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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.

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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. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Releases Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report Highlighting Growth, Expanded Access, and Community Impact 

In fiscal year 2025, CommUnityCare Health Centers expanded access to care and strengthened services across Central Texas through new programs, expanded clinic services, strategic initiatives, and continued investments in the patient experience. The organization’s newly released FY25 Annual Report highlights progress made throughout the year while reinforcing its mission of strengthening the health and well-being of the communities it serves.  

View and Download FY25 Annual Report 

“Fiscal year 2025 reflected significant growth, meaningful collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of our patients,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, Chief Executive Officer of CommUnityCare Health Centers. ” Our progress is powered by the dedication of our staff, the trust of our patients, and partnerships across the community. Together, we are building a more connected, equitable, and accessible system of care that strengthens health and opportunity for the communities we serve.” 

By the Numbers: Meeting Growing Community Need 

Demand for care continued to grow in FY25 as CommUnityCare Health Centers served 148,234 unique patients through more than 557,000 patient visits, including more than 50,000 virtual visits. The organization continued providing comprehensive care across primary care, specialty services, behavioral health, dental care, and other essential health services designed to meet the needs of patients and families throughout Central Texas.  

Many of the patients served face significant barriers to care. More than half of patients were uninsured, while nearly all patients who reported income were living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of patients reported being best served in a language other than English, highlighting the ongoing importance of culturally responsive care and reducing barriers to access. 

Expanding Access Across Growing Communities 

Throughout FY25, CommUnityCare Health Centers continued investing in services and facilities designed to bring healthcare closer to patients. The opening of the Del Valle Health and Wellness Center expanded access to comprehensive care, dental services, and pharmacy resources in one of Travis County’s fastest-growing communities. Additional service expansion at Hornsby Bend Health & Wellness Center and the launch of the Wellness and Holistic Addiction Medicine (WHAM) Clinic further strengthened access for patients who have historically faced barriers to care. 

The organization also launched IDEALhealth, an initiative focused on expanding access to inclusive sexual health services, including STI and HIV testing, prevention resources, family planning services, and specialized care. 

Advancing Quality and Patient-Centered Care 

Beyond increasing access, FY25 brought significant progress in quality improvement and clinical innovation. Depression screening rates increased from 61% to 74% through new workflows and digital tools that created a more consistent patient experience across clinics. Expanded Medicare Annual Wellness Visits and ongoing value-based care initiatives also strengthened proactive care and long-term health management.  

These efforts reflect a broader shift toward more coordinated, preventive care designed to improve health outcomes and create a stronger care experience for patients. 

Strengthening Communities Beyond Clinic Walls 

Community partnerships continued to play an important role in extending support beyond healthcare settings. During FY25, CommUnityCare Health Centers partnered with 27 organizations and participated in 59 outreach events, helping connect individuals and families to healthcare services and community resources. More than 18,400 individuals received support through referrals addressing needs such as food access, housing, transportation, and financial assistance.  

Looking Ahead to the Year of Access 

As CommUnityCare Health Centers continues its FY26 work, priorities include expanding telehealth and digital tools, enhancing the patient experience, and continuing efforts to remove barriers that make it harder for individuals and families to access care.  

“As we enter our Year of Access, we are focusing every part of our system on improving the speed, ease, and equity with which patients connect to care,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, Chief Executive Officer of CommUnityCare Health Centers. “Access is not simply an operational priority — it is central to our belief that every person deserves dignity in the care they receive.” 

The full FY25 Annual Report can be viewed HERE.  

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Central Health Breaks Ground on Colony Park Health & Wellness Center 

May 18, 2026

AUSTIN, Texas — The Central Health system officially broke ground Saturday on the Colony Park Health & Wellness Center, a $37 million, 34,000-square-foot facility that will deliver comprehensive health care and community services to Northeast Austin. Located at 6420 Helen Miller View in the Colony Park community, the center is projected to open in summer 2027. 

“This groundbreaking is about keeping a promise to this community,” said Dr. Pat Lee, Central Health president and CEO. “Colony Park residents and leaders have long called for a stronger health care presence close to home, and this center is a direct result of that advocacy. We’re proud to help bring this vision to life, as part of our mission to build a health system that is more accessible, more connected, and more responsive to the people we serve.” 

