MyChart Login

News

by

CommUnityCare Health Centers and Central Health Launch Long-Acting Buprenorphine Pilot, Expanding Access to Life-Saving Addiction Care 

Published August 20, 2026

CommUnityCare Health Centers and Central Health are expanding access to evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder through a new pilot offering long-acting injectable buprenorphine. In July 2026, the CommUnityCare Health Centers Wellness & Holistic Addiction Medicine (WHAM) team, part of the Central Health system, administered its first long-acting buprenorphine injection, marking a significant milestone in advancing addiction care for the communities it serves. 

“At the heart of this milestone are the patients we serve. This program gives individuals living with opioid use disorder access to another proven treatment option that can support recovery, improve continuity of care and ultimately save lives,” said Dr. Mike Stefanowicz, Chief Health Officer at CommUnityCare Health Centers. 

Long-acting injectable buprenorphine is an FDA-approved medication that provides sustained treatment for opioid use disorder, helping reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while eliminating the need for daily medication. By offering a longer-acting treatment option, the pilot aims to improve continuity of care, support long-term recovery and reduce barriers that can make treatment difficult to maintain. The pilot will provide up to 90 injections for established patients within the WHAM Program who meet specific clinical criteria. The pilot is prioritizing patients at the highest risk for adverse health outcomes, individuals reentering the community after incarceration and those with strong recovery capital. 

Pictured left to right: Dr. Matt Levasseur, Associate Director, Addiction Medicine and Sarah Torok, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist.

“This milestone represents months of thoughtful planning and close collaboration across the Central Health system,” said Alanna Boulton, Director of Healthcare Delivery Operations for Mental Health and Addiction Care at Central Health. “Together, our teams developed an innovative pharmacist-led program that will provide another life-saving treatment option for the patients we serve.” 

The new service was made possible through multi-disciplinary collaboration among clinical, pharmacy, operational and leadership teams, resulting in a pharmacist-led model that expands treatment options for patients receiving care through the WHAM program. 

At the center of the model is Sarah Torok, PharmD, who helped design and implement the service and now provides clinical pharmacy care as a member of the WHAM team. Torok brought together expertise from across the System to build the medication access, compliance, and clinical processes necessary to make long-acting buprenorphine available to patients. In her clinical role, she works directly with patients to optimize treatment, address medication needs and side effects, and support continuity of care. 

For Torok, the impact is already tangible. One patient described the freedom of long-acting treatment simply, “I get to wake up every day, not worried about having to take medications. It feels normal.” Torok said experiences like this show that the work is saving lives and making people’s quality of life better. Helping keep some patients alive while restoring dignity. 

“For some of our patients, the circumstances of daily life can make staying on lifesaving medication extraordinarily difficult. Long-acting treatment offers patients another tool for protection, stability, and hope,” said Dr. John Embers, Director of Integration for Substance Use Disorder Continuum at Central Health. “This work also shows what is possible when we organize our system around the needs of our patients.” 

As the pilot progresses, CommUnityCare Health Centers and Central Health will evaluate patient outcomes and program utilization to help inform future expansion of the service and support its long-term sustainability. 

The launch reflects the ongoing commitment to expanding access to person-centered, innovative, evidence-based care that improves health outcomes and supports recovery for individuals living with substance use disorders.  

To learn more about the Wellness & Holistic Addiction Medicine services at CommUnityCare Health Centers, visit HERE.   

by

CommUnityCare Health Centers Earns Three 2026 Community Health Quality Recognition Badges 

Published August 17, 2026

CommUnityCare Health Centers has earned three 2026 Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), recognizing achievements in clinical quality, high-value care and the use of health information technology to support patient care. 

CommUnityCare Health Centers received the Health Center Quality Leader (HCQL) Silver Badge, High-Value Care Badge and Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT) Quality Badge.  

“These awards reflect the work of our clinicians and staff across more than 30 clinics in Travis County,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CEO of CommUnityCare Health Centers and Executive vice President for Ambulatory Services for Central Health. “They tell us that the care we provide ranks among the top health centers nationwide. I’m grateful to the teams that deliver exceptional care to our patients every day.” 

These recognitions reflect the work happening across CommUnityCare Health Centers to improve care and expand access for more than 148,000 patients. Of the 148,234 patients served in 2025, 129,072 patients reported incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline, highlighting the continued importance that CommUnityCare Health Centers plays in providing accessible care to patients throughout Central Texas. 

