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CommUnityCare Employee Honored with Statewide Award 

Austin, TX – The Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC), a private, not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to advancing equitable access to quality health care across Texas, proudly presented Audrey Straus, CommUnityCare OBGYN and 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 part in lifting one another to sustain the work we do every day: Advancing health equity for thousands upon thousands of 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 and mission: Health 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.  

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CommUnityCare’s Role in Building a Stronger Safety Net for Travis County

Established in 2003, CommUnityCare Health Centers last year served 1 in 11 Travis County residents. For many low-income adults it is their ONLY way to access affordable health care. Until recently, CommUnityCare has been described by Central Health as an enterprise partner, trusted ally or other such language expressing a partnership.

While Central Health is the grantee and together with CommUnityCare they both form the health center, the relationship is complex and unique. Unlike other FQHCs in Travis County, CommUnityCare is a 501(c)3 non-profit that shares the health center status with Central Health in a symbiotic relationship. Together, they share resources and responsibilities in operating the system. There are few of these in the country, and this system has worked well. Watch this video to learn how CommUnityCare Health Centers is a longstanding health equity success story for Travis County.

In recent weeks, statements have been made in the media and in public regarding CommUnityCare’s work. Below is a response from Interim CEO to those statements.

Statement from CommUnityCare Interim CEO on Central Health Video

“I did not approve the contents of the video released by Central Health CEO, Dr. Patrick Lee. In fact, I objected to its release when I was made aware of its contents. The video erroneously suggests that I, as interim CEO, support Dr. Lee’s stance on what has unfortunately become a public dispute over the establishment and implementation of the public health center model and its requirements.

The video also insinuates that CommUnityCare has not followed legal agreements, that CommUnityCare is part of Central Health without recognizing the non-profit status of the CommUnityCare Board of Directors (which serves as the governing board of the health center) or the co-applicant relationship arrangement between Central Health and the CommUnityCare Board. It also alleges that CommUnityCare and its leaders have not been transparent.

We have consistently reinforced to both Central Health and the community since September 4, 2024, that while we remain flexible and open to discussing an evolution to our relationship, we do not appreciate actions that undermine the CommUnityCare board.

At CommUnityCare, the responsibility and standing of our entity and our board has been celebrated and lauded by federal regulators for years. We have led our organization with the highest level of competence and compliance. To say otherwise is a disservice to the hard work our organization has put forth in this community. 

The last few weeks have been disorienting as Central Health has not only put the CEO on leave without the participation of the CommUnityCare board, but continues to sow confusion with videos, public statements and events suggesting agreement where agreement does not exist.”

Nicholas Yagoda, MD

Interim Chief Executive Officer

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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.  

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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.  

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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.  

Important Dates:  

  • Monday, October 7, 2024 – Last day to Register to Vote 
  • Monday, October 21, 2024 – First day of Early Voting 
  • Friday, October 25, 2024 – Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail 
  • Friday, November 1, 2024 – Last Day of Early voting 
  • Tuesday, November 5, 2024 – Last Day to receive Ballot by Mail 
  • Tuesday, November 5, 2024 – Election Day 

CLICK HERE to visit Vot-ER.  

Vot-ER is a nonpartisan organization that develops civic engagement tools and programs for every corner of the health care system. 

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Empowering Central Texas Communities: CommUnityCare Health Centers Helps Families Prepare for a Healthy School Year

The CommUnityCare Back to School Events, held in celebration of National Health Center Week, were an overwhelming success this year. 

These annual events have become a cornerstone of our commitment to supporting Central Texas families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. By offering free backpacks, essential school supplies, vaccines, and valuable community resources, CommUnityCare Health Centers aims to ease the financial burden on families and ensure that students are well-prepared and healthy as they return to the classroom. 

As the new school year begins in our communities, we’re thrilled to announce the impact we made during these events. Over two weekends, an impressive 1,186 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to students, providing them with the tools they need to succeed. In addition, 912 vaccines were administered ensuring that students are protected against preventable diseases and ready to start the school year in good health. 

 

For the first time, CommUnityCare Health Centers was proud to offer Back to School Events at three of its health centers.  

