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Pediatric Residency Program Spotlight: Empowering the Next Generation of Pediatricians

At CommUnityCare Health Centers, we pride ourselves on not only providing exceptional care to our community but also fostering the growth and development of the next generation of healthcare professionals.  

The CommUnityCare Pflugerville Health Center is proudly helping train the next generation of pediatric leaders through its pediatric residency program affiliated with Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.  

How a Resident is Involved in Your Care  

Residency programs serve to educate doctors in training while caring for current patients. Residents are scheduled in clinic regularly and far in advance to maintain stable teams and provide patient continuity. This approach not only ensures that patients receive consistent and familiar care, but it also introduces a new level of attention and thoroughness to their medical treatment.

“Residents bring fresh perspectives and the latest medical knowledge from their rigorous training. Their commitment to learning and improvement often results in excellent patient evaluations and innovative treatment plans,” said Dr. Tara Greendyk, CommUnityCare Director of Child and Adolescent Health and Dell Medical School Assistant Professor.

“Also, the collaborative environment, with supervising physicians overseeing and mentoring residents, guarantees that patients benefit from a combination of experienced oversight and the energetic, up-to-date approach of resident doctors. This dynamic not only enhances the quality of care but also fosters a learning culture where every interaction aims to improve patient outcomes and healthcare practices.” 

Residents are physicians who have completed medical or osteopathic school. After earning their M.D. or D.O. degree, they pursue 2 to 7 years of advanced training in a specialty like pediatrics. Key to Dell Med’s graduate medical education curriculum, the residents that train within CommUnityCare Health Centers are equipped to tackle systemic challenges in health and lead change in an evolving health care landscape. 

A Focus on Community Health 

Community health is a central tenet of the pediatric residency program at CommUnityCare Health Centers. Residents learn to understand and address the social determinants of health that impact our patients.  

Our health center’s commitment to serving underserved populations ensures that residents gain valuable experience in providing care to diverse and vulnerable patient groups. This experience not only enriches their training but also instills a deep sense of social responsibility and compassion. 

Through the pediatric residency program, skilled and compassionate pediatricians go on to make significant contributions to the field. Their success is a testament to the quality of training they received and their dedication to improving the health and well-being of children. 

Success Story: Yesenia Delgado, M.D.  

Dr. Yesenia Delgado’s journey to becoming a pediatrician at CommUnityCare Health Centers is a testament to her resilience and passion for serving underserved populations. Growing up as a first-generation Mexican American, Delgado experienced firsthand the challenges faced by many of the families who receive care at CommUnityCare Health Centers. This personal history instilled in her a deep empathy and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children from similar backgrounds, something her family fostered from a young age.  

“My family did a really good job of fostering the dream of becoming a pediatrician. They never giggled or thought it was funny. They encouraged me, even buying fake stethoscopes,” said Dr. Delgado. “My dad did have had one rule though, no matter what you do in life you need to help people.” 

During her three-year pediatric residency at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Delgado took advantage of the individualized curriculum to gain exposure in both general pediatrics and subspecialty medicine.  

During her rotations at CommUnityCare Health Centers, Delgado fell in love with the centers commitment toward serving underserved populations. Dr. Delgado’s cultural background and personal experiences uniquely positioned her to understand the struggles of the families she served at CommUnityCare. She brought a profound level of empathy to her practice, often going the extra mile to ensure her patients received the care they needed. Whether addressing common pediatric issues or more complex health concerns, she worked to break down barriers to healthcare for her patients. 

“As a first-generation Mexican American, I think I resonate with a lot of the things my patients experience. For instance, English being my second language or having a mom who doesn’t speak English,” added Delgado. “I try to reassure my patients and a lot of them find comfort with someone who talks like them or has experienced similar things as them. That is really what draws me here to CommUnityCare Health Centers and I feel very fulfilled after my workday.” 

Dr. Delgado’s story is an inspiring example of how personal experiences can fuel a career dedicated to helping others. Dr. Delgado has completed her residency at Dell Med and accepted a position with CommUnityCare Health Centers as a Primary Care Provider at the new Del Valle Health Center opening late 2024. The Del Valle Health Center brings health care to an area historically underserved in Eastern Travis County. 

