where the 1,400 health centers across the nation, including CommUnityCare, show their gratitude to patients, staff, and community leaders.

As Central Texas’ largest nonprofit health center with 27 locations, CommUnityCare provides quality, inclusive healthcare to underserved populations in Central Texas. That includes pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, dental and primary care.

What we believe

We believe all Texans deserve high-quality, nonjudgmental care–regardless of how much money they make. We knock down traditional barriers to receiving quality care, like race, ethnicity, cost, language, and health literacy. Our approach to health extends beyond the doctor’s office to things like daily nutrition and housing.

Over the coming year, CommUnityCare is scheduled to open a health center inside Pathways at Chalmers Courts East, a project-based rental assistance property for low-income residents in East Austin. Four other expansion projects are in the pipeline for 2023.

So many to thank

  • Our 125,000 patients for trusting us with their care and that of their families.
  • Our strong community partners, including Austin’s new Black Men’s Health Clinic, Dell Medical School, and Hill Country AIDS Ride, who value bringing quality healthcare to those who need it
  • Elected officials in both political parties who support the vital community health system that has an enormous impact, given the population and barriers to care in Texas.
  • The CommUnityCare team of 1,100 professionals who day in and day out work to serve diverse communities in Central Texas.

Back to School!

In celebration of National Health Center Week, CommUnityCare is eager to help get Austin kids ready to go back to school. This past weekend, we co-hosted an event with Central Health providing school immunizations and backpacks filled with school supplies. And we’re doing it all over again in a second drive-thru event this Saturday! Both events together, we anticipate, will touch 1,000 families as they head back to school. Join us.

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CommUnityCare is excited to announce it is now providing primary care medical services at Austin’s recently established Black Men’s Health Clinic (BMHC) Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 pm to 8 pm.

The partnership with the BMHC is born out of a mutual commitment to increase access to health care and health care information in a setting that best meets the needs of men of color.

“There are many reasons men of color do not access the health care system including socioeconomic status or lack of information. Another major barrier in accessing care for black men is rooted in historic medical mistrust” said the founder of the Black Men’s Health Clinic, Larry Wallace Sr. “In order to help overcome this mistrust and to address the health inequities men of color face, I recognized that a dedicated and safe environment for men of color was needed – this is why I established the Black Men’s Health Clinic with strong support from community partners and stakeholders, including CommUnityCare.”

In addition to providing primary medical care, CommUnityCare will coordinate care and referrals to other services and will have a full-time community health worker at the BMHC which is located at 6633 E. Highway 290, Suite #100, Austin, Texas 78723. Men interested in accessing care at this location can call 512.978.9015 to schedule an appointment. CommUnityCare plans to expand hours of service at the BMHC in the coming months based on patient demand.

“Data shows that Travis County black men live, on average, 5.1 years less than their white non-Latino counterparts,” said CommUnityCare CEO, Jaeson Fournier. “We also know that our black men, especially those who are low income, are more likely to die from heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. The Black Men’s Health Clinic provides an opportunity to better address these longstanding health disparities, and CommUnityCare could not be prouder to partner with the Black Men’s Health Clinic.”

For more information visit blackmenshealthclinic.com or communitycaretx.org.

Pictured from left to right: Carmen Cardenas, CHW; Diana Castillo, Senior MAC; Luis Chen, CHW; Tania Vega, CMA; Christa Jones, APRN