Care Closer to Home 

The groundbreaking marks the latest milestone in more than a decade of planning, community engagement, and investment in Eastern Travis County. When the center opens, services operated by CommUnityCare Health Centers and Central Health will bring high-quality care closer to home. Colony Park residents will have access to:  

  • Primary care 
  • Dental services 
  • Behavioral health services 
  • On-site pharmacy with drive-thru 
  • Lab services 
  • Wellness and prevention programs 
  • Community resources and enrollment services 

“For years, CommUnityCare Health Centers has worked alongside Colony Park residents to expand access to care and strengthen community health in Northeast Austin,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CommUnityCare Health Centers CEO and executive vice president of ambulatory services at Central Health. “For too long, many members of this community have had to travel outside their neighborhood to receive routine care, fill prescriptions, or connect to important health resources. This new center represents a meaningful investment in the health and well-being of Northeast Austin families, and we’re proud to help create a space where residents can access compassionate, patient-centered care in the community they call home.” 

A Community That’s Been Waiting 

The center will serve a growing and diverse community. According to Central Health’s 2022 Demographic Report, Colony Park is home to more than 20,000 residents, with 69.4% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Nearly one in three residents is under 18. In 2023, 4,593 Colony Park residents were enrolled in Central Health programs—roughly one in four people living in the neighborhood. 

Congressman Lloyd Doggett also spoke at the ceremony, noting that $1 million in federal funding is going toward critical infrastructure supporting the health center and the surrounding neighborhood.  

A Decade in the Making 

Central Health has maintained a health care presence in the area since 2019 when CommUnityCare Health Centers, which will operate clinical services at the new facility, first brought a mobile medical clinic to Colony Park offering primary care and pharmacy services.  

The Northeast Health Resource Center followed in 2021, providing a home base for clinical and enrollment services while the permanent facility was in development. The groundbreaking on the Colony Park Health & Wellness Center represents the transition from that temporary infrastructure to a permanent, purpose-built home. 

Colony Park community leaders and neighborhood association members also spoke at Saturday’s ceremony, including advocates who have championed investment in the community for years. Following the groundbreaking, Central Health hosted a community celebration at Colony Park District Park.  

The project is part of the Colony Park Sustainable Community, a 200-acre planned development in Northeast Austin that will include up to 3,000 new residences along with retail, office space, and infrastructure improvements. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Earns Advocacy Center of Excellence Silver Status from NACHC 

CommUnityCare Health Centers has been recognized as an Advocacy Center of Excellence (ACE) at the Silver level by the National Association of Community Health Centers, highlighting the organization’s strong commitment to advancing community health advocacy and strengthening access to care across Central Texas. 

The ACE program recognizes Community Health Centers nationwide that demonstrate excellence in advocacy efforts that support and protect access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. Organizations earning ACE designation are recognized for building sustainable advocacy programs that amplify the voices of Community Health Centers and the patients and communities they serve. 

“Advocacy is not separate from healthcare delivery — it is part of how we protect access to care for the patients and communities we serve,” said Tara A. Trower, Deputy CEO and Chief Strategy Officer of CommUnityCareHealth Centers. “Earning Silver Advocacy Center of Excellence recognition in our first year participating reflects the deep commitment of our staff, leadership, and board to advancing policies that strengthen community health centers and improve health outcomes across Central Texas. At a time when safety-net systems are under increasing pressure, advocacy matters more than ever.” 

Community Health Centers play a critical role in increasing access to primary care, behavioral health, women’s health, dental care, and other essential services for underserved and historically marginalized communities. Through advocacy efforts, health centers help ensure patients continue to have access to affordable, comprehensive care close to home. 

CommUnityCare Health Centers joins Community Health Centers across the country recognized through the ACE program for leadership and commitment to advocacy excellence. The recognition is valid through April 30, 2028.

For NACHC ACE Health Center Listings, click here. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Names Dr. Karen Welch as Vice President of Health Informatics 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to announce the promotion of Dr. Karen Welch, MD, to Vice President of Health Informatics (VPHI), marking a significant step in strengthening system-wide integration of clinical care, technology, and data-driven innovation. 

In her new role, Dr. Welch will serve as the health informatics executive for the health system, with oversight of enterprise strategy, governance, and performance at the intersection of clinical care, digital technology, analytics, and operational transformation. She will lead the clinical informatics function across ambulatory, inpatient, specialty, and population health settings, ensuring that technology investments and digital innovation support quality, access, equity, workforce well-being, and value-based care. 

