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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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Get Ready for Back to School with CommUnityCare Health Centers

In honor of National Health Center Week, CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to host three back-to-school events to prepare Central Texas children for the upcoming school year.

National Health Center Week (August 4th – 10th) 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 empowering communities by connecting them with health centers. 

As Central Texas’ largest nonprofit health center, we ask you to join us at one of our three back-to-school events where we will offer FREE children’s immunizations, backpacks, school supplies, paletas, community resources, plus more! These events are for children 3-18 years of age. 

Appointments are limited and registration is REQUIRED for both immunizations and backpacks. Before registering, please review our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – FAQs ENGLISH | FAQs SPANISH. 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: THERE ARE LIMITED SLOTS AVAILABLE. WALK-IN SERVICES FOR BACKPACKS ARE AVAILABLE THE DAY OF EVENTS FROM 11 A.M. – 12 P.M. ALL BACKPACKS DURING WALK-IN SERVICES ARE FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.

 

Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 

WHERE: Southeast Health & Wellness Center | 2900 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX 78741 

WHEN: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 

To register for backpacks at Southeast Health and Wellness Center, CLICK HERE. (CLOSED)

To register for immunizations at Southeast Health and Wellness Center, CLICK HERE. 

 

WHERE: Pflugerville Health Center  | 2700 W. Pecan St, Suite #450, Pflugerville, TX 78660   

WHEN: 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. 

To register for backpacks at Pflugerville Health Center, CLICK HERE. (CLOSED) 

To register for immunizations for Pflugerville Health Center, CLICK HERE. 

 

Saturday, August 10th, 2024

WHERE: North Central Health Center | 1210 W Braker Lane, Austin, TX 78758 

WHEN: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

To register for backpacks at North Central, CLICK HERE. (CLOSED) 

To register for immunizations at North Central, CLICK HERE.

 

Please be advised that we will no longer be conducting a backpack drive-thru as in previous years. Attendees must park at the event site and enter the building to access backpacks, immunizations and community vendors. 

 

If you need assistance, please review our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – FAQs ENGLISH | FAQs SPANISH. If you continue to experience issues registering for immunizations or backpacks after reviewing the FAQs, please contact us at (512) 978-9015 or communityrelations@communitycaretx.org.

Due to high demand, there are limited slots for the CommUnityCare Health Centers Back-to-School event. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please see below for additional backpack distribution events happening around Central Texas.

People’s Community Clinic – Back to School Community Resource Event

Saturday, 7/13/24 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

People’s Community Clinic, 1101 Camino La Costa, Austin, TX, 78752

Back-to-School Event – People’s Community Clinic (austinpcc.org)

Manos de Cristo – Back to School Program

Monday – Friday, 7/22-26/24 | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (**Or until supplies last**)

Midtown Church Austin, 4425 Red River St., Austin, TX, 78751

Back-to-School Program – Manos de Cristo

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

Saturday, 8/3/24 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

KIPP South Campus, 5701 S I-35, Austin TX, 78744

Back to School Annual Event – Dell Children’s Health Plan (dellchildrenshealthplan.com)

Dove Springs – Back to School Bash

Saturday, 8/3/24 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

George Morales Dove Springs Rec Center, 5801 Ainez Dr., Austin, TX, 78744

Manor ISD – 24th Annual School Resource Fair & Back to School Enrollment Bash

Saturday, 8/10/24 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

**(Manor ISD Students Only) **

Manor Senior High School, 14832 FM 973, Manor, TX, 78653

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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.

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Recognized as “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” by Human Rights Campaign Foundation 

CommUnityCare Health Centers proudly announces its recognition as an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). The designation was awarded in the 16th annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), released this week. A record 1,065 healthcare organizations participated in the 2024 HEI survey and scoring process, with 462 receiving the prestigious “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” distinction. 

“We are honored to receive the ‘LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer’ designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation,” said Jaeson Fournier, President and CEO of CommUnityCare Health Centers. “At CommUnityCare, we are dedicated to providing inclusive healthcare services to all members of the LGBTQ+ community. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ patients and their loved ones. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain steadfast in our mission to eliminate disparities and ensure equitable access to healthcare for the communities we serve.” 

CommUnityCare Health Centers has long been a champion for individuals who have historically lacked access to a medical home by fostering inclusive health spaces tailored to the needs of the diverse communities served in Central Texas. During its HEI journey, CommUnityCare thoroughly reviewed and revised policies, procedures, and practices related to both LGBTQ+ patients and staff. 

To ensure that every aspect of the care experience is inclusive and mindful of the unique health challenges of LGBTQ+ community members, CommUnityCare formalized practices around demographic data collection, including gender identity and sexual orientation. This allows for accurate assessment of health disparities and ensures that patients receive a positive, affirming experience with healthcare providers who respect their preferred name and pronouns. 

As a 2024 Top Workplace USA awardee, CommUnityCare Health Centers remains committed to cultivating a safe and inviting workplace. The organization reviewed and revised its HR-related policies, including benefits, leave, and workplace safety. Additionally, CommUnityCare created a comprehensive guide for employees seeking support during their gender-affirming journey, ensuring company policies are cognizant of the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ employees and their loved ones. 

This recognition by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation solidifies CommUnityCare Health Centers’ dedication to providing equitable healthcare services and creating a safe environment for LGBTQ+ patients and staff. The organization remains focused on delivering fully inclusive care and eliminating disparities in the communities it serves. 

  

About CommUnityCare Health Centers 

Central Texas Community Health Centers, dba CommUnityCare Health Centers is a 501.c.3 tax-exempt charitable corporation operating a network of twenty-eight federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Central Texas. Our mission is to strengthen the health and well-being of the communities we serve. CommUnityCare Health Center services are available regardless of insurance status or household income. For more information visit communitycaretx.org. 

  

About the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 

The Healthcare Equality Index is an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation to evaluate and recognize healthcare facilities that demonstrate a commitment to equitable and inclusive care for LGBTQ+ patients and staff. For more information, visit hrc.org/resources/healthcare-equality-index.