North Central Health Center 

  • Vaccines Administered: 431  
  • Backpacks Distributed: 460 

Pflugerville Health Center 

  • Vaccines Administered: 180  
  • Backpacks Distributed: 190 

Southeast Health and Wellness Center 

  • Vaccines Administered: 301  
  • Backpacks Distributed: 536

 

National Health Center Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the vital role that community health centers like CommUnityCare play in providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to underserved populations.  

“This week highlights the importance of health centers in promoting wellness, reducing health disparities, and addressing the social determinants of health that can impact the overall well-being of individuals and families,” said Karla Rivera, Community Development Manager. “Our Back to School Events are a key part of this mission, as they allow us to engage directly with the community and offer support where it is needed most. By addressing these broader issues, we strive to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all students.” 

These events were a true community effort, and they would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible employees, partners and volunteers. Their unwavering commitment to our community played a vital role in making these events a success. From organizing logistics to handing out supplies and administering vaccines, every contribution made a difference. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and resources to ensure that our Back to School Events made a positive impact on so many families. Together, we’re helping to build a healthier, stronger community, one family at a time. As we look ahead to the future, we remain committed to supporting our community and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Enhances Patient Communication with New SMS Service

AUSTIN, TX – CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to announce an upgrade to its Short Messaging Service (SMS) by adopting the Epic Hello World application. This transition will provide patients with more timely notifications and seamless integration with their electronic health records and communication preferences.  

“CommUnityCare Health Centers implemented Epic systemwide in 2021. Through our continued partnership with Epic, we can now use the SMS application to make health care more accessible and convenient for all patients,” said Shondrea Haroon, CommUnityCare Associate Director of Patient Access. “This new and improved patient communication further removes barriers our patient population often faces and makes information more readily available.” 

As of July 25, 2024, all text messages from CommUnityCare Health Centers will be sent through Epic Hello World using the SMS short code, 65934. Patients who have opted to receive text messages will continue to receive all future communication from the new number.  

Patients who opt-in to receive text messages from CommUnityCare Health Centers receive timely updates including appointment reminders, MyChart alerts, prescription notifications, care management information, educational materials, event updates, and other patient-related messages.  

Patients who wish to start receiving text messages can opt-in or out by texting START/STOP to 65934. Patients can also manage their communication preferences by logging into their MyChart account and navigating to Account Settings > Communication Preferences> Manage Your Subscription. Data rates may apply, depending on a patient’s mobile phone plan.  

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, CLICK HERE. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Aligns New Brand with Broader Central Health System

Austin, TX – CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to announce its new brand that aligns with the broader Central Health System. The unified brand aims to better reflect the shared history, mission and commitment to expanding equitable access to health for the underserved communities in Central Texas. The new brand also aims to make it clear to patients, providers, and stakeholders that CommUnityCare Health Centers, Sendero, and Central Health are connected, hopefully making services easier to recognize and navigate. 

“Aligning our brands under a common symbol reflects our long-standing commitment to collaboration,” said Dr. Jaeson Fournier, President and CEO of CommUnityCare Health Centers. “This new visual identity communicates our shared dedication to delivering high-quality health care to all, while also strengthening our collective impact in the community.” 

In 2017, a third-party performance review requested by the Travis County Commissioners Court found that many constituents were confused about the relationship between the organizations in the Central Health system – Central Health, Sendero and CommUnityCare Health Centers. After a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizations embarked on a rebranding process that involved extensive research and community engagement.  

The new logo features the letter ”C” which stands for central and community. It also features the letter ”H” which stands for health and the internationally recognized health care cross. The new green color palette symbolizes trust, healing and warmth.   

Patients, staff and the community may have started to notice changes throughout CommUnityCare Health Centers and our materials. These changes will slowly take course over the coming months and years including a new logo, new clinic signage and other brand material updates.  

While CommUnityCare Health Centers is aligning their brand with the broader Central Health system, there will be no organizational structure or operational changes. CommUnityCare Health Centers remains a patient majority guided 501.c.3 non-profit and one of the largest federally qualified health center operators in the country. 

“Patients can rest assured there will be no disruption to their health care services provided by CommUnityCare Health Centers,” added Fournier. “Our brand alignment with Central Health and Sendero is a step forward in better recognizing our collective work together to strengthen the health and well-being of the communities we are so privileged to serve.” 

