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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.

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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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Get Ready for Back to School with CommUnityCare Health Centers

In honor of National Health Center Week, CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to host Back to School events to prepare Central Texas children for the upcoming school year! Event details vary. See below. 

National Health Center Week (August 3-9, 2025) serves as an opportunity to showcase the dedication and efforts of Community Health Centers nationwide that diligently work to enhance health outcomes and reduce health disparities. This year’s National Health Center Week theme focuses on the past, present and future – and celebrating 60 years of our nation’s health.  

As part of this year’s celebration, CommUnityCare is proud to launch a new partnership with Bastrop Independent School District to expand access to school supplies, health screenings, and essential services for families in the region. 

“Bastrop ISD is thrilled to be partnering with CommUnityCare Health Centers for our 2025 Back to School Bash,” said Karen Trevino, Bastrop ISD Director of Community Relations. “Each year, the Back to School Bash brings school supplies and valuable resources to Bastrop and surrounding communities. Now CommUnityCare will be taking it to the next level, distributing over 900 stuffed backpacks and providing families with eligibility screenings and the opportunity to sign up for no cost vaccinations at their Del Valle Health Center. Having this information available at our event will undoubtedly make it easier for students to get everything they need to prepare for a healthy and successful school year.” 

 

 

Back to School Events:  

EVENT FLYER ENG SPAN

 

Where: Cedar Creek High School | 793 Union Chapel Rd

When: Tuesday, July 29 | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.  

What: CommUnityCare Health Centers will be offering NO COST backpacks and school supplies for the Bastrop community and surrounding areas at Cedar Creek High School. Backpacks/supplies are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE until supplies last. Financial screening appointments will also be available. Plan ahead and register for a financial screening appointment at the event: https://cuctx.org/FSback2school  

 

Where: Del Valle Health and Wellness Center 

When: Saturday, August 2 | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

What: CommUnityCare Health Centers will be offering NO COST children’s immunizations. An appointment is REQUIRED: http://cuctx.org/vaccinesb2school  

 

Where: Pflugerville Health Center  

When: Saturday, August 2 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

What: CommUnityCare Health Centers will offer NO COST children’s immunizations. An appointment is REQUIRED for immunizations: http://cuctx.org/vaccinesb2school. Patients will receive first-priority for no cost backpacks and supplies, but walk-ins are welcome while supplies last. Supplies are very limited. 

 

Where: North Central Health Center 

When: Saturday, August 9 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.  

What: CommUnityCare Health Centers will offer NO COST children’s immunizations, backpacks, school supplies, community resources, plus more! Backpacks/supplies are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE until supplies last. An appointment is REQUIRED for immunizations: http://cuctx.org/vaccinesb2school.  

Supplies are limited at CommUnityCare Health Centers Back-to-School events. Please see below for additional Back-to-School events happening around Central Texas.

Dell Children’s Health Plan – 3rd Annual Back to School Event

Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Cedar Ridge High School | 2801 Gattis School Rd, Round Rock, TX 78664

EVENT FLYER | DELL CHILDREN’S WEBSITE

Hays County Health Department Back to School Health Fair

Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hays County Health Department | 101 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666

EVENT FLYER ENG SPAN | HAYS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT WEBSITE