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Expanded Dental Access Shows Immediate Impact for Patients in Need 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Dr. Nicholas Yagoda Appointed to TACHC Board of Directors

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

Food and Pantry Resources 

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

Other Basic Needs and Assistance 

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

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

 How to Find More Help 

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

For Healthcare

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

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

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3D Mammography Improves Access to Life-Saving Screenings 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advancing Technology, Expanding Access 

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

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

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

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

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

Take Charge of Your Health 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How IDEALhealth is Strengthening Community Health Through Patient Voices

Since opening its doors in November 2024, IDEALhealth – a sexual and reproductive health program under CommUnityCare Health Centers – has become more than just a clinic. It’s a welcoming space where people feel heard, respected, and supported in every step of their care journey. 

At the heart of IDEALhealth’s success is the Community Advisory Panel (CAP), a group of local community members who share their voices, lived experiences, and feedback to ensure services truly reflect the needs of Austin. Their partnership has helped IDEALhealth grow into a program shaped by the people it serves.

One of those voices is Sophie Ryland, 23, who was born and raised in Austin. For Ryland, joining the panel felt like a natural way to give back.

“I’ve always been very connected with the community, and I’m passionate about ensuring people have access to quality, affordable health care. When I heard about the panel, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to participate,” Sophie shared. 

Living with a chronic autoimmune condition has given Sophie a personal understanding of the barriers many patients face. That perspective fuels her commitment to making care at IDEALhealth as welcoming and inclusive as possible. 

“Having a chronic autoimmune disorder has shown me how hard it can be when there are barriers to care. I was super impressed with the quality of care [at IDEALhealth] and the environment itself. So, big shout-out to the whole team,” she said. 

In just one year, IDEALhealth has already served more than 1,000 patients, many of whom are accessing PrEP for HIV prevention, an important step in the clinic’s holistic approach to sexual wellness. 

Dr. Crystal Walker, a provider at IDEALhealth, says what sets the program apart is its commitment to offering care that meets patients where they are. 

“IDEALhealth offers a full spectrum of sexual health care—from STI testing and treatment to family planning, gender-affirming care, and sexual dysfunction support. We can even connect patients to primary care at CommUnityCare, often on the same day,” said Dr. Walker. 

She also credits the Community Advisory Panel for helping IDEALhealth continuously improve. For example, panel members recently suggested ways to better support patients who may be experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse. Their input led to a new partnership with Safe Alliance, creating a smoother referral process so patients can quickly access additional resources when needed. 

“IDEALhealth is very much aligned with the CommUnityCare mission, in that we want to strengthen the health and well-being of our community members, regardless of their ability to pay. So when people come through our doors, we’re here for them,” Dr. Walker added. 

The first year of IDEALhealth shows what’s possible when care is designed with community input, empathy, and inclusivity at the center. Together, the clinic and its advisory panel are not only improving health outcomes—they’re building trust, breaking down barriers, and transforming care in Austin. 

IDEALhealth is made possible through a $1.3 million, 5-year grant from the CDC’s Enhancing STI and Sexual Health Clinic Infrastructure Initiative and a $2.4 million, 5-year grant from the DSHS HIV Clinical HIV/STI Prevention in Community Health Centers Grant Program.  

To learn more about IDEALhealth or to schedule an appointment, CLICK HERE.  

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CommUnityCare Health Centers CEO Dr. Nicholas Yagoda Elected to Serve on NACHC Board of Directors 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is proud to announce that Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, Chief Executive Officer of CommUnityCare and Executive Vice President of Ambulatory services for Central Health, has been elected to the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Board of Directors, for the position of Clinician Representative.  

The NACHC Board is composed of eight elected officers, two representatives from each of the association’s 10 regions, two clinician representatives and two health center board members elected by the membership. The board meets at least three times each year to set priorities, guide advocacy efforts and strengthen the national community health center movement. 