The announcement follows the recent unification of the CommUnityCare Health Centers and Central Health Epic teams into a single, integrated department designed to support a more coordinated, system-wide approach to Epic and clinical technology. 

“I’ve always loved the intersection of technology and care — how do we use it to help us all flourish? When health data is captured well and used thoughtfully, it becomes one of our most powerful tools for reducing disparities, supporting our teams, and building healthier communities,” said Dr. Karen Welch. 

Dr. Welch has been with CommUnityCare Health Centers since 2017 and most recently served as Director of Clinical Informatics. In that role, she led optimization of Epic and integrated clinical technologies to enhance patient care and population health outcomes, including the successful pilot and rollout of ambient documentation tools. 

Previously, as Director of Primary Care, she served as the ambulatory lead for the organization’s initial Epic implementation, guiding the transition from multiple legacy systems. She also played a key role in the rapid expansion of telehealth services at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and contributed to the development and optimization of the organization’s long-term care model strategy. 

A board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Clinical Informatics, Dr. Welch continues to practice clinically and is deeply committed to improving quality outcomes and the clinician experience. Her leadership has helped drive coordinated efforts across clinical informatics, Epic, and quality improvement teams, contributing to national recognition, including consecutive Epic Pinnacle Awards for user experience and the HRSA Silver Quality Badge. 

Dr. Welch earned her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where she also completed her family medicine residency. She has a longstanding commitment to medical education, having served as faculty at UTMB and currently as Affiliate Faculty at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. 

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Welch enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and working on creative projects, including renovating a salvaged caboose into a tiny home in the Texas Hill Country. 

Her appointment reflects CommUnityCare Health Centers’ continued commitment to leveraging innovation and technology to advance high-quality, equitable care for the communities it serves.

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Get Ready for Back to School with CommUnityCare Health Centers  

As families across Central Texas prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, CommUnityCare Health Centers continues its dedicated work to make it easier for students to start the year healthy and ready to learn. In honor of National Health Center Week (August 2–8), CommUnityCare Health Centers will host a series of back-to-school events that combine vaccine clinics, opportunities to establish care, and backpack and school supply giveaways for families.  

National Health Center Week highlights the essential role community health centers play in expanding access to high-quality, affordable care. Through these back-to-school events, CommUnityCare Health Centers continues its commitment to serving low-income, uninsured and underinsured families. These events are designed to meet families where they are, whether at school districts, in neighborhoods, or at their health centers, to help remove common barriers to care. Event details vary, see below for full details. 

 

Back to School Events 

Event Flyer: ENGLISH | SPANISH  

🎒 Bastrop ISD Back-to-School Event  

When: July 28, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 

Where: Cedar Creek High School | 793 Union Chapel Rd., Cedar Creek, TX 78612 

What: Back-to-school efforts will kick off in partnership with Bastrop ISD during the district’s annual back-to-school event. Families can stop by the CommUnityCare Health Centers booth to receive:  

  • No Cost Backpacks and School Supplies (While Supplies Last. First-Come, First-Served) 
  • Medical, Dental, and Eligibility Appointment Scheduling 
  • Community Resources 

💉 Bastrop Health Center Vaccine Clinic  

When: Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 

Where: Bastrop Health Center 

What: CommUnityCare Health Centers will be offering no-cost children’s immunizations. An appointment is REQUIRED: CLICK HERE 

💉🎒 New This Year: Weekday Vaccine Appointments  

When: August 3-7, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 

Where: Carousel Pediatrics: North Lamar  

What: To better support families during the busy back-to-school season, CommUnityCare Health Centers is now offering dedicated weekday vaccine appointments. This week-long event helps improve access, reduce wait times, and gives families a chance to establish care for their children. Appointments are limited. An appointment is REQUIRED: CLICK HERE 

Families who complete their appointment will receive: 

  • Required Vaccines 
  • A Backpack and School Supplies (While Supplies Last) 

🎒 Del Valle ISD Back-To-School Event  

When: August 5, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Where: Del Valle High School | 5201 Ross Rd., Del Valle, TX 78617 

What: CommUnityCare Health Centers is proud to partner with Del Valle ISD for the first time, where it will join the district for its annual back-to-school event. Families can stop by the CommUnityCare Health Centers booth to receive: 

  • No Cost School Supplies. (While Supplies Last. First-Come, First-Served) 
  • Medical, Dental, and Eligibility Appointment Scheduling 
  • Community Resources 

💉 Del Valle Health Center Vaccine Clinic  

When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Where: Del Valle Health Center 

What: CommUnityCare Health Centers will be offering no-cost children’s immunizations. An appointment is REQUIRED: CLICK HERE

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Important Notice: Recall of TRUE METRIX Blood Glucose Meters 

Published April 30, 2026

CommUnityCare Health Centers is sharing an important update to help keep you safe and informed about your diabetes care. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall, the most serious type, for all TRUE METRIX blood glucose meters due to a software issue that may affect how results are displayed.  