Central Health System Overview:  

  • Central Health is Travis County’s taxpayer-funded hospital district and is responsible for arranging for or providing healthcare services for low-income uninsured Travis County residents. Central Health also administers the Medical Access Program, which covers healthcare costs for eligible Travis County residents with low income.   
  • CommUnityCare Health Centers was established in 2003 as a philanthropic endeavor supporting the City of Austin’ Community Care Services Department’s health centers.  Fast forward to today, CommUnityCare Health Centers is one of the largest federally qualified health center operators in the nation and is co-applicant with Central Health on a US Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Center Program federal assistance award.  
  • Sendero Health Plans, created by Central Health in 2011, markets plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act and provides comprehensive coverage for medically complex cases among people with low income through its Premium Assistance Program. 

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, CLICK HERE. 

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Help Shape the Future of Sexual Health Services by Joining Our Community Advisory Panel

CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to announce a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing sexual health services in our community. This new initiative is thanks to a $2.5 million, five-year award from the CDC Enhancing STI and Sexual Health Clinic Infrastructure (ESSHCI). This award signifies a major step forward in addressing the pressing sexual health needs of our community, with a focus on underserved and priority populations.  

At the cornerstone of this initiative is creating a Community Advisory Panel, which will play a role in shaping the future STI and HIV prevention and advising the planning of a new sexual health access point.  

CommUnityCare Health Centers is seeking individuals passionate about promoting sexual health awareness, reducing health disparities, and advocating for the community to join the Community Advisory Panel. Recruitment for the Community Advisory Panel is open now through the end of August 2024. The goal is to have a fully established panel by September 2024.  

We are seeking individuals from priority populations with an emphasis on multi-marginalized people, such as those who are unsheltered or unhoused, and persons of color:  

  • Black/African American community members 
  • Latinx/Hispanic community members 
  • Women 
  • People who identify as LGBTQIA+ 
  • Young adults ages 18-24 
  • People who use drugs 

CLICK HERE to join the CommUnityCare Community Advisory Panel.  

“STIs remain a significant public health issue, disproportionately affecting certain groups within our community. CommUnityCare Health Centers is dedicated to developing innovative strategies to address these health disparities,” said Jael Williams, Sexual Health Program, Care Manager. “By involving community members in the panel, we ensure that the voices and experiences of those most affected by these issues are heard and integrated into the solutions.” 

More information is available on our website, talkactprotect.org. If you have any questions regarding the Community Advisory Panel, please contact us at advisory.panel@communitycaretx.org or call 512-716-7499. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Mourns the Loss of Beloved Physician

Dear CommUnityCare Patients,

It is with very heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved physician, Dr. Edwin Melendez, earlier this week. 

Dr. Melendez was known for his kindness, humor, medical knowledge and skill. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him — especially his patients and their families, many of whom had received care from Dr. Melendez for more than ten years at William Cannon Health Center, Southeast Health and Wellness Center and Blackstock Family Medicine. 

Thank you for your understanding as we work diligently to ensure that you, and all our William Cannon patients, still receive medical care when you need it. We sincerely apologize if your appointment has been affected. In the coming days and weeks, if you need care, please call 512-978-9015, option 1 to schedule an appointment with another one of our providers at William Cannon. If it is an urgent issue, you may always visit one of our walk-in clinics at the Southeast Health and Wellness Center or Hancock Walk-In Care. While Dr. Melendez is truly irreplaceable, we are working to find a physician who will be able to serve as your dedicated primary care provider for years to come.  

We understand that losing a trusted physician can be difficult, and we are here to support you during this time. If you would like to speak with one of our behavioral health consultants as you process this news, please call 512-978-9015, option 1. Please let us know that you would like to schedule an appointment with the behavioral health team to help process the loss of your physician, Dr. Melendez, and we will be glad to help you. 

A service mass is scheduled at Holy Trinity Church in San Antonio to celebrate Dr. Melendez’s life. His family welcomes patients and families to attend. As we receive more information from Dr. Melendez’s family, we will share additional details via our website, www.communitycaretx.org. 

Providing care for his patients was truly one of the greatest joys of Dr. Melendez’s life. Thank you for being such an important part of it.  

 

Update regarding Dr. Melendez’s Services:

Date and Time: Monday, July 1st at 10 a.m.

Location: Holy Trinity Church

20523 Huebner Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78258

A gathering will be hosted afterward. The family invites all to attend and requests only plants the day of the service, no flowers. 

 

With gratitude, 

William Cannon Family Medicine