Pflugerville Health Center 

We are now accepting new pediatric patients at the CommUnityCare Pflugerville Health Center. To make an appointment, visit communitycaretx.org.  

Additional Educational Opportunities 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is home to nine medical residency programs affiliated with the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, including pediatrics, family medicine and internal medicine. We also partner with a variety of other higher education institutions and school districts, including Austin Community College and the Austin Independent School District, helping to train frontline healthcare workers. 

For more information, visit our Educational Opportunities page.  

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Empowering Central Texas Communities: CommUnityCare Health Centers Helps Families Prepare for a Healthy School Year

The CommUnityCare Back to School Events, held in celebration of National Health Center Week, were an overwhelming success this year. 

These annual events have become a cornerstone of our commitment to supporting Central Texas families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. By offering free backpacks, essential school supplies, vaccines, and valuable community resources, CommUnityCare Health Centers aims to ease the financial burden on families and ensure that students are well-prepared and healthy as they return to the classroom. 

As the new school year begins in our communities, we’re thrilled to announce the impact we made during these events. Over two weekends, an impressive 1,186 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to students, providing them with the tools they need to succeed. In addition, 912 vaccines were administered ensuring that students are protected against preventable diseases and ready to start the school year in good health. 

 

For the first time, CommUnityCare Health Centers was proud to offer Back to School Events at three of its health centers.  

North Central Health Center 

  • Vaccines Administered: 431  
  • Backpacks Distributed: 460 

Pflugerville Health Center 

  • Vaccines Administered: 180  
  • Backpacks Distributed: 190 

Southeast Health and Wellness Center 

  • Vaccines Administered: 301  
  • Backpacks Distributed: 536

 

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.  

“This week highlights the importance of health centers in promoting wellness, reducing health disparities, and addressing the social determinants of health that can impact the overall well-being of individuals and families,” said Karla Rivera, Community Development Manager. “Our Back to School Events are a key part of this mission, as they allow us to engage directly with the community and offer support where it is needed most. By addressing these broader issues, we strive to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all students.” 

These events were a true community effort, and they would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible employees, partners and volunteers. Their unwavering commitment to our community played a vital role in making these events a success. From organizing logistics to handing out supplies and administering vaccines, every contribution made a difference. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and resources to ensure that our Back to School Events made a positive impact on so many families. Together, we’re helping to build a healthier, stronger community, one family at a time. As we look ahead to the future, we remain committed to supporting our community and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Partners with Vot-ER to Encourage Voter Participation

CommUnityCare Health Centers recognizes the vital link between health care and voting, which is why we are proud to partner with Vot-ER to help drive voter registration in our communities. 

Check Your Registration  

We encourage our community, patients and staff to verify whether their voter registration is up to date at their current address. By confirming that your voter registration is up-to-date, you can secure a seamless voting process this November, whether you choose to vote from home or in person.  

Shape your Community, Shape your Health  

Casting your vote is an important way to ensure your voice is heard and to impact government decisions that shape our community. Studies indicate that when more people participate in the democratic process, our communities experience better health outcomes. The leaders we elect play a key role in decisions that affect us daily, such as the pricing of prescription medications and the availability of fresh produce in our neighborhoods. By voting, we have the power to directly influence these policies and contribute to the long-term well-being of our community. 

Vot-ER Resources

Vot-ER allows you to easily check your voter registration status, register to vote, request a ballot, learn more about voting in your state, plus connect with a helpline and chat with a real person for any questions.  

Important Dates:  

  • Monday, October 7, 2024 – Last day to Register to Vote 
  • Monday, October 21, 2024 – First day of Early Voting 
  • Friday, October 25, 2024 – Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail 
  • Friday, November 1, 2024 – Last Day of Early voting 
  • Tuesday, November 5, 2024 – Last Day to receive Ballot by Mail 
  • Tuesday, November 5, 2024 – Election Day 

CLICK HERE to visit Vot-ER.  

Vot-ER is a nonpartisan organization that develops civic engagement tools and programs for every corner of the health care system. 

