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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With gratitude, 
Barbara Brooks-Robinson 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Earns National Recognition for Quality, Access and Innovation 

CommUnityCare Health Centers has received three Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The awards highlight the organization’s ongoing commitment to expanding access and improving health outcomes for Central Texans. 

CommUnityCare Health Centers earned the Silver Badge, Improving Access to Care Badge, and Advancing Health IT for Quality Badge for 2024. These distinctions recognize health centers nationwide that meet or exceed performance benchmarks in areas such as quality of care, patient access, and the use of technology to improve outcomes. 

The recognition comes as the CommUnityCare organization continues to grow and serve more patients than ever before. In 2024, the health system provided care for 143,421 patients, compared to 134,180 patients in 2023, an increase of more than 9,000 individuals. Nearly 97 percent of CommUnityCare patients live at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, underscoring the critical role the organization plays in ensuring access to care for vulnerable populations. 

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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CommUnityCare Back-to-School Events Provide Vaccines, Backpacks to Hundreds of Families 

Hundreds of Central Texas students and their families started the school year healthier and better prepared thanks to the CommUnityCare Health Centers back-to-school events, held in honor of National Health Center Week (Aug 3-9). CommUnityCare Health Centers provided vaccines, backpacks filled with school supplies and other health resources to ensure students could begin the year with confidence. 

This year, a total of 777 vaccinations were administered, protecting children against preventable diseases. In addition, 1,600 backpacks went home with 596 families, helping students feel ready and equipped for the classroom.

 

Bastrop ISD: Cedar Creek High School Back to School Bash  
Backpacks: 901 

Del Valle Health and Wellness Center 
Vaccines: 215 

Pflugerville Health Center
Vaccines: 176 
Backpacks: 197 

 North Central Health Central:  
Vaccines: 386 
Backpacks: 502 

 

This year, CommUnityCare was proud to expand its reach further into the eastern crescent, a historically underserved area which has long faced barriers to access health care. By hosting events in the Del Valle and Bastrop communities, CommUnityCare Health Centers was able to connect families with essential services that can have a lasting impact on a child’s health, academic success and overall well-being. As part of this effort, a new partnership with Bastrop ISD allowed CommUnityCare to engage directly with families through the Cedar Creek High School Back to School Bash, distributing backpacks and school supplies while providing information on no-cost vaccinations at the newly opened in 2025 Del Valle Health and Wellness Center. This initiative not only helps families prepare for the school year but also strengthens trust and relationships in areas where access to health and educational resources has historically been limited. 

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

These events were a true testament to the power of community. They came to life thanks to the dedication of CommUnityCare staff, volunteers and partners, whose hard work ensured that every detail—from organizing logistics to distributing backpacks and administering vaccines—ran smoothly. Every effort, big or small, made a meaningful difference for the families served. 

As the new school year begins, CommUnityCare remains committed to supporting underserved families throughout Central Texas. 

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CommUnityCare Pilots New Check-In Kiosks to Improve Patient Experience 

CommUnityCare Health Centers has launched a pilot program introducing EPIC Welcome Kiosks, giving patients a faster, more convenient way to check in for appointments. 

The kiosks allow patients to skip the front desk line and complete the same check-in tasks they would normally do with a registration clerk or through MyChart. From confirming appointments to verifying personal details, patients can now manage their check-in process with just a few taps. 

The first kiosks went live at the CommUnityCare East Austin Health Center and Del Valle Health and Wellness Center in June 2025. Additional locations will be phased in over time as the process is refined, with more clinics expected to adopt the technology later this summer and into the fall. 

EPIC Welcome Kiosk deployments have been shown to reduce patient wait times, improve data accuracy, ease front desk congestion and protect privacy.  

“We hope patients become as comfortable using the kiosks as they are using MyChart,” said Tony Struthers, Director of Special Projects. “As we continue the rollout of our welcome kiosks, front desk staff and community health works will be available to help guide patients through the new check-in process.”  

As patients become more familiar with the kiosks, CommUnityCare operations team anticipates a quicker check-in process and improved clinic flow. The $97,388 pilot investment includes hardware, installation, training, and support to ensure a smooth transition. 

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Do Not Close the Doors on Community Health Centers 

By Nicholas Yagoda, MD, CEO for CommUnityCare Health Centers

As CEO of one of the nation’s largest community health centers — and as a doctor who has spent my career working to advance healthcare access for all — I am deeply concerned by the new guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services barring people living in the U.S. without legal documents from accessing taxpayer-funded programs, including the federal Health Center Program.

