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New Clinic Availability Strengthens Access to Musculoskeletal Care 

Access to specialized musculoskeletal (MSK) care is expanding, bringing advanced joint and sports medicine services to more patients across Central Texas and reducing wait times for those seeking relief from chronic pain and injury. 

Led by Dr. Leigh Romero, CommUnityCare Provider and Dell Medical School Primary Care Sports Fellowship Director, the MSK specialty care service line treats a wide range of bone, joint and muscle conditions — from chronic arthritis to acute injuries. Services include advanced joint injections, rehabilitation planning and personalized treatment strategies tailored to each patient.  

“Sometimes it’s diagnosing the problem and creating a rehab plan — whether that’s physical therapy, home exercises or medication to manage pain,” Romero said. “Other times, it’s performing injections like steroids or gel injections. It really depends on the patient, their age and where they are in their condition.” 

By expanding MSK services across multiple locations, more patients can be seen sooner and closer to home. “Providing more MSK clinics really opens this up to an underserved population that needs it,” Romero said. 

Previously offered just one half-day per week at Southeast Health and Wellness Center, expanded clinic sessions are now available at:  

  • Southeast Health and Wellness Center 
    • Tuesday Mornings 
    • Friday Mornings (1st/3rd/5th of the month) 
  • North Central Health Center  
    • Thursday Afternoons  
  • Central Health CEC Building 
    • Mondays 
    • Wednesday Mornings 
    • Wednesday Afternoons (2nd/4th of the month) 
    • Thursday Mornings 

Keeping care within the medical home also strengthens coordination and continuity. 

“By keeping care within the medical home, patients avoid outside referrals and fragmented records,” Romero said. “Imaging, labs, medications and specialty services remain coordinated in one trusted system.” 

A Difference Patients Can Feel 

For patients like Angie Harris, 70, expanded MSK services mean quicker access to a provider she trusts. A patient of more than 40 years, Harris has been experiencing chronic pain in her shoulder due to arthritis. “I come to Dr. Romero to get my steriod shots. I depend on those shots to relieve me of my pain,” Harris said. “She takes care of me pretty good. And when I need to come in, she works me in.” 

Harris’ chronic pain being managed by through the MSK clinic, but is looking at a surgery referral for long-term relief.  

“They listen to my concerns,” Harris said. “I can see my primary care doctor here and some of the specialists. It’s all in one area — I don’t have to run across town. It’s convenient because it’s not far from my home.” 

Beyond the convenience, Harris values the relationship built over time. 

“Dr. Romero is someone you can be comfortable with,” she said. “You can communicate with her, and you feel more at home with a person like that.” 

Strengthening Access and Education 

In addition to increasing patient access, the expanded clinic strengthens hands-on training for future physicians. Twenty-one Family Medicine residents rotate through Southeast Health and Wellness Center each year, along with one Sports Medicine Fellow. 

Romero says teaching enhances the patient experience. 

“They spend time getting a detailed history and exam,” she said. “When I come in, we talk through what we’re seeing and thinking. Patients appreciate understanding what’s going on with their bodies.” 

With additional clinic sessions and expanded locations, MSK services are positioned to serve more patients, reduce barriers to specialty care and deliver timely relief — all within the medical home patients already know and trust. 

“I’m really happy we’re able to expand,” Romero said. “There’s a growing need, and it’s important patients have more openings and more places to receive this care.”

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Central Health and CommUnityCare Receive Renewal for Federal Health Center Program, Strengthening Access to Care Across Central Texas

February 23, 2026

Austin, Texas — The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded Central Health and CommUnityCare Health Centers continued federal funding through its Health Center Program (Section 330) following the recent Service Area Competition (SAC). 

While HRSA funding is awarded annually, health centers must successfully compete every four years to maintain participation in the program. This renewal affirms CommUnityCare Health Centers’ status as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and marks the organization’s 18th consecutive year in the federal Health Center Program. 

Beyond direct federal funding (including $6.8 million annually for the renewal), Health Center Program participation provides significant community benefits, including: 

  • Access to reduced-cost medications for patients
  • Enhanced Medicaid reimbursement supporting sustainability of safety-net care 
  • Federal medical malpractice coverage for providers 
  • Expanded access to comprehensive care for uninsured and underinsured residents 

This award supports the unique co-applicant agreement between Central Health and CommUnityCare Health Centers, reinforcing the strength of this public-nonprofit collaboration in expanding access to comprehensive, high-quality care for individuals and families across Travis County and surrounding communities. 

