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AUSTIN — CommUnityCare Health Centers, the largest community health system in Central Texas, has selected Nancy Ban to serve as its Chief Operating Officer. Ban comes to CommUnityCare with years of leadership experience in nonprofit health care systems in Massachusetts, Maine, and Colorado.

Ban will oversee daily business operations of CommUnityCare’s 27 health centers in and around Austin, as well as the management and growth of business units, including primary, pediatric, behavioral health, dental, and specialty care service lines. Last year, CommUnityCare saw 125,000 patients representing more than 400,000 visits.

“Nancy’s expertise, leadership, and dedication in nonprofit healthcare systems will serve our patients well,” said Chief Executive Officer Jaeson Fournier. “We look forward to working with Nancy to continue providing high-quality, accessible care to the underserved communities in Austin and surrounding areas.”

Ban joins CommUnityCare on August 29. She comes from NEXXT Health Advisors in Massachusetts where she served as the Lead Healthcare Consultant. Notable work during her time there was strategic planning for Federally Qualified Health Centers.

She previously worked at Central Maine Healthcare, a nonprofit health care system dedicated to providing accessible, comprehensive care where she quickly climbed the leadership ladder. Her roles included Vice President of Operations and Strategic Initiatives, Vice President of Non-Acute Care Services, Interim System Director of Support Services, and Executive Director of Results Management Office.

Ban also spent time at Centura Health in Colorado, a nonprofit healthcare system as Group Special Projects Manager and Chief of Staff.

“CommUnityCare Health Centers is a progressive and diverse organization that embodies innovation and person-centered health care,” said Ban. “I believe strongly in the organization’s mission and look forward to contributing my experience in operational excellence to positively impact the health and well-being of the communities in which we serve.”

CommUnityCare’s current COO, Yvonne Camarena, will transition into a new senior leadership role as the organization’s first Chief Nursing Officer to help better support CommUnityCare’s rapidly growing nursing and care management teams.

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It’s National Health Center week, where the 1,400 health centers across the nation, including CommUnityCare, show their gratitude to patients, staff, and community leaders.

As Central Texas’ largest nonprofit health center with 27 locations, CommUnityCare provides quality, inclusive healthcare to underserved populations in Central Texas. That includes pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, dental and primary care.

What we believe

We believe all Texans deserve high-quality, nonjudgmental care–regardless of how much money they make. We knock down traditional barriers to receiving quality care, like race, ethnicity, cost, language, and health literacy. Our approach to health extends beyond the doctor’s office to things like daily nutrition and housing.

Over the coming year, CommUnityCare is scheduled to open a health center inside Pathways at Chalmers Courts East, a project-based rental assistance property for low-income residents in East Austin. Four other expansion projects are in the pipeline for 2023.

So many to thank

  • Our 125,000 patients for trusting us with their care and that of their families.
  • Our strong community partners, including Austin’s new Black Men’s Health Clinic, Dell Medical School, and Hill Country AIDS Ride, who value bringing quality healthcare to those who need it
  • Elected officials in both political parties who support the vital community health system that has an enormous impact, given the population and barriers to care in Texas.
  • The CommUnityCare team of 1,100 professionals who day in and day out work to serve diverse communities in Central Texas.

Back to School!

In celebration of National Health Center Week, CommUnityCare is eager to help get Austin kids ready to go back to school. This past weekend, we co-hosted an event with Central Health providing school immunizations and backpacks filled with school supplies. And we’re doing it all over again in a second drive-thru event this Saturday! Both events together, we anticipate, will touch 1,000 families as they head back to school. Join us.

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CommUnityCare is excited to announce it is now providing primary care medical services at Austin’s recently established Black Men’s Health Clinic (BMHC) Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 pm to 8 pm.

The partnership with the BMHC is born out of a mutual commitment to increase access to health care and health care information in a setting that best meets the needs of men of color.

“There are many reasons men of color do not access the health care system including socioeconomic status or lack of information. Another major barrier in accessing care for black men is rooted in historic medical mistrust” said the founder of the Black Men’s Health Clinic, Larry Wallace Sr. “In order to help overcome this mistrust and to address the health inequities men of color face, I recognized that a dedicated and safe environment for men of color was needed – this is why I established the Black Men’s Health Clinic with strong support from community partners and stakeholders, including CommUnityCare.”

In addition to providing primary medical care, CommUnityCare will coordinate care and referrals to other services and will have a full-time community health worker at the BMHC which is located at 6633 E. Highway 290, Suite #100, Austin, Texas 78723. Men interested in accessing care at this location can call 512.978.9015 to schedule an appointment. CommUnityCare plans to expand hours of service at the BMHC in the coming months based on patient demand.

“Data shows that Travis County black men live, on average, 5.1 years less than their white non-Latino counterparts,” said CommUnityCare CEO, Jaeson Fournier. “We also know that our black men, especially those who are low income, are more likely to die from heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. The Black Men’s Health Clinic provides an opportunity to better address these longstanding health disparities, and CommUnityCare could not be prouder to partner with the Black Men’s Health Clinic.”