On its face, this might sound like standard policy. Most taxpayer-funded benefits exclude undocumented individuals. But for nearly 30 years, community health centers have been a deliberate and important exception. And for good reason: preventive and primary care for everyone not only saves lives but also keeps costs down for our communities and the health system as a whole.

Health centers were created to serve anyone in need, regardless of race, gender, income, or immigration status. After all, illness and disease know no boundaries. That principle has never been in doubt — until now.

Last year, CommUnityCare in Austin cared for more than 140,000 patients. Across the U.S., community health centers served 32.5 million people. Most were uninsured or covered by Medicaid. We are the front line of prevention. We keep people healthy and nurture thriving communities.

Removing this carve-out will not solve the national debate over immigration or save taxpayers money. Rather it will make people sicker, pushing them out of primary care and into the emergency rooms, while driving up costs for hospitals and taxpayers. It will increase the spread of preventable disease at a time when we’re still recovering from COVID and battling the largest measles outbreak in 33 years. It will leave us further behind other high-income nations around the globe in key health outcomes. This new HHS guidance expressly directs the medical community to abandon our sacred commitment to do no harm.

And it will hurt our communities. Undocumented residents are not outsiders; they are part of our social fabric, contributing vital services to strengthen our community. Many live in families that include U.S. citizens. Denying them access to basic care is not just inhumane — it’s shortsighted and dangerous for our public and economic health.

The health center carve-out existed for a reason. It recognized a simple truth: caring for each one of us leaves us all safer, stronger, and more secure. That truth has not changed. HHS should reverse this guidance immediately. Congress should make it crystal clear that community health centers must remain open to everyone — our nation’s health depends on it.

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The official guidance provided by HHS is posted here. The guidance provides a 30-day public comment period. Comments must be submitted to HHS by 11:59 PM EDT on August 13th, 2025. They can be submitted via the Federal Register here. 

CommUnityCare follows statutory and regulatory requirements and until further notice, in the setting of conflicting interpretation, will continue to serve all patients in need of healthcare services, regardless of immigration status.

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CommUnityCare Health Centers’ Tara Trower Appointed to Sendero Health Plans Board of Directors 

Austin, TX— CommUnityCare Health Centers is proud to announce that Tara Trower, the organization’s Chief Strategy Officer and Interim Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for Sendero Health Plans, a local nonprofit health insurance company and member of the Central Health Enterprise. 

“Tara’s appointment represents a significant step forward in advancing systemwide alignment to better serve our communities,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CommUnityCare Health Centers Chief Executive Officer and Central Health Executive Vice President of Ambulatory Services. “Her deep operational insight and strategic acumen will bring valuable perspective to Sendero’s work and will ultimately benefit the patients we all serve.” 

Sendero Health Plans provides health insurance coverage to Central Texans, including individuals who are medically complex, low-income, or who face barriers to accessing care. The organization plays a key role in expanding access to affordable health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. 

With Trower serving on the board, CommUnityCare Health Centers will gain valuable insight into local health insurance strategy and operations. This will strengthen the organization’s ability to advocate for patients and respond to changes in coverage, cost, and access to care. Her appointment reinforces the organization’s commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system in Travis County. 

“Every decision we make about coverage and care has a direct impact on the lives of the people we serve,” said Trower. “I’m honored to represent community health centers in this work and committed to ensuring that patients’ voices remain central as we build a more connected, equitable healthcare system in Travis County.” 

 

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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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Empowering Moms, Transforming Care: Join Us for the CenteringPregnancy© Launch Event

Expecting a baby is a personal journey, one that is made easier with support, community and trusted care. That is why CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to launch CenteringPregnancy© at Southeast Health & Wellness Center, a powerful program designed to transform the prenatal experience for mothers.

We invite the community to celebrate the launch of this innovative program.

Event details:

  • What: CenteringPregnancy© Launch Event
  • When: Thursday, July 17, 2025 | 9 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: Southeast Health and Wellness Center | Community Room

  The event will include:

  • A look inside how CenteringPregnancy© works
  • Stories from moms who’ve already benefited from the program
  • Introductions to the care team and program facilitators
  • Community connection, and more!

CenteringPregnancy© is a group-based prenatal care model that brings together pregnant patients with similar due dates for shared learning, health assessments and open conversation. The approach is designed to improve both health outcomes and the overall pregnancy experience.