  • The HCQL Silver Badge places CommUnityCare Health Centers among the top 20% of health centers nationally for overall clinical quality performance. The recognition reflects the work of care teams across the organization to track outcomes, identify opportunities for improvement and continuously strengthen the care provided to patients. 
  • The High-Value Care Badge recognizes the continued work to improve quality while being thoughtful about the cost of care. Teams across CommUnityCare Health Centers are continually looking for ways to improve outcomes, streamline care and create greater value for patients.  
  • Technology also continues to play an important role in making care more accessible and connected. In 2025, CommUnityCare Health Centers provided 50,062 telehealth visits, expanding access to care for patients across Central Texas. This work, along with the use of technology to engage patients, exchange clinical information and collect data on patients’ health-related needs, helped CommUnityCare Health Centers earn the Advancing HIT Quality Badge. 

The 2026 CHQR badges are based on data from the 2025 Uniform Data System (UDS) reporting year and recognize health centers demonstrating notable achievements in quality and performance. 

For CommUnityCare Health Centers, the three recognitions reflect more than performance measures. They represent the work of providers, care teams and staff across the organization who continue to find ways to improve care, expand access and better serve the communities that depend on CommUnityCare Health Centers. 

by

Back-to-School Events Connect Hundreds of Central Texas Families With Care and Resources 

As families across Central Texas prepared for the 2026-27 school year, CommUnityCare Health Centers brought together community partnerships, health center events and outreach efforts to help students and families start the school year healthy, prepared and connected to care. Held in honor of National Health Center Week, this year’s back-to-school effort provided school supplies and vaccinations while creating opportunities for families to connect with medical, dental and eligibility services. 

“We know families can face many barriers when trying to access health care, and sometimes the first step is simply making those connections easier,” said Karla Gonzales-Rivera, Community Development Manager at CommUnityCare Health Centers. “By meeting families in their communities and connecting them with resources and care, we can help remove some of those barriers.”

Helping Families Prepare for the School Year 

CommUnityCare Health Centers partnered with local school districts to bring resources and connections to care directly to families in the community. This year marked the second consecutive year partnering with Bastrop ISD and the first year partnering with Del Valle ISD. 

Across the two school district events, CommUnityCare Health Centers distributed 1,436 backpacks and school supplies, reaching 553 families. 

  • Bastrop ISD: 936 backpacks were distributed to 350 families. Families also connected with CommUnityCare Health Centers for additional resources, resulting in 27 medical, eight dental, 13 eligibility and 18 vaccine appointments scheduled. 
  • Del Valle ISD: 500 school supply items were distributed to 203 families, with 32 medical, 11 dental, 13 eligibility and 30 vaccine appointments scheduled. 

By bringing resources and outreach efforts directly into the community, these events helped address some of the barriers that can make it difficult for families to access care. 

“For families balancing the cost of school supplies with other household expenses, those financial pressures can make it harder to prioritize their health,” said Gonzales-Rivera. “Providing school supplies and connecting families with health care resources in the same setting helped ease some of that burden while creating opportunities for families to connect with medical and dental services, establish care and access resources that can support their health beyond the start of the school year.” 

Bringing Vaccines and Care Closer to Families 

CommUnityCare Health Centers also hosted back-to-school vaccine clinics at three of its health centers, giving families additional opportunities to get children up to date on recommended immunizations before the start of the school year. 

Across the three health center locations, 409 vaccines were provided to 227 patients, and 26 patients established care with CommUnityCare Health Centers. 

  • Bastrop Health Center: 149 vaccines were provided to 84 patients, with five patients establishing care. 
  • Del Valle Health & Wellness Center: 161 vaccines were provided to 71 patients, with 12 patients establishing care. 
  • Carousel Pediatrics North Lamar: A new weekday vaccine clinic was added this year to increase access to vaccinations and help reduce wait times by giving families an additional opportunity to receive care outside of the weekend clinics. The clinic served 72 patients, provided 99 vaccines and helped nine patients establish care. 117 backpacks were also distributed to families who attended the vaccine clinic. 

By hosting back-to-school vaccine events at its health centers, CommUnityCare Health Centers created additional opportunities for families to access care and connect with a health care provider. These connections can help patients establish an ongoing relationship with a provider, receive routine and preventive care, stay up to date on recommended services and address health needs before they become more serious. 

Community Support 

CommUnityCare Health Centers extends its thanks to H-E-B for its generous donation and support of this year’s back-to-school events, helping make these community efforts possible. 

by

CommUnityCare Welcomes Miguel Guillen as Vice President of IT/IS & Deputy Chief Information Officer 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is pleased to announce the appointment of Miguel Guillen as vice president of Information Technology and Information Systems and deputy chief information officer. 

