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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 Named as one of the 2024 Top Workplaces USA

Austin, TX – CommUnityCare Health Centers, a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) corporation providing primary care health services to the medically underserved, is excited to announce it has earned a 2024 Top Workplaces USA award by Energage. Energage is a purpose-driven organization that develops solutions to build and brand Top Workplaces. 

Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. Over 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and talent of our team members, who make our organization such a special place to work. We are committed to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture where everyone can thrive, and this award is a validation of our efforts,” said CommUnityCare Vice President of Human Resources, Yomi Fabiyi. ”I look forward to continuing our journey of excellence and further enhancing our workplace for the benefit of all our employees and patients who we serve every day.”

Winners of the Top Workplaces USA list are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee engagement survey, issued by Energage. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.

CommUnityCare Health Centers provides access to primary care services including family medicine, pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, women’s health, specialty care, plus more.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

At CommUnityCare, we believe caring for others begins with caring for our team members. Begin your career at CommUnityCare Health Centers, apply today!

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CommUnityCare™ Health Centers Named Top Workplace in the Greater Austin Area 

Austin, TX – CommUnityCare Health Centers is excited to announce it has earned a Top Workplaces 2023 in Central Texas award by the Austin American-Statesman Top Workplaces.  

“We are proud to be named a 2023 Top Workplace. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion our exceptional team at CommUnityCare Health Centers brings to their work every day,” expressed Jaeson Fournier, President and CEO.  “This recognition, coming from our amazing employees, fills us with gratitude and humility.  Especially considering the commitment and effort our team invests each day to achieve greater health equity for the patients and communities we are so privileged to serve.”  

The award recognizes local organizations that demonstrate a positive work environment and culture, honorees are selected solely through employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey. The confidential survey uniquely measures culture drivers critical to an organization’s success.  

“The CommUnityCare team and Board have worked hard to make CommUnityCare a fulfilling, supportive and welcoming workplace. Our team draws inspiration from our mission to provide equitable healthcare to those who otherwise face barriers to care. It is quite an honor to be named a top workplace in Austin,” said CommUnityCare Health Centers Board Chair, Dr. Tom Coopwood. 

CommUnityCare Health Centers provides access to primary care services including family medicine, pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, women’s health, specialty care, plus more through the lens of health equity. With 27 health centers and nearly 1,3000 employees, CommUnityCare Health Centers provides high-quality care for the un- and underinsured.

At CommUnityCare Health Centers, we believe caring for others begins with caring for our team members. Begin your career at CommUnityCare Health Centers, apply today! 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Awarded $2.5 Million to Boost Sexual Health Services 

Austin, TX – CommUnityCare Health Centers has been granted $500,000 per year for the next five years by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The $2.5 million total award to the Travis County-based health center is part of a broader national strategy aimed at assisting communities dealing with a high occurrence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and a lack of adequate STI clinical services. 

The financial award, named the Enhancing STI and Sexual Health Clinic Infrastructure (ESSHCI), comes from a sustained federal effort known as Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. CommUnityCare Health Centers is among the 26 recipients across the nation to receive this critical ESSHCI funding. 

Recent information from the CDC indicates that STIs are becoming more common among various U.S. population groups, including racial and ethnic minority groups, men who have sex with men, and individuals aged 15-24 years. Locally, Austin Public Health reported in April 2023, that Travis County was experiencing an uptick in STI rates, signaling a pressing need for more resources focused on sexual health.  

“Equitable access to sexual health services is essential to the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, Chief Medical Officer at CommUnityCare Health Centers. “It’s important that timely prevention, screening and treatment be easily available to help stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections and serious health problems later in life. We are honored to partner with the Centers for Disease and Control to better serve patients who often face greater health disparities.” 

The David Powell Health Center in Central Austin has served as a hub for HIV treatment and Prevention for Central Texans since 1990. The Federally Qualified Health Center has since expanded sexual health services throughout the system.  

CommUnityCare served more than 129,000 individual patients in 2022 across 28 clinical sites in Central Texas. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, CommUnityCare provides care to the un- and under-insured through a combination of funding from Central Health, federal and state government sources and private grant funding. Patients without insurance or other financial support are offered a sliding scale fee based on their household income.  