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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 Health Centers Enhances Patient Communication with New SMS Service

AUSTIN, TX – CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to announce an upgrade to its Short Messaging Service (SMS) by adopting the Epic Hello World application. This transition will provide patients with more timely notifications and seamless integration with their electronic health records and communication preferences.  

“CommUnityCare Health Centers implemented Epic systemwide in 2021. Through our continued partnership with Epic, we can now use the SMS application to make health care more accessible and convenient for all patients,” said Shondrea Haroon, CommUnityCare Associate Director of Patient Access. “This new and improved patient communication further removes barriers our patient population often faces and makes information more readily available.” 

As of July 25, 2024, all text messages from CommUnityCare Health Centers will be sent through Epic Hello World using the SMS short code, 65934. Patients who have opted to receive text messages will continue to receive all future communication from the new number.  

Patients who opt-in to receive text messages from CommUnityCare Health Centers receive timely updates including appointment reminders, MyChart alerts, prescription notifications, care management information, educational materials, event updates, and other patient-related messages.  

Patients who wish to start receiving text messages can opt-in or out by texting START/STOP to 65934. Patients can also manage their communication preferences by logging into their MyChart account and navigating to Account Settings > Communication Preferences> Manage Your Subscription. Data rates may apply, depending on a patient’s mobile phone plan.  

About CommUnityCare Health Centers  

Central Texas Community Health Centers, dba CommUnityCare is a 501.c.3 tax-exempt charitable corporation operating a network of twenty-nine federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Central Texas. Our mission is to strengthen the health and well-being of the communities we serve. CommUnityCare services are available regardless of insurance status and discounted based on financial means for those with incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level. For more information, CLICK HERE. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Aligns New Brand with Broader Central Health System

Austin, TX – CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to announce its new brand that aligns with the broader Central Health System. The unified brand aims to better reflect the shared history, mission and commitment to expanding equitable access to health for the underserved communities in Central Texas. The new brand also aims to make it clear to patients, providers, and stakeholders that CommUnityCare Health Centers, Sendero, and Central Health are connected, hopefully making services easier to recognize and navigate. 

“Aligning our brands under a common symbol reflects our long-standing commitment to collaboration,” said Dr. Jaeson Fournier, President and CEO of CommUnityCare Health Centers. “This new visual identity communicates our shared dedication to delivering high-quality health care to all, while also strengthening our collective impact in the community.” 

In 2017, a third-party performance review requested by the Travis County Commissioners Court found that many constituents were confused about the relationship between the organizations in the Central Health system – Central Health, Sendero and CommUnityCare Health Centers. After a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizations embarked on a rebranding process that involved extensive research and community engagement.  

The new logo features the letter ”C” which stands for central and community. It also features the letter ”H” which stands for health and the internationally recognized health care cross. The new green color palette symbolizes trust, healing and warmth.   

Patients, staff and the community may have started to notice changes throughout CommUnityCare Health Centers and our materials. These changes will slowly take course over the coming months and years including a new logo, new clinic signage and other brand material updates.  

While CommUnityCare Health Centers is aligning their brand with the broader Central Health system, there will be no organizational structure or operational changes. CommUnityCare Health Centers remains a patient majority guided 501.c.3 non-profit and one of the largest federally qualified health center operators in the country. 

“Patients can rest assured there will be no disruption to their health care services provided by CommUnityCare Health Centers,” added Fournier. “Our brand alignment with Central Health and Sendero is a step forward in better recognizing our collective work together to strengthen the health and well-being of the communities we are so privileged to serve.” 

Central Health System Overview:  

  • Central Health is Travis County’s taxpayer-funded hospital district and is responsible for arranging for or providing healthcare services for low-income uninsured Travis County residents. Central Health also administers the Medical Access Program, which covers healthcare costs for eligible Travis County residents with low income.   
  • CommUnityCare Health Centers was established in 2003 as a philanthropic endeavor supporting the City of Austin’ Community Care Services Department’s health centers.  Fast forward to today, CommUnityCare Health Centers is one of the largest federally qualified health center operators in the nation and is co-applicant with Central Health on a US Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Center Program federal assistance award.  
  • Sendero Health Plans, created by Central Health in 2011, markets plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act and provides comprehensive coverage for medically complex cases among people with low income through its Premium Assistance Program. 