In his new role, Guillen will lead enterprise technology strategy, operations and service delivery in support of Central Health, CommUnityCare Health Centers and system partners across Travis County. His work will help advance technology solutions that improve access to care, enhance operational efficiency and support high-quality patient care. 

Guillen brings extensive experience in health information technology leadership, having served in roles including project manager, PMO manager and director of IT/IS – Enterprise Services. Throughout his career, he has led large-scale initiatives that strengthened technology infrastructure, optimized service delivery and aligned technology investments with clinical and organizational priorities. 

“I’m honored to step into this role and continue serving an organization that is deeply committed to improving the health of our community,” Guillen said. “Technology is most impactful when it empowers our care teams and creates a better experience for patients. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to build on our strong foundation and continue delivering innovative solutions that support our mission.” 

by

CommUnityCare Health Centers Responds to Community Need with Lead Testing Event 

More than 100 community members received no-cost blood lead testing, health education and community resources through a collaborative effort led by CommUnityCare Health Centers and Travis County. The event was organized in response to community concerns following the publication of a recent water quality study in Austin’s Colony. 

The screening event, held Saturday, July 25, at Dailey Middle School, connected approximately 109 community members with blood lead testing, educational materials and follow-up support. Community members also received bottled water and information to help them better understand lead exposure and protect their health. 

The community response followed the publication of a University of Texas at Austin study that examined drinking water quality in Austin’s Colony. The study identified elevated lead levels in some household water samples, prompting concerns about potential lead exposure and the need for community education and blood lead testing. 

“When community members have concerns about their health, they deserve access to trusted information and timely care,” said Dr. Michael Stefanowicz, Chief Health Officer at CommUnityCare Health Centers. “Blood lead testing is an important tool because lead exposure often has no symptoms. By bringing screening directly into the community, we hope to give families answers and connect them with the care and support they need.” 

Blood lead screening was available for people of all ages. Young children, infants who drink formula mixed with tap water, pregnant people and people who are breastfeeding were especially encouraged to get tested because they may be at greater risk from lead exposure. 

Throughout the event, CommUnityCare care teams answered questions, provided education about lead exposure and explained what families could expect after testing. If patient screening results require additional evaluation, follow-up care and ongoing support will be provided. 

“This event demonstrated what is possible when healthcare organizations and community partners come together around a shared purpose,” added Dr. Stefanowicz. “We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible and to the community members who trusted us with their care.” 

The event was made possible through the collaboration of CommUnityCare Health Centers, Travis County, Austin Public Health and numerous community organizations that worked together to expand access to care and reliable health information. 

Event Photo Gallery

Learn More About Lead Exposure  

Have questions about lead exposure or blood lead testing?  

Visit our CommunityStrong blog, “Concerned About Lead Exposure? Understand Your Risk and When to Get Tested,” for trusted health information from our Dr. Stefanowicz, prevention tips, answers to frequently asked questions and additional community resources.  

UT Study on Austin’s Colony Drinking Water  

Read the published research: https://journals.plos.org/water/article?id=10.1371/journal.pwat.0000496 

by

CommUnityCare Health Centers to Offer No-Cost Community Lead Testing Event Following Austin’s Colony Water Study

Published July 22, 2026

A recently published University of Texas study on drinking water quality in Austin’s Colony has brought increased attention to potential lead exposure in portions of the Hornsby Bend area. In response, CommUnityCare Health Centers is hosting a no-cost community lead testing event to help residents better understand their potential exposure and connect them with care and resources. 

“Protecting the health of our community is our top priority,” said Dr. Michael Stefanowicz, Chief Health Officer at CommUnityCare Health Centers. “Because lead exposure often has no symptoms, testing is an important first step. We’recommitted to making blood lead screening accessible and ensuring every family has the information, care and follow-up they need.”