 

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AUSTIN, TX – CommUnityCare Health Centers has been selected, in conjunction with Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, as the Grand Prize recipient of the 2023 80% in Every Community National Achievement Award. The honor singles out individuals and organizations for dedicating their time, talent, and expertise to advance colorectal cancer screening rates to 80% or higher across the United States in an equitable manner. The award is given by The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT), founded by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Through an innovative and collaborative partnership, CommUnityCare and Dell Med have made significant efforts to ensure more people in Central Texas, especially the underserved patients that CommUnityCare serves, get screened for colorectal cancer. In the United States, the lowest colorectal cancer screening rates occur among people with limited access to healthcare including those who are uninsured.

During its first year alone, the program doubled the percentage of patients screened for colorectal cancer from 18.4 to 37 percent. Currently, up to 44 percent of patients have been screened. The initiative has been made possible by multiple grants from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

“The success of this colorectal cancer screening initiative is in large part due to the help of our amazing partners at Dell Medical School,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, Chief Medical Officer at CommUnityCare — the largest nonprofit community health center in Central Texas with 28 locations in and around Austin. “Our shared vision to help underserved populations has improved the health outcomes among our most vulnerable patients. We are honored to receive this grand prize in collaboration with Dell Med.”

“Our partnership with CommUnityCare has helped numerous patients get screened, and has been implemented in a way that improves health care equity,” said Michael Pignone, M.D., MPH, chair of Dell Med’s Department of Internal Medicine, Co-Program Leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control program at the Livestrong Cancer Institutes, and Program Leader for the CPRIT awards.

In 2017, Pignone spearheaded a collaborative team with members from Dell Med and CommUnityCare to launch a program that mails colorectal cancer screening tests, known as fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), directly to patients’ homes. The screening kits are supplemented with low-cost text message and letter reminders to prompt patients to return the test. For those patients who screen positive, a CommUnityCare bilingual patient educator and navigator offers resources and support through the process of completing a colonoscopy, as recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force.

The impactful and cost-effective program was implemented throughout CommUnityCare Health Centers, offering a new way for patients to get screened for colorectal cancer, potentially lessen the number of colorectal cancers, and lighten the burden of treatment. Finding cancers early improves prognosis and saves lives.

The program has subsequently been expanded to other systems in Central Texas. Efforts are ongoing in Texas and across the country to disseminate similar programs to other health systems, especially for underserved populations facing financial barriers and limited access to these critical preventive services.

Join CommUnityCare and Dell Med on March 23, 2023 from 1-2 P.M. CT for the March 2023 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Webcast to learn more about the ongoing efforts in the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program and to celebrate the program’s success.

 

 

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AUSTIN – CommUnityCare, the second largest community health center system in Texas made of up 28 primary care, behavioral health, and dental clinics, today named Abayomi “Yomi” Fabiyi as the Vice President of Human Resources and member of its executive leadership team. Fabiyi brings more than 15 years of experience in H.R. management.

“CommUnityCare’s continued success is a direct result of our dedicated staff,” said Jaeson Fournier, CEO and president of CommUnityCare. “As we are acutely aware, engaging, retaining, and finding people has become more challenging than ever in healthcare, but Mr. Fabiyi is the right person to help us navigate an ever-evolving landscape at a time of significant growth for CommUnityCare. His wealth of experience in healthcare leadership and organizational culture in both hospital and community settings– and his deep commitment to diversity and inclusion—will benefit our more than 1,200 employees.”

Fabiyi will oversee daily human resource operations across CommUnityCare’s 28 health centers in Central Texas and manage onboarding and staffing at new clinics opening in 2023.

Most recently, Fabiyi served as the Director of Human Resources at UNLV Health in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has held senior roles at Providence Health System in Washington, D.C. (a member of Ascension Health System), Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center (a member of Universal Health Services, Inc.), North Vista Hospital (a member of Prime Healthcare) and Western Arizona Regional Medical Center, a member of Community Health Systems. He also worked for ESPN as a Senior Diversity Specialist at its corporate headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut.

“We all believe equity to be a central part of our healthcare mission,” said Jeannie Virden, Chief Human Resources Officer at Central Health, which provides HR support for CommUnityCare as an affiliated member of the Central Health enterprise. “Equity applies not just to patients but to our workforce—something I know Fabiyi feels strongly about. I am thrilled he is joining our partners at CommUnityCare.”