For more information visit blackmenshealthclinic.com or communitycaretx.org.

Pictured from left to right: Carmen Cardenas, CHW; Diana Castillo, Senior MAC; Luis Chen, CHW; Tania Vega, CMA; Christa Jones, APRN

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Kathryn Litten, CommUnityCare Clinical Pharmacist, PharmD, BCACP

Alex Garza, PharmD Candidate, University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy

Beginning in late 2020, CommUnityCare spearheaded a pilot program to provide insulin pumps to patients who would otherwise not be able to access the insulin pump due to cost. The purpose of the program was to determine the efficacy and satisfaction of the insulin pump in underserved communities and to provide data to support continued funding. CommUnityCare is a nonprofit community health system with almost 30 locations in Central Texas that provide healthcare to underserved communities.

A team of pharmacy students from the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy evaluated the pilot program.

The Results

A group of 27 CommUnityCare patients in Central Health’s Medical Assistance Program (MAP) who have type one or type two diabetes received insulin pumps at no cost. Overall, the patients’ A1C levels (average blood sugar) dropped by 1.2%, a significant decrease. Patients also reported fewer hypoglycemic events. Most surveyed patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with their pump and said the insulin made a difference in treating their diabetes. Quality of life improved.

Overcoming Barriers to Treatment

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is the most expensive chronic condition in our nation. Diabetes continues to affect the population both nationally and in Texas, with nearly one in three adults living with the disease.

As with many other chronic conditions, systemic barriers such income, access to quality healthcare, and education often increase the chances a person will develop diabetes and increase the odds that the disease will remain uncontrolled.

Insulin pumps have many advantages for patients with diabetes, including lowering A1C levels and reducing hypoglycemic events and injections. However, insulin pumps cost upwards of $8,000 without insurance, plus up to $6,000 a year for ongoing supplies.

The CommUnityCare pilot overcame this cost barrier, allowing patients access to insulin pumps and made a positive impact on patient quality of life and insulin levels.

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We know gas, groceries, and housing are more expensive. But the cost of healthcare at CommUnityCare hasn’t changed. That’s because your cost is based on your income. We believe quality care shouldn’t depend on economic conditions, how much money you make, or whether you have insurance. To make an appointment for primary care, pediatrics, dentistry, or mental health, call our patient navigation center at 512.978.9015

Nosotros sabemos que la gasolina, el mandado y la vivienda están más caros. Pero el costo de la atención médica en CommUnityCare no ha cambiado. Eso es porque su costo se basa en sus ingresos. Creemos que la calidad de la atención médica no debería depender de las condiciones económicas, de cuánto dinero gana o de si tiene o no tiene seguro medico. Para hacer una cita para atención primaria, pediatría, dentistería o salud mental, llame a nuestro centro de navegación de pacientes al 512.978.9015.

Watch this video to learn more about who we are.

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CommUnityCare Health Centers is set to expand access to care in the northern part of Travis County with the construction of a new $3.1 million health center. The new space is expected to open in early 2023 and will replace CommUnityCare’s existing Pflugerville Health Center which originally opened in 2009.

“Thanks to financial support from both the federal government and Central Health, CommUnityCare’s plans for a new and larger Pflugerville Health Center are becoming a reality,”  said Jaeson Fournier, CommUnityCare Chief Executive Officer. “This new health center will allow us to more comprehensively and thoroughly meet the health care needs of Pflugerville residents.”

The new 15,000 square-foot health center will offer pediatric services, family medicine services, women’s health services, dental services, and laboratory services.  The new health center will also include integrated care coordination, care management, and behavioral health services. Planning for the space includes a large and efficient reception area, a dedicated medical area consisting of 24 medical examination rooms, and a dedicated dental area consisting of 9 to 10 operatories.

The new health center will be centrally located at The Three Points Plaza at 2700 W. Pecan St where patients will also have access to more parking. The new health center will be easily accessible and only around half a mile from the current location. Construction is expected to begin in July 2022.

CommUnityCare in collaboration with Central Health is set to expand access to care by opening four new health centers across Travis County in the span of 18 months. New health centers are set to open in Pflugerville, Hornsby Bend, Del Valle, and East Austin, allowing CommUnityCare to further its mission of strengthening the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

CommUnityCare is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Federally Qualified Health Center that provides outpatient health care services to lower-income populations in Travis County and surrounding areas across 27 health centers.

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CommUnityCare Health Centers and Central Health are set to open three new health centers over the next 18 months beginning with a new Chalmers Courts Health Center in East Austin, and replacement and larger health centers in Del Valle and Hornsby Bend.  These three new locations will expand access to care and increase services within these Travis County underserved communities, all of which have demonstrated and longstanding health disparities when compared to other areas of Travis County.

“Achieving greater health equity is the core of CommUnityCare’s vision. We know that individuals and families that experience economic and social insecurity consistently experience worse health outcomes,” said Jaeson Fournier, CommUnityCare Chief Executive Officer. “So, when we take a look at ways to provide access to care it’s imperative for us to identify the communities that face various obstacles and develop solutions to address the health disparities residents in our communities face.”

