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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. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Names Katherine T. Reyes as Chief Operating Officer 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine T. Reyes as Chief Operating Officer (COO), bringing extensive healthcare leadership experience in operational strategy, growth, and organizational transformation. 

Reyes joins CommUnityCare Health Centers following a 10-month-long national search to identify a leader who could help guide the organization through its next phase of growth and operational excellence. Her arrival marks an important milestone for the organization as it continues to strengthen its leadership team and expand its ability to serve communities across Central Texas. 

“Katherine brings an exceptional track record of operational leadership and a deep commitment to building systems that support both patients and care teams,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, Chief Executive Officer of CommUnityCare Health Centers. “Her experience leading large, complex healthcare organizations and fostering collaborative partnerships between clinicians and administrators will be invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance access to high-quality care across our communities.” 

Reyes is a seasoned healthcare executive with experience scaling multi-site provider networks, strengthening operations, and guiding large healthcare organizations through transformational change. 

Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Services at University Health in San Antonio, where she helped expand the ambulatory enterprise to more than 650 clinicians across 40 locations. She previously held Chief Operating Officer roles with Sutter Gould Medical Foundation and the Santa Cruz division of Sutter Palo Alto Medical Foundation, where she helped lead operational transformation initiatives, implement enterprise health record systems, and strengthen patient experience and workforce engagement. 

“CommUnityCare and Central Health have inspiring missions and dedicated teams,” said Reyes. “I am excited to join CommUnityCare as Chief Operating Officer and look forward to learning about the excellent work underway while collaborating and implementing both short- and long-term strategies to navigate and thrive in an evolving healthcare environment.” 

Reyes holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from San Jose State University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. 

Outside of work, Reyes is a proud daughter of a career U.S. Navy sailor and the wife of a U.S. Army soldier. She enjoys exploring Texas parks with her two four-pawed dependents and frequently visits the California Bay Area to spend time with family. 

Reyes is set to join CommUnityCare Health Centers in May 2026. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Services Begin Transitioning to New Central Health Hancock Site 

Published: March 24, 2026

Last updated: May 12, 2026 

Planning is underway to transition CommUnityCare services to Central Health Hancock, a new health care campus in Central Austin that will expand access to care for the community. 

Services will begin rolling out in phases as construction progresses and spaces become operational. Patients and community partners can expect updates as services prepare to move.

This page will serve as a central place to share the latest information throughout the transition. 

Phased Rollout of Services  

Phase 1 of relocation for CommUnityCare services includes: 

  • David Powell Clinic will begin services on April 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. – NOW OPEN!
  • Pharmacy and lab services will begin operations on April 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. – NOW OPEN!
  • Convenient Care services, currently operating out of the Central Health Capital Plaza Specialty Clinic, will relocate to Central Health Hancock and begin services on May 19, 2026, at 7 a.m.

Update on David Powell Health Center Lab Services 

Patients should be aware of a change to laboratory services at the current David Powell Health Center. 

Quest Diagnostics’ last day of patient care at David Powell Health Center is April 13, 2026. Beginning April 14, patients will need to visit another Quest Diagnostics location for lab services. Patients who need further assistance identifying the best location for lab services can speak with their care team. 

CommUnityCare recommends the following nearby Quest Diagnostics locations: 

For more Quest Diagnostics locations, visit HERE.  

About Central Health Hancock 

The Central Health Hancock site transforms the former flagship Sears building at Hancock Center into a nearly 200,000-square-foot health care campus designed to support specialty care, clinical services, and administrative operations. 

Construction on the project began in Fall 2024 and represents a significant investment in strengthening the health care safety net for Travis County residents. Once complete, the campus will expand access to care, support better coordination across services, and help reduce wait times for patients who rely on the safety-net system. 

More than just a new building, the Central Health Hancock site reflects a continued commitment to building a healthier and more equitable future for the community, creating a space designed to meet the growing needs of patients. Learn more about Hancock HERE.

Honoring the Legacy of the CommUnityCare David Powell Health Center  

For more than three decades, the David Powell Health Center has served as a cornerstone of HIV care 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. 

As the region grows and infrastructure projects, including the TXDOT I35 expansion, reshape the area surrounding the current clinic, the move to Hancock will allow the program to continue its legacy of care while expanding services in a modernized environment. Read more about the legacy of David Powell HERE. 

Staying Informed 

As construction continues and services begin transitioning to the Central Health Hancock site, additional updates will be shared with patients and the community.  Care will remain available at current locations until services officially transition. Phase 2 of services is anticipated to roll out in 2027. 

This page will continue to be updated as more services prepare to move to Hancock.  

 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Earns 2024 HRSA Operational Site Visit Badge 

CommUnityCare Health Centers has been awarded the 2024 Operational Site Visit (OSV) Badge from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), recognizing full compliance with all Health Center Program requirements following a comprehensive federal review. 

The OSV Badge is a new national recognition introduced for health centers with site visits conducted in 2024 or later. It is awarded only to organizations that demonstrate full compliance and receive no conditions on their award following an Operational Site Visit, marking the successful completion of a rigorous three-year review cycle. 

Operational Site Visits serve as an objective assessment of a health center’s clinical, financial, and operational performance. The process ensures strong stewardship of federal resources while reinforcing high standards of patient care, governance, and accountability. 

Earning the 2024 OSV Badge reflects the strength of the systems, leadership, and teams across CommUnityCare Health Centers who work every day to deliver accessible, high-quality primary care to the communities of Central Texas. 

“This recognition affirms our commitment to operational excellence and to the patients and families who trust us with their care,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CEO. “It reflects the dedication of our teams and the strong foundation that supports our mission.” 

The OSV Badge is distinct from, but related to, HRSA’s annual Community Health Quality Recognition awards, which focus on clinical performance measures. Together, these recognitions highlight both quality outcomes and compliance excellence. 

For a full breakdown of the Travis County Healthcare District / Central Texas Community Health Center HRSA data and performance metrics, visit HRSA’s program data page. 

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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.