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CommUnityCare™ Health Centers Nationally Recognized by the American Heart Association for Excellence in Patient Care 

Austin, TX, 2024 — CommUnityCare Health Centers has been honored by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Medical Association (AMA) for its outstanding commitment to managing chronic conditions that significantly impact health outcomes.  

CommUnityCare earned three distinctions: the Gold Award for cholesterol management, the Silver Award for blood pressure control, and the Participant Award for diabetes care. Each of these awards reflects a sustained effort to reduce health risks and improve quality of life for patients across Central Texas. 

 

The Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ Gold Award is the highest level of recognition in cholesterol management and celebrates CommUnityCare Health Centers’ commitment to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke through improved cholesterol monitoring and treatment. High cholesterol is a key, controllable risk factor for coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. By achieving this gold standard, CommUnityCare is helping to protect patients from these life-threatening conditions, especially for those who often face barriers to accessing care. 

 

The Target: BP™ Silver Award acknowledges the CommUnityCare team’s progress in controlling blood pressure rates across its patient base. Blood pressure management is essential, as hypertension is a leading contributor to heart disease, strokes, and preventable deaths in the U.S. The Silver Award further recognizes our commitment to accuracy in measurement and adherence to best practices in managing high blood pressure. This effort is particularly vital for vulnerable populations, who are often at greater risk of unmanaged hypertension due to limited access to consistent, affordable healthcare. 

 

The Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Participant Award highlights the CommUnityCare team’s proactive approach to managing diabetes and addressing the connection between diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors. The Participant Award acknowledges practices that have taken essential steps in data submission and clinical measure tracking, demonstrating a commitment to quality diabetes care. Given that diabetes disproportionately affects underserved communities, our efforts in this area aim to provide patients with a pathway to better health and prevent further complications. 

 

“We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to delivering evidence-based care,” said Dr. Susan Dubois, Interim Chief Medical Officer at CommUnityCare Health Centers. “These awards affirm our dedication to supporting patients in managing chronic conditions, particularly in low-income and uninsured communities where barriers to care are often highest. Our goal is to empower every patient with the knowledge and resources they need to live healthier lives.” 

These national recognitions underscore CommUnityCare Health Centers’ mission to make high-quality healthcare accessible to all, with a focus on breaking down barriers that often prevent low-income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals from receiving essential care for chronic conditions. 

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Honoring Our Veteran Employees: A Tribute to Service, Strength and Dedication

This Veterans Day, we are proud to honor the incredible service, dedication and leadership of our veteran employees at CommUnityCare Health Centers. Their unique experiences and values, forged during service, shape the compassionate, mission-driven care they provide every day. Today, we spotlight three exceptional team members whose journeys from military service to healthcare have deeply enriched our organization and community.

Chad Roberts, Director of Procurement

For Chad Roberts, joining the United States Marine Corps was originally a way out of rural Ohio. “The region does present an abundance of opportunities for poor, Midwestern kids with little to no guidance,” said Roberts.

Little did he know, his enlistment would provide him with a newfound sense of purpose and leadership. “The Marine Corps gave me the guidance I desperately needed but didn’t know I was missing,” Roberts shares.

Influenced by Marine Gen. James Mattis, Roberts embraced the philosophy of “coaching” as the heart of leadership. “Coaches are servants to their team,” he says, explaining that he carries this servant-leader mindset into his work at CommUnityCare. He strives to be a supportive coach to his team, helping them grow and succeed in their roles. This commitment to empowering others reflects Roberts’ enduring dedication to service, which he brings to both his military and civilian life.

Misty Bowyer-Mugica, Care Model Medical Assistant Instructor

The strength that Misty Bowyer-Mugica discovered during her time as a combat medic in the U.S. Army has become her foundation as a healthcare professional at CommUnityCare Health Centers.

“Serving in the Army taught me how strong I truly am,” Bowyer-Mugica recalls. The hands-on medical experiences she gained as a combat medic equipped her with essential skills and resilience, which she now channels into her role as an instructor and caregiver.