About CommUnityCare Health Centers  

Central Texas Community Health Centers, dba CommUnityCare is a 501.c.3 tax-exempt charitable corporation operating a network of twenty-nine federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Central Texas. Our mission is to strengthen the health and well-being of the communities we serve. CommUnityCare services are available regardless of insurance status and discounted based on financial means for those with incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level. For more information, CLICK HERE. 

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Help Shape the Future of Sexual Health Services by Joining Our Community Advisory Panel

CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to announce a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing sexual health services in our community. This new initiative is thanks to a $2.5 million, five-year award from the CDC Enhancing STI and Sexual Health Clinic Infrastructure (ESSHCI). This award signifies a major step forward in addressing the pressing sexual health needs of our community, with a focus on underserved and priority populations.  

At the cornerstone of this initiative is creating a Community Advisory Panel, which will play a role in shaping the future STI and HIV prevention and advising the planning of a new sexual health access point.  

CommUnityCare Health Centers is seeking individuals passionate about promoting sexual health awareness, reducing health disparities, and advocating for the community to join the Community Advisory Panel. Recruitment for the Community Advisory Panel is open now through the end of August 2024. The goal is to have a fully established panel by September 2024.  

We are seeking individuals from priority populations with an emphasis on multi-marginalized people, such as those who are unsheltered or unhoused, and persons of color:  

  • Black/African American community members 
  • Latinx/Hispanic community members 
  • Women 
  • People who identify as LGBTQIA+ 
  • Young adults ages 18-24 
  • People who use drugs 

CLICK HERE to join the CommUnityCare Community Advisory Panel.  

“STIs remain a significant public health issue, disproportionately affecting certain groups within our community. CommUnityCare Health Centers is dedicated to developing innovative strategies to address these health disparities,” said Jael Williams, Sexual Health Program, Care Manager. “By involving community members in the panel, we ensure that the voices and experiences of those most affected by these issues are heard and integrated into the solutions.” 

More information is available on our website, talkactprotect.org. If you have any questions regarding the Community Advisory Panel, please contact us at advisory.panel@communitycaretx.org or call 512-716-7499. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Mourns the Loss of Beloved Physician

Dear CommUnityCare Patients,

It is with very heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved physician, Dr. Edwin Melendez, earlier this week. 

Dr. Melendez was known for his kindness, humor, medical knowledge and skill. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him — especially his patients and their families, many of whom had received care from Dr. Melendez for more than ten years at William Cannon Health Center, Southeast Health and Wellness Center and Blackstock Family Medicine. 

Thank you for your understanding as we work diligently to ensure that you, and all our William Cannon patients, still receive medical care when you need it. We sincerely apologize if your appointment has been affected. In the coming days and weeks, if you need care, please call 512-978-9015, option 1 to schedule an appointment with another one of our providers at William Cannon. If it is an urgent issue, you may always visit one of our walk-in clinics at the Southeast Health and Wellness Center or Hancock Walk-In Care. While Dr. Melendez is truly irreplaceable, we are working to find a physician who will be able to serve as your dedicated primary care provider for years to come.  

We understand that losing a trusted physician can be difficult, and we are here to support you during this time. If you would like to speak with one of our behavioral health consultants as you process this news, please call 512-978-9015, option 1. Please let us know that you would like to schedule an appointment with the behavioral health team to help process the loss of your physician, Dr. Melendez, and we will be glad to help you. 

A service mass is scheduled at Holy Trinity Church in San Antonio to celebrate Dr. Melendez’s life. His family welcomes patients and families to attend. As we receive more information from Dr. Melendez’s family, we will share additional details via our website, www.communitycaretx.org. 

Providing care for his patients was truly one of the greatest joys of Dr. Melendez’s life. Thank you for being such an important part of it.  

 

Update regarding Dr. Melendez’s Services:

Date and Time: Monday, July 1st at 10 a.m.

Location: Holy Trinity Church

20523 Huebner Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78258

A gathering will be hosted afterward. The family invites all to attend and requests only plants the day of the service, no flowers. 