“CommUnityCare and Central Health have built over the past two decades the foundation for something unique in this country: a whole-person health system built around community health centers,“ said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, chief executive officer of CommUnityCare Health Centers and executive vice president of ambulatory services at Central Health. “We are grateful to HRSA and the Travis County taxpayers for their continued Investment in this bold future.” 

This investment supports the full scope of services delivered across CommUnityCare Health Centers, including primary medical care, behavioral health services, dental care, women’s health services, pharmacy services, Healthcare for the Homeless programs, HIV prevention, specialty care, and enabling services such as care coordination and outreach. 

In fiscal year 2025 (which runs Oct. 1, 2024–Sep. 30, 2025), CommUnityCare Health Centers served 148,234 unique patients, provided 507,679 in-clinic visits, delivered 50,062 virtual visits, and totaled 557,741 patient visits — reflecting the continued demand for accessible, affordable care across Central Texas. 

“This investment reinforces the power of partnership in building a stronger, more accountable public health system. Our model is grounded in dual accountability — to our patients, who rely on us for accessible, high-quality care, and to the taxpayers whose support makes that care possible,” said Dr. Pat Lee, president and chief executive officer at Central Health.” Together with CommUnityCare, we’ve created a connected system that listens to patient voices, responds to community need, and delivers care across the full continuum. This renewal helps ensure that model continues to grow and serve Central Texas families.” 

A Collaborative Model That Sets the Standard 

Created by Travis County voters, Central Health is the local public entity responsible for providing access to health care for residents with low incomes. Together, Central Health and CommUnityCare Health Centers operate under a unique co-applicant model that integrates public funding, patient-led governance, and unified clinical operations. 

Many health centers operated by CommUnityCare Health Centers are located in facilities owned by Central Health. In addition, Central Health administers the Medical Access Program (MAP), which provides a locally funded coverage option for low-income, uninsured residents who often have limited or no access to affordable insurance in Texas. MAP serves as a critical payer source, enabling thousands of patients to receive comprehensive care at CommUnityCare Health Centers. 

According to 2024 Uniform Data System (UDS) data reported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, CommUnityCare Health Centers served 77,935 uninsured patients, representing 54.34% of the total patient population — a reflection of the organization’s role in meeting the needs of residents with limited insurance access. 

The two organizations jointly hold Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status, aligning public resources with community-based care delivery to expand access for individuals who might otherwise go without care.  

This level of integration distinguishes the Central Health and CommUnityCare agreement from many other health center models. By aligning public resources with community-based care delivery and operating within a unified system, the collaborative model strengthens accountability, expands preventive and primary access for children and adults and ensures services remain responsive to the evolving needs of Travis County residents. 

Together, the organizations are working toward a more seamless and recognizable system of care, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing health equity across Central Texas. 

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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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About Central Health  

Central Health is the hospital district serving Travis County. Created by voters in 2004, Central Health plans, pays for, and provides care for residents with low income, ensuring care is free or highly affordable for those who need it most. Together with CommUnityCare Health Centers and Sendero Health Plans, the Central Health system forms a unified, publicly accountable health system focused on expanding access, reducing wait times, and delivering measurable value for patients and taxpayers across Central Texas. 

 

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Expanded Bastrop Health Center Brings Pediatric Care Closer to Home

For 11 years, Olga Montano has trusted CommUnityCare Health Centers with her health care. She received prenatal care at the Bastrop Health Center during her pregnancy, and now, as a new mom, she’s grateful she can bring her daughter to the same clinic. 

“It’s really convenient because it’s close by, and I don’t have to drive all the way to Austin,” said Montano, a Bastrop resident and longtime patient. “Being able to bring my daughter here too means we can both get care in the same place, and I can schedule appointments quickly if something comes up.” 

That convenience is the result of a recent expansion at the CommUnityCare Bastrop Health Center, where pediatric services now operate alongside women’s health care. The expansion reflects a commitment to provide continuous, comprehensive care for families in a region that has historically faced limited access to health care and other essential resources.

The project expanded the clinic into adjacent commercial space, adding five pediatric exam rooms, one additional women’s health exam room, and on-site financial eligibility services. Renovations created a unified, 3,605-square-foot clinic with a shared entrance and centralized waiting area designed to offer a more streamlined, family-friendly experience. 

“This is a very unique opportunity to care for families from the very beginning,” said Monica Thint, MD, pediatrician at the Bastrop Health Center. “Having obstetric and pediatric care in the same location allows us to build relationships during pregnancy and continue caring for babies after they’re born. That kind of continuity supports prevention, early intervention, and healthier outcomes across a child’s life.” 