TRUE METRIX meters may show an “E-5” error message. According to the FDA, this message can mean two different things: 

  • Blood sugar is extremely high (over 600 mg/dL), or  
  • There is a problem with the test strip or device 

Because of this, patients may delay care or treat themselves incorrectly, which can lead to serious health risks. 

In some cases, this confusion has been linked to serious outcomes, including dehydration, loss of consciousness, and other complications when treatment is delayed or incorrect. 

What you should do 

You can continue using your TRUE METRIX meter for now. However, if you have access to another blood glucose meter, it is recommended that you use that instead when possible. For your safety, do not change your insulin or other diabetes medications based only on an “E-5” error message. 

Trividia Health is offering free replacements for certain TRUE METRIX® blood glucose meters. You should contact Trividia Health to verify if your meter is affected and to get a replacement. 

How to Contact for Replacement:

If you have an E-5 error and feel unwell: 

  • Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if symptoms are severe 
  • Contact your provider right away, or  
  • Call the CommUnityCare Patient Navigation Center at 512-978-9015 

Resources:  

FDA: Blood Glucose Monitor Recall: Trividia Health Issues Correction for TRUE METRIX Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems 

FDA: Risks of Using TRUE METRIX Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems by Trividia Health: FDA Safety Communication 

URGENT: MEDICAL DEVICE CORRECTION – UPDATED Trividia Health Correction for TRUE METRIX Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems (May 1, 2026)

 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Names Dr. Michael Stefanowicz as Chief Health Officer 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael Stefanowicz as its new Chief Health Officer (CHO), a role designed to further integrate clinical care, quality, safety, and population health across the organization. 

The appointment follows a national search and reflects the continued evolution of CommUnityCare Health Centers as it grows in scale and complexity, with an increased focus on delivering coordinated, high-quality care to the communities it serves. 

“Throughout the search, we prioritized a leader who could operate at the intersection of clinical excellence and system execution—someone capable of translating strategy into day-to-day practice across a large, multidisciplinary organization and within our broader working relationship with Central Health,” said Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nicholas Yagoda. “Dr. Stefanowicz has already demonstrated this ability, and we couldn’t be more confident in his leadership.” 

Dr. Stefanowicz most recently served as Associate Chief Medical Officer, where he led complex, system-level initiatives and demonstrated a strong ability to align clinical strategy with operational execution. His leadership has been especially impactful in high-priority areas, including care for patients living with HIV, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those in recovery. 

A fellowship-trained HIV specialist and board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Stefanowicz has dedicated his career to advancing care for underserved populations. His experience in nontraditional care settings underscores his commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and building trust with patients and communities. 

As Chief Health Officer, Dr. Stefanowicz will focus on strengthening clinical quality, supporting care teams, and advancing an integrated model of care that improves access, outcomes, and patient experience across the system. 

“I am humbled and profoundly appreciative of the trust that our leaders and colleagues have vested in me. As it has been for many of our patients and our team members alike, I have called CommUnityCare home for some time now, and I am honored to partner in our growth and successes together in this next chapter” said Dr. Stefanowicz. “I am grateful to the many friends, mentors, colleagues and patients who have shaped me into the physician leader I am today and for teaching me what it truly means to place the patient at the center of our work. Finally, my deepest gratitude goes out to the countless frontline healthcare workers who lead with love each and every day.” 

The organization also recognizes Dr. Susan Dubois for her leadership as Interim Chief Medical Officer during a pivotal period. Her steady guidance and continued contributions over the last 18 months have helped support clinical teams and ensure continuity of care. 

Dr. Stefanowicz’s appointment marks an important step forward as CommUnityCare Health Centers continues to enhance coordination across clinical services and expand its impact in Central Texas communities. 