 

With gratitude, 

William Cannon Family Medicine 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Continues Diligent Work to Ensure  

Affected Medicaid Patients Renew Coverage 

One year after Medicaid coverage unwinding, patients and health systems across the country continue to feel the effects of continuous Medicaid coverage ending.  

“Patients received a letter in the mail letting them know if they had to go through that recertification process for Medicaid. The problem with that is because we had continuous Medicaid for three-plus years, some folks moved and didn’t get the envelope, others didn’t hear about it, or they didn’t understand why they received the envelope,” said CommUnityCare Chief Operating Officer, Nancy Ban. “So, we had many patients who did not know how to get back on Medicaid.” 

Throughout the pandemic the federal government allowed people to continuously keep Medicaid enrollment as part of the COVID-19 public health emergency. In March 2023, that continuous coverage ended and caused millions of people to lose coverage. As a result, the state of Texas has been at the center of the Medicaid unwinding with more than 2 million enrollees losing benefits. 

According to the HRSA Health Center Program Uniform Data System, nearly 40% of patients at CommUnityCare Health Centers receive services using Medicaid coverage. Due to the end of the continuous coverage, nearly 15,000 patients throughout the Federally Qualified Health Center were disenrolled from Medicaid.  

Today, CommUnityCare Health Centers continues to diligently ensure its patients can access high-quality healthcare at its health centers.  

“We’ve been calling patients to confirm their appointments, informing them of documents that need to be submitted, and making sure that they’re updating information, “said CommUnityCare Financial Screening Specialist, Marisol Garcia. 

Ban adds that all Medicaid patients have received direct communication about continuous coverage ending, all front desk staff have been prompted with how to help patients, and extended weekend hours have been offered with financial screeners to help patients reenroll.  

CommUnityCare Health Centers is also utilizing a third party named Resource Corporation of America and a partnership with Foundation Communities to help reenroll patients that it has been unable to reach.  

“It is essential that our patients have coverage, even though we do not turn any of our patients away, we want to set up our patients for success even outside of our four walls,” added Ban. “We make sure that if our patients are not able to get on Medicaid for whatever reason, we have other options for them and our financial eligibility specialists can help them with receiving other assistance options,” added Ban.  

For more information about renewing your Medicaid coverage, click here. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers and Central Texas Food Bank 

Partner Up to Feed Families 

At CommUnityCare Health Centers, we understand the impact that proper nutrition has on the health and well-being of the communities we serve. That is why access to food is a fundamental determinant of health. Adequate access to nutritious food can support better management of chronic conditions, improve overall health and even reduce the risk of developing certain diseases.  

CommUnityCare Health Centers is proud to partner with the Central Texas Food Bank Mobile FARMacy program. The FARMacy program makes it possible for healthcare providers at CommUnityCare Health Centers to ‘prescribe’ nutritious food. Patients are able to access a mobile FARMacy pantry while accessing medical care at a CommUnityCare Health Center location and easily shop for nutritious food that meets USDA MyPlate standards.  

“We pride ourselves on having a one-stop-shop and providing our patients with social resources along with the other services in our health centers. So, our partnership with Central Texas Food Bank has been fantastic and we’re able to provide services to our patients while they’re in the clinic. We were able to serve 961 distinct individual patients, whose total households include nearly 1500 people,” said Clarissa, Manager of Community Health Social Services at CommUnityCare Health Centers. 

This collaboration is not just about distributing food; it’s a testament to the power of collective action in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the community. “It has been amazing to connect our patients with what they need, not just within a clinical setting, but also health care, transportation, we’re overcoming a lot of barriers within this partnership,” explains Clara Ann, Community Engagement Lead at CommUnityCare Health Centers. “It’s a symbol of empowerment, offering patients the independence to choose their groceries and reclaim control over their health.” 

To make this program a success, CommUnityCare Community Health Workers and Care Management team members connect with patients and prospective new patients by helping them learn about the free food program, assisting with grocery shopping and helping patients with transportation. This temporary program ran from October 2023 through May 2024 but is a testament to bringing communities together. CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to partner with Central Texas Food Bank in future endeavors and grow a healthier, resilient community.  

Excerpts from this article were made possible through collaboration with the Central Texas Food Bank.