Bowyer-Mugica’s passion for providing quality care and building lasting connections shines through in her work. She has become a trusted presence in clinical settings, known for her attention to detail and her dedication to excellent care.

“I know that when people see me in their clinical site, they can count on the work I do being done properly and with great quality,” Bowyer-Mugica says.

Her commitment to her “work family” reflects the bonds she has created with both patients and colleagues, embodying the strength and reliability that have marked her journey from military service to healthcare.

Kevin Schrank, Director of Clinical Services

After more than 20 years of service in the Air National Guard, Kevin Schrank reflects on the support he received from his family and colleagues, which enabled him to serve with commitment both at home and abroad.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve, thanks to the incredible support from both my family and my work family,” Schrank says, acknowledging the care teams in Pflugerville and the admin teams at Kramer for their assistance during his deployments.

Schrank’s experience in the military instilled in him the Air Force’s core value of “Service Before Self,” a principle that resonates deeply with his work at CommUnityCare. His dedication to serving others is part of a lifelong mission to make a positive impact.

“Many of us are drawn to the work we do at CommUnityCare as part of our personal missions to serve others,” he reflects.

Honoring Service in Every Form

Each of these veteran employees brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a strong commitment to serving others. Their military backgrounds have shaped their approach to healthcare, reinforcing our mission to provide compassionate care to our communities. This Veterans Day, we are proud to celebrate all of our veteran staff members.

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Important Update for CommUnityCare Health Centers Patients 

Starting November 1, Executive Order GA-46 requires public hospitals to collect immigration status information from patients. However, this rule does not apply to CommUnityCare Health Centers or Carousel Pediatrics.

Key Points:

  • We do not collect immigration status information before providing care.
  • Our commitment to offering you safe and comfortable healthcare remains unchanged.
  • We encourage you to attend your scheduled appointments and participate in financial aid screenings.

If you have any questions about your rights as a patient, please visit Patient Rights and Responsibilities.

Thank you for trusting CommUnityCare Health Centers with your health.

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CommUnityCare Employee Honored with Statewide Award 

Austin, TX – The Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC), a private, not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to advancing equitable access to quality health care across Texas, proudly presented Audrey Straus, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C), Director of Employee Wellness and Health Services, with the 2024 TACHC Emerging Leader Award.  

This prestigious award recognizes exceptional Texas health center staff for their outstanding contributions to enhancing patient and staff experiences, a crucial element of the value-based care model. 

“I feel incredibly humbled to receive this recognition and to be in the company of people like Dr. Mike Stefanowicz who is such an effective leader, improving the lives of our patients, teams, and community. While I’m technically receiving this award, it’s really a reflection of the tremendous work that CommUnityCare Health Centers has undertaken to support our workforce and our community — Nothing I do is done alone,” said Straus. “We are one team, and each of us plays an important role in lifting one another to sustain the work we do every day, providing high-quality, compassionate care for our neighbors. I’m endlessly grateful to have had the opportunity to grow, to lead, and to learn; without the advocacy of those before and around me, I would not have the opportunities I do to support those around me who share the same vision of health equity and social justice in Central Texas.” 

The TACHC Emerging Leader Award celebrates rising stars in Texas health centers, fostering new leadership to advance quality, community-centered health care.  

Straus is one of seven community health center staff members to receive the 2024 Emerging Leader Award. Straus proudly accepted the award at the TACHC Annual Conference in Fort Worth on October 19, 2024. 

Pictured left to right: Carlos Gormaz, CommUnityCare Board Member; Audrey Straus, CommUnityCare Director of Employee Wellness and Health Services; Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CommUnityCare Interim CEO; Barbara Shirley, CommUnityCare Board Member

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About TACHC 
The Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC) represents community health centers across Texas, supporting their mission to deliver high-quality, comprehensive primary and preventive health care services to underserved communities. 