 

Lead Testing Event 

Saturday, July 25, 2026  | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

Dailey Middle School | 14000 Westall St., Austin, TX 78725 

Please complete preregistration for testing  

The event is for community members who: 

  • Currently live or previously lived in ZIP codes 78725, 78724 
  • Regularly consumed tap water from ZIP codes 78725, 78724 

Blood lead screening is available for people of all ages. The following groups are especially encouraged to get tested because they may be at greater risk from lead exposure: 

  • Infants who drink formula mixed with tap water  
  • Children younger than 6 years old  
  • Pregnant people  
  • People who are breastfeeding 

Event Resources Include: 

  • No-cost blood lead testing 
  • Lead exposure education 
  • Bottled water distribution 
  • Community resources and needs assessment 

Why Blood Lead Testing Matters 

Lead exposure can affect people of all ages and can harm the brain and nervous system. Because lead exposure often has no symptoms, many people do not realize they have been exposed. A blood lead test is the best way to determine whether lead has entered the body and whether follow-up care is recommended. 

If additional testing or treatment is needed, CommUnityCare care teams will work with patients to develop a personalized follow-up plan and connect them with the resources they need.  

“If your family isn’t already connected with a primary care provider, we invite you to make CommUnityCare your health home,” said Dr. Stefanowicz. “It’s the best way for us to care for your children and your whole family, today and for years to come.” 

Learn More About Lead Exposure 

Have questions about lead exposure or blood lead testing? 

Visit our CommunityStrong blog, “Concerned About Lead Exposure? Understand Your Risk and When to Get Tested,” for trusted health information from our Dr. Stefanowicz, prevention tips, answers to frequently asked questions and additional community resources. 

UT Study on Austin’s Colony Drinking Water 

Read the published research: https://journals.plos.org/water/article?id=10.1371/journal.pwat.0000496 

by

CommUnityCare Health Centers CFO Joy Sloan Named Austin Business Journal CFO Award Winner 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is proud to announce that Chief Financial Officer Joy Sloan has been named a recipient of the 2026 Austin Business Journal CFO Award, one of Central Texas’ highest honors recognizing exceptional financial leadership. 

The annual awards program recognizes chief financial officers who demonstrate excellence in strategic planning, financial stewardship, innovation and organizational leadership while helping their organizations achieve sustainable growth and long-term success. 

“Joy has been a steady, strategic hand for CommUnityCare, someone who pairs sharp financial judgment with a deep commitment to making sure every patient in Travis County has access to high-quality care,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CommUnityCare Health Centers CEO and Executive Vice President of Ambulatory Services for Central Health. “This recognition is well-earned, and I couldn’t be prouder to see her honored.” 

Since joining CommUnityCare Health Centers in 2019, Sloan has played a key role in strengthening the organization’s financial foundation while advancing its mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves across Central Texas. Her leadership has helped drive significant organizational growth, support expanded access to care and ensure the long-term sustainability of essential health services. 

Under Sloan’s financial leadership, CommUnityCare Health Centers has grown from serving approximately 124,000 patients in 2020 to more than 148,000 patients annually while increasing annual revenue from $138 million to more than $250 million. She oversees a $271 million budget and leads Revenue Cycle, Grants Management, Procurement, Accounting and Financial Planning, helping align financial strategy with the organization’s long-term vision. Sloan has also helped guide major initiatives, including implementing Epic, supporting the expansion of multiple health centers and advancing value-based care. 

“The best CFOs don’t just help organizations succeed financially.  They help organizations achieve their mission sustainably.  In healthcare, every dollar we steward wisely creates an opportunity to improve someone’s life,” said Sloan. “This award truly honors my financial team and their dedication to the job, executive leadership’s commitment to the voice of finance and the entire CommUnityCare family’s dedication to the mission.  I’m grateful to work alongside colleagues who are deeply committed to improving the health of our communities.” 

As one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers in Texas, CommUnityCare Health Centers serves more than 148,000 patients annually through a network of more than 30 health centers across Central Texas, providing primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, dental and pharmacy services. Strong financial leadership is essential to ensuring patients continue to receive accessible, affordable and high-quality care. 

Beyond CommUnityCare Health Centers, Sloan is a respected leader in community health finance, serving on national committees, presenting at industry conferences and mentoring emerging CFOs through the National Association of Community Health Centers Leadership Exchange Program.  

The Austin Business Journal CFO Award recognizes leaders whose vision and financial expertise strengthen both their organizations and the communities they serve. Sloan’s recognition reflects her commitment to responsible financial stewardship and expanding access to high-quality health care across Central Texas. 

Award Ceremony Photo Gallery

Take a look at highlights from the the 2026 Austin Business Journal CFO Award, one of Central Texas’ highest honors recognizing exceptional financial leadership.

by

CommUnityCare Health Centers Strengthens Support for Foster Families, Earns Foster Care Center of Excellence Designation 

Children and youth in foster care often face unique challenges that can affect their health, including frequent placement changes, gaps in care, unmet behavioral health needs and trauma. To help address those needs, CommUnityCare Health Centers is launching its Foster Care Center of Excellence program, expanding specialized services and support for children, youth and caregivers involved in the foster care system across Central Texas. 