Families no longer need to navigate multiple systems or travel 30 to 45 minutes to Austin for pediatric appointments. Instead, they can access trusted providers close to home, reducing barriers such as transportation challenges, time away from work and missed school. For first-time parents like Montano, that reassurance makes a meaningful difference. 

“Being able to ask questions and talk to a provider I trust makes a big difference,” she said. 

The expansion of pediatric services at the Bastrop Health Center reflects the broader mission of CommUnityCare Health Centers to strengthen the health and well-being of the communities it serves. By investing in local access and building care around families, the organization continues to support long-term health in Bastrop. 

Bastrop Health Center Tours 

Community members interested in seeing the expanded space and learning more about services are invited to attend upcoming Bastrop Health Center tours on April 20 and May 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment at the Bastrop Health Center, CLICK HERE. 

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A Farewell: CommUnityCare Health Centers Board Member Barbara Brooks-Robinson Reflects on 16 Years of Service

As my time of service on the Board of Directors of CommUnityCare Health Centers comes to a close, I reflect with deep gratitude, humility, and pride on this extraordinary journey. 

I first became a patient in 2008 and then joined the CommUnityCare Health Centers Board of Directors in 2010. My relationship with this organization began at one of the most vulnerable moments of my life. After suffering from a heart attack in 2008, I became unemployed and lost my health insurance. Accessing the care I needed felt overwhelming and uncertain, until a social worker introduced me to CommUnityCare. 

Through CommUnityCare Health Centers, I received not only treatment for my heart condition, but care for multiple pre-existing conditions, access to specialty services, and timely, compassionate follow-up. I am also a 46-year cancer “thriver.” I use that word intentionally; survivors live in the wilderness, but thrivers live in the promised land. By the grace of God and through the care I have received over the years at CommUnityCare Health Centers, I continue to thrive. Ongoing monitoring and early detection have been life-giving, and I remain deeply grateful to the physicians and care teams who have walked alongside me. 

I was recommended to the board of directors by a triage nurse, an invitation that changed the course of my life. What many may not realize is that Federally Qualified Health Centers are required to maintain a patient majority of 51% on their boards. One of our most important responsibilities as the board of directors is to identify gaps in care for underserved communities and to partner with leadership to ensure those needs are met. Serving as a patient board member has been both a responsibility and an honor. 

One of my proudest accomplishments during my 16 years of service was the creation of the Patient Experience Committee, a space where patient-centered board members could elevate concerns, share lived experience, and also celebrate successes. Throughout my tenure, I served on many committees and conclude my service as Chair of the Nomination and Governance Committee. I take pride in knowing that my leadership helped shape bylaws, policies, and procedures that continue to guide this board today, and that many current directors came through this governance process. 

Advocacy has also been central to my service. Over the years, I have traveled frequently to Washington, D.C., and to the Texas State Capitol to advocate for funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers and to raise awareness about the growing mental health crisis. These efforts were always rooted in the belief that access to quality health care is not a privilege; it is a necessity. 

When I joined the board of directors, CommUnityCare Health Centers operated around 21 sites. Today, the organization has grown to more than 30 sites. Witnessing this growth, and the ongoing efforts to realign clinical assets to meet the changing demographics and needs of Travis County, has been incredibly rewarding. 

Beyond my board service, I have served as a prison minister for more than 21 years. I often say that I was saved to serve. Many of the women I minister live with a mental illness, chronic conditions, and significant barriers to care. My involvement with CommUnityCare Health Centers has equipped me with the knowledge to help individuals navigate the system, qualify for services, and access the care they desperately need, especially those reentering the community after incarceration. 

As I continue to evolve into my purpose, I remain profoundly thankful to CommUnityCare Health Centers and Central Health for the opportunity to serve. I serve so that others may feast from the same table I did when I was in need. CommUnityCare Health Centers is, and will always be, my health care of choice. 

I leave this role personally blessed, deeply fulfilled, and committed to continuing to pay it forward. Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to serve alongside such dedicated leaders, providers, and advocates for our community. 

With gratitude, 
Barbara Brooks-Robinson 

 

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Severe Winter Weather Updates

Last updated: Monday, January 26, 2026 at 5:07 pm 

Due to severe winter weather conditions, some CommUnityCare Health Centers clinic operations will be adjusted to ensure the safety of patients and staff. 

Patients are encouraged to regularly monitor official CommUnityCare Health Centers communication channels for the latest updates and consider telehealth options when available.  