NACHC is a nonprofit membership organization that represents more than 1,400 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), also known as community health centers. Together, these centers operate over 15,000 service sites nationwide, providing high-quality, affordable primary care to more than 31.5 million people, regardless of income or insurance status, CommUnityCare Health Centers among them.  

“I am deeply honored to be elected to the NACHC Board of Directors,” Dr. Yagoda said. “Community health centers can and must play a central role in the broader health system landscape. As the only healthcare model directly accountable to patients, as proven beacons for equity, quality and value, health centers must scale their impact. I am inspired by NACHC’s bold ambition to reach one in three Americans through systems thinking, collaboration across sectors, and a commitment to reshaping healthcare around community needs.” 

Dr. Yagoda’s election reflects CommUnityCare’s commitment to advancing patient-centered care in Central Texas, contributing to the national effort to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes across the country. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Expands Services at Bastrop Clinic, Bringing OB and Pediatric Care Under One Roof 

Driven by a commitment to provide continuous, comprehensive care for Bastrop families, CommUnityCare Health Centers is expanding its Bastrop OB/GYN Health Center to include pediatric services. 

“Families will benefit from a more seamless transition from prenatal to pediatric care. It’s about building a family-centered model that supports patients at every stage,” said Dr. Susan Dubois, Interim Chief Medical Officer of CommUnityCare. 

Construction on the pediatric addition began in July 2025 in the adjacent space of the existing clinic, with the first pediatric patients expected by late fall. The OB/GYN clinic will also undergo renovations following the completion of the new space, with services remaining uninterrupted throughout construction. 

The expansion includes five new pediatric exam rooms, one additional OB/GYN exam room, and on-site financial eligibility services. Once renovations are complete, the two spaces will be joined into a single clinic with a shared entrance and centralized waiting area, creating a streamlined experience for patients and families. 

By expanding services, the CommUnityCare health center will provide timely, specialized care for women and children while continuing to meet the growing healthcare needs of the Bastrop community. 

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One Pharmacist’s Mission to Connect Care and Literacy 

At CommUnityCare Health Centers, care doesn’t always come in the form of a prescription or a medical chart. Sometimes, the best medicine comes in the form of a story tucked away in a book.  

“At its core, better literacy means better health.” 

For CommUnityCare pharmacist Kathleen Garcia, her life experiences led to the observation that health and healing go hand in hand with knowledge. Early in her career, Garcia recalled a moment when she encountered a patient who mistook Ambien for blood pressure medicine because he was unable to read the labels.  

“Over the years, I have met many others facing the same challenge, individuals who struggle to understand complex instructions that could impact their health. This work is also deeply personal to me,” said Garcia. “My mother left school in the second grade and has limited reading skills. When she was diagnosed with lupus, she misunderstood her diagnosis. Moments like that have fueled my commitment to make information more clear, visual, and easy to understand.” 

Garcia sparked up a beautiful idea that has taken over the North Central Pharmacy – a free book corner. A space where patients can access the resources to build literacy skills within their medical home. What began as a small act of kindness has grown into a resource that brings joy, connection, and empowerment to patients every day. 

“I’ve seen so many beautiful moments at the book corner. Patients smile as they carefully choose books for their grandchildren, nieces, or nephews and sometimes even for themselves.” 

The idea started with Garcia setting out books she purchased herself, and they quickly became a hit. When the need outpaced what she could provide on her own, Kathleen reached out to local organizations. That’s when Half Price Books stepped up, donating boxes upon boxes filled with children’s books, young adult novels, educational titles, and even coloring books in both English and Spanish. 

“At the core of my work as a pharmacist is a belief and hope that I can help patients live their healthiest and fullest lives,” said Garcia. “This initiative reflects that belief in a powerful way. It aligns with the CommUnityCare mission to offer compassionate care that supports patients—and not just medically, but through knowledge and understanding so they can truly thrive.” 

Garcia will continue to stock the shelves with books thanks to a partnership with Half Price Books.  

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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.