Building on its longstanding commitment to providing care for everyone who needs it, CommUnityCare Health Centers is enhancing care coordination, behavioral health services and caregiver support while expanding access to specialized, trauma-informed care. The program follows the organization’s designation as a Foster Care Center of Excellence (FCCOE) by Superior HealthPlan, recognizing CommUnityCare Health Centers as one of the first health care providers in the Austin area to meet rigorous standards for serving children and youth enrolled in the STAR Health Medicaid program. 

“Every child deserves access to healthcare that is compassionate, consistent, and responsive to their unique needs—that’s why CommUnityCare has long served children and youth in foster care as a trusted home for care,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CEO of CommUnityCare Health Centers. “The FCCOE designation helps us spread the word so we can reach more foster parents looking for wraparound services and more partners looking for a team that’s growing to better meet the needs of the youth we support.” 

In Texas, children and youth in foster care receive Medicaid coverage through STAR Health, a program administered by Superior HealthPlan. The Foster Care Center of Excellence designation recognizes healthcare organizations that meet rigorous standards for quality improvement, care coordination, program infrastructure, and staff training to support the medical, behavioral health, and social needs of children and youth in foster care. 

These children and youth often experience circumstances that can make it more difficult to maintain continuity of care and achieve positive health outcomes. As a Foster Care Center of Excellence, CommUnityCareHealth Centers provides a medical home for STAR Health members, offering primary care, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy, and care management services. The program is designed to make it easier for caregivers, caseworkers, and community partners to connect children and youth with timely, comprehensive care. 

“CommUnityCare has a long history of serving Central Texans and we are proud to welcome them as a Foster Care Center of Excellence,” said Mitch Wasden, President and CEO of Superior HealthPlan. “We want to ensure children and youth in foster care, as well as their caregivers, have access to comprehensive, high-quality health care. This partnership will help expand access to trusted providers and further our shared commitment to strengthening health outcomes and expanding access to care.” 

The designation also reflects CommUnityCare Health Centers’ commitment to strengthening support for foster care patients and caregivers. By expanding care coordination and building stronger partnerships throughout the community, CommUnityCare is working to improve continuity of care and health outcomes for children and youth involved in the foster care system. CommUnityCare Health Centers is proud to be one of 14 providers statewide recognized as a Foster Care Center of Excellence by Superior HealthPlan. 

Kickoff Celebration Photo Gallery

Take a look at highlights from the CommUnityCare Health Centers Foster Care Center of Excellence Kickoff Event, where team members, community partners, and community members came together to celebrate this important milestone and our shared commitment to improving care for children and youth in foster care across Central Texas.

by

Care From Both Sides: Ruby Zaleta’s Story of Connection and Compassion

For Ruby Zaleta, healthcare has always been personal. 

As an OB/GYN Care Coordinator at CommUnityCare Health Centers, Ruby helps new mothers and families navigate some of life’s most important moments, scheduling postpartum visits, coordinating newborn appointments, supporting breastfeeding mothers, and connecting families to helpful resources along the way. 

But her connection to the mission goes far beyond her role as an employee. Ruby is also a patient of CommUnityCare Health Centers. 

“It’s kind of crazy to work and actually get the care that you give,” Ruby said with a smile. “But for me, it felt like a blessing to have that opportunity.” 

Born and raised in Austin, Ruby is a mother of four who understands firsthand how meaningful compassionate healthcare can be for families. Her children also receive care through CommUnityCare Health Centers, and she has participated in the organization’s Centering programs as both a staff member and patient. 

That dual perspective as both caregiver and patient has shaped the way she approaches her work every day. 

“It makes me take more into consideration what our patients think and what they need,” Ruby shared. “Because I’m a patient myself, and my kids are patients here too.”

Before joining the organization, Ruby worked in urgent care settings where difficult conversations about insurance coverage and cost were part of daily life. Those experiences stayed with her. 

“Every single time we had to ask, ‘Do you have insurance?’ or ‘Is this self-pay?’ it would really get to me,” she said. “Sometimes people don’t have the money or insurance, and why should that be a barrier to being seen?” 

Wanting to be part of something different, Ruby sought out a nonprofit healthcare organization focused on serving the community. She joined CommUnityCare Health Centers as a Medical Assistant in pediatrics and quickly discovered a passion for supporting families. Over time, she transitioned into a parenting facilitator role and later into women’s health. 