Saturday, January 24 Updates 

Walk-In Care at Capital Plaza Specialty Clinic and Southeast Health and Wellness Center will operate with reduced hours on Saturday, January 24, 2026 and will CLOSE at 5 p.m.  

For laboratory services at these locations, Quest specimens must be placed in the lock box by 5 p.m. to ensure early courier pickup. 

Sunday, January 25 Updates  
Walk-In Care at the Capital Plaza Specialty Clinic will CLOSE on Sunday, January 25, 2026 for in-person visits. Patients may still receive care through telehealth appointment.

Monday, January 26 Updates 

ALL CommUnityCare Health Centers, including convenient care, will CLOSE on Monday, January 26, 2026, for in-person services. Patients are encouraged to schedule a telehealth appointment so you can continue receiving care safely from home.  

To schedule a telehealth appointment, click the MyChart links below:   

If you need help scheduling or changing an appointment, please contact the Patient Navigation Center at 512-978-9015.

Tuesday, January 27 Updates 

While road conditions are improving, out of an abundance of caution, ALL CommUnityCare Health Center locations will have a delayed start on Tuesday, January 27, with in-person services beginning at 10 a.m. Clinic operations will resume back to normal business hours, following the delayed start.  

If you feel unsafe traveling due to road conditions, telehealth appointments are available so you can continue receiving care from home. 

Patients who do plan to visit in person are encouraged to drive with caution. We will continue to monitor conditions closely and share updates if any changes occur. Thank you for your patience as we remain focused on safely continuing patient care for our community. 

Wednesday, January 28 Updates 

CommUnityCare Health Centers will resume all normal operations on Wednesday, January 28. 

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Expanded Dental Access Shows Immediate Impact for Patients in Need 

Painful swelling in her neck and mouth. The inability to chew. Growing concern from her family. These symptoms are what prompted 67-year-old Rosa Ramos to urgently seek dental care at CommUnityCare Health Centers. 

Ramos recalls repeatedly trying to secure a timely dental appointment across Travis County, with no success, until she called CommUnityCare Health Centers. 

“They [CommUnityCare] said come in tomorrow. You have an appointment with the dentist,” shared Ramos. 

That next-day access was made possible thanks to the ongoing work CommUnityCare Health Centers has done to strengthen its dental care capacity, improve patient flow, and ensure timely care for individuals with immediate or urgent needs. In Fiscal Year 2025, the organization launched two major initiatives aimed at improving access: the Expanded Access Pilot Program and an enhanced Standby Process for same-day dental visits at its HUB sites – North Central Health Center and Southeast Health and Wellness Center. 

For Ramos, these initiatives led to care that may have saved her life. 

At her visit, Dr. Jay Jensen, lead dentist at the CommUnityCare North Central Health Center, immediately recognized the warning signs of a severe infection approaching the airway, a potentially life-threatening situation. 

“I couldn’t let her go home that day,” he said. “Knowing what I knew, I knew she had to get this taken care of now.” 

Dr. Jensen quickly coordinated an urgent referral to an oral surgeon. Ramos was admitted to the hospital and taken into surgery the very same day. She spent four days in intensive care as the medical team monitored the swelling. 

Ramos is recovering and slowly returning to eating normally again. “Thank God they saw me and sent me a referral for help right away,” she said. 

Access to timely dental care is especially critical for the patient population CommUnityCare serves. Many individuals in Travis County are low-income, uninsured, or underinsured, facing systemic barriers such as limited provider availability, cost, and transportation. According to the CDC, these factors contribute to significant oral health disparities and higher rates of untreated dental disease among low-income communities. 

Through the Expanded Access Pilot Program, dentists volunteer to cover open sessions when another provider is out due to PTO, FMLA, illness, or vacancies. This approach reduces cancellations, preserves daily schedules, and helps ensure that both adult and pediatric patients receive care without delay. 

Between October 2024 and September 2025, expanded access allowed 1,355 general dental patients and 5,762 pediatric dental patients to be seen who may otherwise have faced prolonged wait times. 

The organization also redesigned its Standby Process for patients with more urgent needs. After two improvement cycles, wait times decreased from 74 minutes to just 41 minutes. From June to September 2025, 2,070 patients walked in and were seen the same day at the CommUnityCare North Central Health Center and Southeast Health and Wellness Center. 

“Our mission is to take care of patients. Opening more access gives them the opportunity to be treated in a way they might not have been able to before,” said Dr. Jensen. 