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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 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 visit https://communitycaretx.org.  

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CommUnityCare’s Role in Building a Stronger Safety Net for Travis County

Established in 2003, CommUnityCare Health Centers last year served 1 in 11 Travis County residents. For many low-income adults it is their ONLY way to access affordable health care. Until recently, CommUnityCare has been described by Central Health as an enterprise partner, trusted ally or other such language expressing a partnership.

While Central Health is the grantee and together with CommUnityCare they both form the health center, the relationship is complex and unique. Unlike other FQHCs in Travis County, CommUnityCare is a 501(c)3 non-profit that shares the health center status with Central Health in a symbiotic relationship. Together, they share resources and responsibilities in operating the system. There are few of these in the country, and this system has worked well. Watch this video to learn how CommUnityCare Health Centers is a longstanding health equity success story for Travis County.

In recent weeks, statements have been made in the media and in public regarding CommUnityCare’s work. Below is a response from Interim CEO to those statements.

Statement from CommUnityCare Interim CEO on Central Health Video

“I did not approve the contents of the video released by Central Health CEO, Dr. Patrick Lee. In fact, I objected to its release when I was made aware of its contents. The video erroneously suggests that I, as interim CEO, support Dr. Lee’s stance on what has unfortunately become a public dispute over the establishment and implementation of the public health center model and its requirements.

The video also insinuates that CommUnityCare has not followed legal agreements, that CommUnityCare is part of Central Health without recognizing the non-profit status of the CommUnityCare Board of Directors (which serves as the governing board of the health center) or the co-applicant relationship arrangement between Central Health and the CommUnityCare Board. It also alleges that CommUnityCare and its leaders have not been transparent.

We have consistently reinforced to both Central Health and the community since September 4, 2024, that while we remain flexible and open to discussing an evolution to our relationship, we do not appreciate actions that undermine the CommUnityCare board.

At CommUnityCare, the responsibility and standing of our entity and our board has been celebrated and lauded by federal regulators for years. We have led our organization with the highest level of competence and compliance. To say otherwise is a disservice to the hard work our organization has put forth in this community. 

The last few weeks have been disorienting as Central Health has not only put the CEO on leave without the participation of the CommUnityCare board, but continues to sow confusion with videos, public statements and events suggesting agreement where agreement does not exist.”

Nicholas Yagoda, MD

Interim Chief Executive Officer

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Earns Prestigious Community Health Quality Recognition Badge

CommUnityCare Health Centers is thrilled to announce that it has been recognized with the Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) Silver badge for 2024, placing it in the top 20th percentile for clinical quality care across fellow Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and look-alikes nationwide. This recognition underscores the commitment to delivery of excellent healthcare services for the un- and underinsured in Central Texas. 

The CHQR badges are awarded to health centers that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in several critical areas including access, quality, health equity and health information technology.  

“At CommUnityCare, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care to all communities we serve. This dedication is central to our mission of advancing health equity and social justice. This national award reflects the passion, dedication, and vision of our teams at CommUnityCare Health Centers, who continually strive for improvement,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CommUnityCare Health Centers Interim President and CEO. “As we celebrate this recognition, we remain steadfast in our belief that every member of our community is entitled to the highest quality healthcare.” 

This honor is based on the data from the 2023 Uniform Data System (UDS) reporting period. In 2023, CommUnityCare Health Centers served 134,180 total patients. Of these, 97% from households earning at or Below 200% of Federal Poverty Guideline. Additionally, 87% of patients identified as racial and/or ethnic minority patients, 60% were best served in a language other than English and 51% were uninsured. 

To earn a Health Center Quality Leader (HCQL) badge, health centers must achieve outstanding performance in clinical quality measures (CQMs), including cancer screenings, immunizations, prenatal care, chronic disease management, and others. These awards highlight the exemplary work produced within the community health center model, the nation’s most effective demonstration of high-value, equitable primary healthcare.  

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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.