 

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Central Health Opens Hancock Phase 1, Bringing Comprehensive Care to the Heart of Austin 

April 24, 2026

AUSTIN, Texas — Central Health and CommUnityCare Health Centers today opened the doors of Central Health Hancock to patients, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to expand access to high-quality, coordinated care for Travis County.  

Located at 1000 E. 41st St. at the Hancock Center—the former site of Austin’s flagship Sears store—the Phase 1 opening of the $150 million facility brings together the David Powell Health Center, pharmacy services, and lab services through Quest Diagnostics, offering patients a one-stop care experience in Central Austin for the first time.  

The Central Health system—which includes CommUnityCare Health Centers and Sendero Health Plans—designed the campus to bring coordinated, whole-person care together under one roof.  

“This is a major milestone for our system and an important step forward for the future of care in Travis County,” said Dr. Pat Lee, president and CEO of Central Health. “Hancock represents exactly where the Central Health system is headed: bringing services closer together, making care more connected and convenient, and creating a better experience for the patients we serve. As we open our doors, we are especially proud to welcome patients to the new home of the David Powell Health Center, where they will continue to receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve. We are so proud to open our doors and grateful to the partners, elected leaders, and taxpayers who helped make this remarkable project possible.”  

A New Home for a Decades-Long Legacy 

Among the services now operating at Central Health Hancock is the CommUnityCare David Powell Health Center, one of the most recognized HIV care clinics in Central Texas. Founded in 1990 and named after HIV/AIDS advocate David Powell, the clinic has provided comprehensive medical care and support services to thousands of patients living with HIV for more than three decades.  

The relocation to Central Health Hancock allows the CommUnityCare David Powell Health Center to continue its legacy of care in a modernized, expanded environment—one designed to meet the growing needs of patients while remaining rooted in the values of dignity, access, and community. Co-locating the clinic within a larger health care campus also helps reduce the stigma associated with HIV care, ensuring patients are met with respect at every step of their care journey.  

“Central to everything that we do as a system, as practitioners, is upholding the dignity of our patients, ensuring their full, whole-person needs are addressed,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CommUnityCare Health Centers CEO and executive vice president of ambulatory services at Central Health. “This is one of the greatest realizations of that promise—primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, dentistry, acute walk-in clinics, laboratory services, diagnostic services, all woven together so that this is not a one-size-fits-all. This is a one-size-fits-one, and each individual will have their unique experience when they walk through these doors.” 

One-Stop Care for Travis County Residents 

Phase 1 services now available at Central Health Hancock include: 

  • David Powell Health Center — HIV treatment and prevention services, relocating from its longtime location to a modernized clinical environment. 
  • Pharmacy services — On-site CommUnityCare pharmacy serving patients across the Central Health system. 
  • Lab services — Quest Diagnostics on-site, providing convenient diagnostic services for patients.  

 CommUnityCare Convenient Care services, currently operating at the Central Health Capital Plaza Specialty Clinic, are set to begin services by mid-May.  

A Building With History, Reimagined for the Future 

The Central Health Hancock site transforms the former Sears department store—a fixture of the Central Austin community since it opened in 1963—into a health care hub with 90,000 square feet of clinical space as part of a nearly 200,000-square-foot campus. Construction began in fall 2024 and represents a $150 million investment for the Central Health system, approved by the Central Health Board of Managers in fiscal year 2021.  

The project was financed through certificates of obligation—a form of long-term municipal debt—allowing Central Health to spread costs over time and preserve reserves for patient care. Owning the property also saves taxpayer dollars down the road, avoiding the ongoing expense of leasing comparable space. This approach reflects Central Health’s commitment to fiscal stewardship and maximizing the value of every public dollar.   

Looking Ahead: Phase 2 and the Full Hancock Opening 

Phase 1 represents the first step in a broader transformation of the Central Health Hancock facility. When construction on the full facility is complete—anticipated in 2027—the nearly 200,000-square-footsite will become the flagship headquarters of the Central Health system, housing: 

  • Expanded primary and specialty care services 
  • Administrative offices for Central Health, CommUnityCare Health Centers, and Sendero Health Plans 
  • Central Health Board of Managers meeting space and community rooms 
  • Additional clinical capacity to reduce wait times and serve patients 

At completion, Central Health Hancock will be the largest facility in the Central Health system, designed to serve as both a clinical hub and the operational heart of a unified, patient-centered system of care.  

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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.