CommUnityCare Health Centers will be implementing these initiatives system-wide in fiscal year 2026 as it continues to expand access to care for Central Texas. 

Ramos’ story is a powerful reminder of how expanded access paired with attentive, compassionate care can make all the difference when patients need help most. 

To learn more about CommUnityCare Health Centers’ dental services, visit here.  

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Dr. Nicholas Yagoda Appointed to TACHC Board of Directors

CommUnityCare Health Centers is proud to announce that Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nicholas Yagoda has been appointed to serve on the Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC) Board of Directors. 

The TACHC Board is composed of leaders from community health centers across Texas who work together to advance access to care and strengthen the community health center movement statewide. 

As the provider representative on the board, Dr. Yagoda will also serve as Chair of the Clinical Affairs Committee. This committee provides guidance and feedback to the Board and staff on various clinical matters, including medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy. The Clinical Affairs Committee plays a vital role in helping community health centers across Texas deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to those who need it most. 

“Serving on the TACHC Board is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Dr. Yagoda. “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues from across the state to advocate for policies and initiatives that expand access to care and strengthen the community health center network that so many Texans rely on.” 

TACHC represents more than 75 community health center organizations that provide care to nearly 1.7 million patients annually across Texas. Through leadership, training, and advocacy, TACHC works to ensure that all Texans, regardless of income or insurance status, can access affordable, comprehensive care.

 

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Important Update: Support for Food and Basic Needs During the Government Shutdown 

The ongoing federal government shutdown has temporarily paused SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, creating uncertainty for many families who rely on this essential support to put food on the table. To check the status of your SNAP benefits, please visit Your Texas Benefits. 

At CommUnityCare Health Centers, we recognize how deeply this disruption can impact our patients, team members, and the Central Texas community and are closely monitoring the evolving situation.  

Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, and WIC are not currently affected by the Federal Government Shutdown. For updates on how the federal shutdown is impacting your benefits, please visit the Texas Health and Human Services website. 

To help those affected, CommUnityCare Health Centers and Central Health gathered a list of community resources available across the region. These organizations provide immediate assistance for food, clothing, and other essential needs.

 

Food and Pantry Resources 

If you or someone you know is affected by the SNAP suspension or needs access to nutritious food, several community programs are stepping up to help: 

Other Basic Needs and Assistance 

Beyond food assistance, several local organizations are available to help with other unexpected hardships during this challenging time. 

  • Social Resource Center (UT School of Nursing): Offers a free food pantry, clothing closet, and an office center (with internet/fax access). Located at 5301 Ross Road, Bldg. J, Del Valle. Call 512-386-3309 for more information. 
  • St. Austin Catholic Parish – Outreach Program: Can assist a few people each week with a little bit of rent, City of Austin Utilities, or Texas Gas bills via a weekly random lottery drawing. Eligibility is restricted to certain zip codes (e.g., 78702, 78723, 78724, 78741, 78744, 78745, 78753, or 78758). 
  • Operation Clean Clothes (Mission Accomplished): Provides a mobile laundry service for those experiencing homelessness. Call 512-588-3321 for more info. 

 How to Find More Help 

A comprehensive directory of free or reduced-cost resources for food, housing, financial assistance, and health care is available online: 

For Healthcare

CommUnityCare Health Centers provides comprehensive primary and preventive care services regardless of your ability to pay. CommUnityCare Health Centers accepts patients with Medicaid, Medicare, MAP, most insurance plans, and offers a sliding fee discount program based on household income. Set up an appointment with a financial eligibility specialist today, CLICK HERE. 

CommUnityCare Health Centers stands with every member of our community during this uncertain time. We are continuing to monitor the government shutdown and its impact on essential programs like SNAP. We remain committed to sharing reliable updates and connecting our patients, staff, and neighbors with the support they need.

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3D Mammography Improves Access to Life-Saving Screenings 

A breast cancer survivor and lead tech shares her story of resilience and hope, highlighting the importance of early detection. 

Every mammogram represents more than an image for Miranda Helmick, a Lead Radiologic Technologist at CommUnityCare Health Centers. It’s a chance to change a life. With over 32 years in medical imaging, Helmick has seen firsthand how early detection can save lives. But her story isn’t just about helping others. It’s also about surviving breast cancer herself and using that experience to bring compassion, understanding and hope to every patient she meets. 

Helmick’s journey into women’s imaging began with a personal connection long before her own diagnosis. While still in school, her mother found a lump and underwent a biopsy. Thankfully, the results were benign, but the experience left a lasting impression on Miranda. 