Today, Ruby supports postpartum moms by helping schedule follow-up care for both mothers and newborns. She also connects patients with resources such as lactation consultations and diaper support when needed. 

For Ruby, the work is deeply meaningful because she sees herself in the patients she serves. 

“It really fills my heart with joy that we’re here to help our community,” she said. “It’s not just a job. Sometimes you take it personal because you see yourself in that position as the patient.” 

That sense of connection also inspired Ruby to seek care for her own family through CommUnityCare Health Centers. While working in pediatrics, she saw providers go above and beyond to build relationships with patients and families. 

“They really see patients as family,” Ruby said. “I wanted that for my kids too.” 

She found that same sense of community through the CenteringParenting and CenteringPregnancy programs, where families connect with providers and one another in supportive group settings. 

“You build your own community here,” Ruby explained. “You meet other moms, hear from other moms, and grow together.” 

Ruby says those shared experiences can be empowering for patients, especially new mothers navigating questions and uncertainty during pregnancy and parenting. 

“When you have that trust and feel comfortable asking questions, it makes a big difference,” she said. “Sometimes another mom asks the question you were afraid to ask.” 

As both an employee and patient, Ruby says her experiences have only strengthened her belief in the mission and the importance of accessible, compassionate healthcare.

by

New Women’s Health Transformation Initiative Focuses on Strengthening Early Prenatal Care and Expanding Specialty Access 

May 28, 2026

Improving access to timely, patient-centered care is at the heart of the Women’s Health Transformation initiative underway across CommUnityCare Health Centers. A multidisciplinary team of providers, clinical staff and operational leaders has been working to strengthen how women access care throughout every stage of life, from pregnancy and postpartum care to specialty gynecological services. 

CommUnityCare Health Centers provided more than 19,440 OB/GYN visits in Fiscal Year 2025, according to UDS data, making women’s health services a critical area of focus across the organization. 

The work is centered on a simple goal, which is removing barriers that can delay care and create a more seamless experience for patients. 

“Priorities surrounding women’s health transformation work come from the lens of how patients experience care here,” said Dr. Melinda Lopez, Director of Women’s Health. “Everything from how easy it is for them to schedule a visit, to what happens when they arrive, to how we continue supporting them after they leave.” 

One of the first major efforts launched in March 2026 is a pilot program at the Southeast Health & Wellness Center designed to improve early entry into prenatal care. 

Patients beginning prenatal care typically attend an initial obstetric intake appointment and then return later for an ultrasound. The pilot combines those services into one visit, allowing patients to receive an ultrasound and meet with an obstetrics provider during the same appointment. 

“Early prenatal care is a critical quality measure because it allows providers to identify potential concerns earlier, confirm how far along a pregnancy is and connect patients to appropriate services sooner,” Dr. Lopez said. “We see the greatest benefits when patients are able to enter care during the first trimester, ultimately improving outcomes throughout the pregnancy.” 

The goal is to reduce lengthy delays and help patients begin care faster. The long-term vision is to connect all patients with both services within two weeks of reaching out for care. 

The transformation effort is also focused on expanding access to specialty women’s health services, including colposcopy, a procedure used after abnormal cervical cancer screening results following a pap smear. 

Historically, access to colposcopy appointments has been limited, creating long wait times for patients. In Fiscal Year 2025, CommUnityCare Health Centers screened 37,504 women ages 24-64 for cervical cancer. During that same period, 2,216 patients received care related to abnormal cervical findings across 4,254 visits, highlighting the importance of timely access to follow-up services such as colposcopy. 

To address this need, expanded-access Saturday colposcopy clinics for select patients every other month to help reduce delays and provide more appointment options. 

Additional women’s health providers and staff have also received advanced colposcopy training through MD Anderson in Houston to expand provider capacity and increase appointment availability across the system. 

“The first colposcopy clinic saw a 100% patient show rate,” said Dr. Lopez. “Patients were extremely appreciative and expressed gratitude for weekend availability and earlier appointments.” 

Supporting these efforts is a recent $650,000 award through the Texas Department of State Health Services FQHC Incubator Project-Based Funding program. The funding will support point-of-care ultrasound equipment, expanded sonography staffing, women’s health educational and clinical resources and workforce development. 

For CommUnityCare Health Centers, the work represents a continued commitment to improving access, strengthening patient experiences and advancing women’s health outcomes across Central Texas.