The program offers expecting mothers more time with their care team and encourages peer support, especially meaningful for patients without nearby family or friends. To learn more about Centering© programs offered at CommUnityCare Health Centers, visit CenteringPregnancy© or CenteringParenting©.

 

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Cristie Pellegrini Named Chief Pharmacy Officer at CommUnityCare Health Centers 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to announce Cristie Pellegrini has been promoted to Chief Pharmacy Officer, where she will lead the strategic, clinical, financial, and operational oversight of the organization’s pharmacy services. 

Pellegrini brings more than 20 years of experience in pharmacy operations and healthcare administration. In her new role, she will continue to focus on expanding medication access, improving affordability, and advancing pharmacy programs that support whole-person care. 

Since joining CommUnityCare Health Centers, Pellegrini has served as Vice President of Pharmacy Services. Under her leadership, the organization has quadrupled the number of pharmacy access points across Travis County and significantly enhanced medication management for tens of thousands of patients. She has also spearheaded efforts to optimize the 340B drug pricing program, integrate pharmacy services into clinical care, and create policies that remove barriers and support the health center’s long-term sustainability. 

As CommUnityCare services continue to grow, expanding pharmacy services remains a top priority to improve access and deliver high-quality, coordinated care. To learn more about our pharmacy services and locations, CLICK HERE.  

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Board Names Dr. Nicholas Yagoda as Permanent CEO

Austin, TX — The CommUnityCare Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Nicholas Yagoda as permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO), elevating him from the interim position he has held since September 2024.

 During his tenure as interim CEO, Dr. Yagoda guided CommUnityCare Health Centers through a pivotal period of growth and alignment. His accomplishments include implementing a comprehensive strategic plan, deepening collaboration with Central Health and Sendero Health Plans, and reinforcing organizational priorities around access, health equity, and workforce development.

“Over the last nine months, Dr. Yagoda has shown steady, values-driven leadership,” said Guy Swenson, Chair of the CommUnityCare Board. “This decision reflects our confidence in his ability to lead not only CommUnityCare Health Centers, but to play a critical role in unifying the system as a whole.”

Concurrently, in recognition of Dr. Yagoda’s leadership and vision, Central Health CEO Dr. Pat Lee has appointed Dr. Yagoda as Executive Vice President of Ambulatory Services — a newly created role designed to enhance integration across the Central Health system. In this dual capacity, Dr. Yagoda will lead efforts to streamline outpatient operations and build a more cohesive, patient-centered healthcare network for Travis County residents with low income and without insurance.

Health System Integration and Innovation 

Together, CommUnityCare and Central Health are moving toward a more unified, patient-centered model — one grounded in shared values, aligned leadership, and a commitment to expanding access to those who need it most. The two organizations form one of the nation’s largest community health center systems in the country, providing more than a half million patient visits in 2024 – the vast majority to Travis County residents with incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level.

“Nick has earned the trust and respect of our teams, our partners, and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Pat Lee, CEO of Central Health. “His appointment to this dual role reflects our shared commitment to building a health care system that works better for everyone. I’m excited to continue working alongside him as we transform care delivery from the ground up.”

 
A Vision for Community-Centered Care

Dr. Yagoda brings extensive clinical and leadership experience to his expanded role. A board-certified family physician, he previously served as Chief Medical Officer at CommUnityCare Health Centers for three years, where he championed clinical excellence and provider development.

“It’s an honor to step into this role and advance the mission of health equity alongside the exceptional teams at CommUnityCare and Central Health,” said Dr. Yagoda. “This new alignment is a rare opportunity to build a more connected, community-centered system of care. With shared purpose, strong partnerships, and unwavering focus on the people we serve, we are poised to set a national standard for what community-driven care can achieve.”

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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 communitycaretx.org.

About Central Health

Created by voters in 2004, Central Health is Travis County’s hospital district. Central Health provides care and coverage for about 1 in 8 Travis County residents — more than 170,000 people with low income. Guided by a strategic plan, developed with extensive community input and adopted in 2022, Central Health is investing more than $800 million to create a high-functioning, comprehensive, and equitable safety-net system in Travis County. This vision reflects the commitment of the Central Health system, which includes CommUnityCare Health Centers and Sendero Health Plans, a nonprofit insurance company, along with hundreds of community partners, to the residents of Travis County.