“I was fascinated by the process — how they found the lump, how imaging made that possible,” she recalled. “I knew then that I wanted to be part of this field, to help other women in that same moment of uncertainty.” 

Today, Helmick ensures the clinics maintain accreditation and deliver the highest standard of imaging care. But in 2019, after years of helping women navigate their own screenings, Helmick suddenly found herself on the other side. 

“I’ve never missed a year,” she said. “I turned 47 that November, went in for my mammogram in December, and on my 3D mammogram they found two small masses that we couldn’t feel. I didn’t feel them at all.” 

After a biopsy in January, Helmick received life-changing news -both lumps were breast cancer. 

“If I had waited even one more year to get my mammogram, I wouldn’t be sitting here right now,” she said. “That’s how important early detection is. Breast cancer can be aggressive — mine grew within a year. From one November to the next December, I already had two cancerous lumps.” 

It was a frightening experience for Miranda, who was just 47 and raising her young daughter. “It was scary,” she admitted. “Our daughter was getting ready to turn seven. I was just starting my life. But I’m so grateful I caught it when I did. If I hadn’t gone every year for my mammogram, I wouldn’t be here today.” 

This January, Miranda will celebrate seven years cancer-free, a milestone that brings both gratitude and renewed purpose. 

Her diagnosis changed how she approaches her work. “I’ve always had empathy for my patients,” she said, “but this gave me a different perspective. When patients come in nervous, I take more time with them. I’ve cried with patients. I’ve hugged them. I know how they feel — it’s very scary.” 

Advancing Technology, Expanding Access 

For Helmick, the arrival of cutting-edge imaging technology represents a major step forward in supporting the patients she’s devoted her career to helping. Thanks to a grant, CommUnityCare Health Centers was able to acquireand install new 3D mammography machines at the North Central Health Center and Southeast Health and Wellness Center in July of 2024. 

The same grant also provided upgraded X-ray equipment, enhancing diagnostic capabilities for CommUnityCare Health Center patients. 

CommUnityCare teams perform an average of more than 40 mammograms each day, helping hundreds of women each month take a proactive step toward their health. For many patients, particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured, this access to cutting-edge breast imaging represents more than technology; it’s a lifeline. 

“Everyone deserves access to the same level of care, no matter their income or background,” Miranda said. “Having 3D mammography available at our clinics breaks down those barriers. It means early detection and peace of mind are within reach for everyone.” 

Her message during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and all year long, is one of empowerment and urgency. “If you’re due for a mammogram, please don’t wait,” she urged. “Early detection saved my life. It could save yours, too.” 

Take Charge of Your Health 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but the need for early detection lasts all year. If you’re due for a mammogram, don’t wait, schedule your screening today. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), women at average risk for breast cancer should begin annual mammogram screenings at age 40 to detect cancer early 

CommUnityCare Health Centers offers 3D mammography at its North Central Health Center and Southeast Health and Wellness Center. 

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call (512) 978-9015. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointments of Deputy CEO and General Counsel 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is proud to announce key leadership appointments as the organization continues to evolve to meet the growing and complex healthcare needs of Central Texas. 

Tara A. Trower has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer, in addition to her current role as Chief Strategy Officer. Amanda B. Hill has joined the organization as General Counsel. 

The leadership updates come as CommUnityCare Health Centers adapts to an expanded role within the Central Health System, with the CEO, Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, now serving as both Chief Executive Officer of CommUnityCare and Executive Vice President of Ambulatory Services for Central Health. 

“These changes are about clarity,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CEO of CommUnityCare Health Centers. “Tara and Amanda both bring deep expertise, steady leadership, and a clear understanding of our mission. Their appointments strengthen our ability to move with focus and unity as we continue expanding access and improving outcomes for patients across Central Texas.” 

As Deputy CEO and Chief Strategy Officer, Trower partners closely with the CEO to advance organizational priorities and align strategy with execution. She oversees enterprise-wide strategic planning, performance improvement, community engagement, and communications. Since joining CommUnityCare in 2021, Trower has played a pivotal role in shaping long-term strategy and operational integration. This formalization of her role clarifies internal decision-making and ensures staff and partners know where to turn to move work forward. 

Hill joins CommUnityCare as General Counsel after years of providing in-house and external legal counsel to the organization. A seasoned healthcare attorney with more than 24 years of experience, she brings extensive expertise in compliance, contracts, and healthcare regulation. As General Counsel, Hill will provide proactive legal and compliance guidance to support strategic initiatives, mitigate risk, and ensure operational excellence.