Groundbreaking ceremonies were recently held on the future sites of all three facilities. Hornsby Bend Health and Wellness Center broke ground March 26, Del Valle Health and Wellness Center broke ground April 2 and Chalmers Courts Health Center broke ground April 4.

Chalmers Courts Health Center

CommUnityCare, Central Health and the Housing Authority of the City of Austin will establish this Community Health Center directly within Pathways at Chalmers Courts East, a project-based rental assistance property for low-income residents in East Austin. The 5,000 square foot health center is set to include family primary care services, dental services, labs, imaging, pharmacy, care coordination, and care management. It is located at 314 Chicon Street and set to open late Summer to early Fall 2022.

“The Chalmers Courts Health Center will help remove so many barriers to health care that our residents face every day as they will have this amazing facility right in their own backyard. This health center will help us fulfill the vision for a complete Chalmers Community that supports our residents and east Austin neighbors,” said Michael Gerber, HACA President and CEO.

Hornsby Bend Health and Wellness Center

This new 7,800 square foot facility will be located at 3700 Gilbert Road, replacing the existing Hornsby Bend Health Center. It will offer residents primary medical care, integrated behavioral health, oral assessments, community gathering space, plus more. It is set to open Spring 2023.

Del Valle Health and Wellness Center

This 18,900 square foot facility will replace the existing Del Valle Health Center. The Del Valle Health & Wellness Center will include primary care, dental care, integrated mental health, and a pharmacy. It is set to open Summer 2023.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an expanded recall of Abbott Nutrition’s baby formula warning families not to use certain powdered infant formulas over bacterial contamination concerns.

The recalled products include Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered formulas. The recalled products can be found on the company’s website using the 7 to 9 digit code and expiration date.

As of February 28, the FDA states that there have been four total reports of Cronobacter infections and one complaint of a Salmonella infection. All five of the reported illnesses, which include cases in Texas, have led to hospitalization and may have contributed to the death of two of the infants.

According to healthychildren.org Cronobacter is a bacteria that can cause a life-threatening infection called sepsis and meningitis which is an inflammation around the brain and spine. Salmonella can cause stomach and intestinal illness.

If you are a parent and your baby’s formula is recalled healthychildren.org advises you take it in store for an exchange or refund. It is also advised that you contact your pediatrician if you are worried about switching formulas. CommUnityCare pediatricians are ready to assist and answer any questions for parents who are concerned over which formula is safe.

Parents using WIC benefits should call WIC offices for more assistance if they are unable to exchange or return.

For more answers to commonly asked questions such as what to do if you can’t find a formula in stock due to the pandemic, other ways bacteria can spread while feeding your baby, or special considerations for premature babies visit healthychildren.org.

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Not even the COVID-19 pandemic could stop the success of CommUnityCare’s Healthy Chef Cooking Program in improving clients’ diets around Central Texas.

Founded in 2016, the program teaches nutrition education and provides hands-on learning to use healthy ingredients to create healthy meals. The program lasts six weeks, with six separate cohorts taking lessons in English or Spanish.

“The most rewarding part of this program for me is the cooking classes. It’s really neat to see people who are uncomfortable with certain cooking techniques or do not have good health literacy prepare meals and get that sense of success,” said Elyse Henson, CommUnityCare’s Clinical Nutrition Manager & Outpatient Dietitian.

Healthy Chef serves more than 100 patients per year and, after a brief pause during 2020, has adjusted to continuing its mission during the pandemic Class sizes have gotten smaller. Masks and vaccines are required. And in-class food sharing has been replaced by to-go-boxes that allow for after-hours tasting.

The program increased access to lessons in healthy eating both before and after COVID-19 arrived.  In 2019, for instance, the “Lose to Win” weight management class consisted of three groups with 24 hour-and-a-half long classes, for a total of 108 hours of lessons for Central Texas residents. This year, six groups are taking 12 two-and-a-half hour classes that collectively offer 180 hours of lessons in diet and nutrition.

The instructors present the nutritional teachings at the start of each class. They cover a broad range of topics, such as what it means to sauté or how much is in a tablespoon.

The lessons follow a set curriculum, with the first focused on kitchen safety, teaching participants how to keep meat and produce separate from one another and store them properly.

Other lessons explain what a healthy plate looks like, including the right daily balance of protein and starches and their roles in a healthy diet. Students actively participate in all lessons by answeringquestions, reading instructions, and helping to cook.

Participants are recruited from a variety of CommUnityCare health centers. Information is posted on flyers and digital screens. Physicians are encouraged to tell patients about the program if they believe they would benefit. About 90% of the clients who participate in the program are at risk for health complications.

Many participants cite the class as a highlight of their week. Although participation is limited to once per year, some clients find it so valuable they rejoin the program each year.

To learn more about enrolling in the Healthy Chef Cooking Program, please call 512-978-9269.