CommUnityCare served over 129,000 unique patients visits in 2022 and is scheduled to open new locations this year in East Austin, Pflugerville, Del Valle, and Hornsby Bend with support from Central Health, Travis County’s local healthcare district.

Fabiyi attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he majored in Agricultural Business Management and Ashford University where he received a bachelor’s in Organizational Management.

“I’m extremely honored and excited to join the CommUnityCare team,” said Fabiyi. “I look forward to making sure we not only find the best talent out there, but also continue to create a positive work environment and an inclusive, diverse culture where our dedicated team members can feel engaged and provide excellent care for our patients.”

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Central Health’s Kuang Named Humanitarian of the Year

(Austin) – Dr. Audrey Kuang, Central Health’s director of high-risk populations, was named Humanitarian of the Year last Thursday night by the Travis County Medical Society (TCMS) at the group’s annual awards dinner.

Dr. Kuang joined Central Health in 2022 and was among the first physicians hired by the hospital district to provide direct care to patients, specializing in care for Travis County’s unhoused population. She completed her undergraduate studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her medical studies at the University of Chicago-Pritzker School of Medicine. She then completed her residency training in Internal Medicine at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, California, where she also served as chief resident.

Prior to becoming part of the Central Health team, Dr. Kuang joined the staff of Central Health-affiliated CommUnityCare in 2017 as an associate director and has served as the subject matter expert for individuals experiencing homelessness. Since her arrival in Austin, she has also served as an assistant clinical professor within the Department of Population Health at the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.

“I am incredibly grateful to TCMS for this great honor and am deeply humbled by this recognition,” Dr. Kuang said. “Homelessness puts a face to all the broken and dysfunctional systems that exist, and my greatest joy comes from seeing our community come together with the resources we each have to help relieve suffering, address inequity and help our patients reach their goals. This award is not possible without Central Health’s incredible support and CommunityCare’s Healthcare for the Homeless team, which is doing the work on the frontlines, rain or shine, fighting for our patients and for health equity.”

Among Dr. Kuang’s accomplishments with Central Health and CommUnityCare:

  • She led the clinical team that provided initial local drive-through COVID-19 testing during the shocking and fearful outset of the pandemic.
  • She led care in the temporary shelters for Texas refugee neighbors in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, caring for similar populations after subsequent storms, regardless of patient location or condition.
  • During Texas’ devastating winter storm of 2021, when travel was treacherous and resources scarce, Dr. Kuang drove to the few shelters open to personally care for those experiencing homelessness, often caring for frostbite and exposure complications in addition to ensuring continuity of their chronic disease management.
  • She has delineated partnerships and protocols and care pathways for individuals transitioning from a hospital to a post-acute clinical environment or even back to the streets to ensure that patients have a one stop access point to the resources they need.
  • Her latest initiative is providing expertise and vision to the build of respite service for uninsured individuals discharged from the hospital who need a safe space to heal.
  • Her work ties in directly with Central Health’s Healthcare Equity Plan, which was launched in February to bring healthcare services to traditionally underserved and lower-income populations in Travis County.

Dr. Alan Schalscha, chief medical officer of Central Health and himself a winner of the same honor in 2019, said Travis County is fortunate to have someone with Dr. Kuang’s drive to serve low-income and vulnerable populations.

“Dr. Kuang  serves the clinically complex and the most under-resourced,” Dr. Schalscha said. “She is a system designer and a fierce patient advocate. Our community is so fortunate to have Dr. Kuang as a caregiver, visionary, advocate, colleague, and friend.”

Dr. Kuang said Dr. Schalscha has served as a great role model for her.

“He has helped me grow as a leader and believed in this work, and wholeheartedly supports bringing care to the most marginalized and vulnerable in our community,” she said.

In addition to Dr. Kuang’s honor, Dr. Mike Stefanowicz, sexual health associate director with CommUnityCare, won the “Ruth M. Bain Young Physician Award.”

Other award winners from the evening were:

Physician of the Year: Sarmistha Hauger, MD 
Lifetime Achievement: James McMichael, MD 
Humanitarian Award: Dave Clarke, MD 
Ruth M. Bain Young Physician Awards: Lauren Gambill, MD 

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CommUnityCare Awarded Accreditation from The Joint Commission

AUSTIN – CommUnityCare Health Centers, the second largest nonprofit community health center system in Texas, has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Ambulatory Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

CommUnityCare underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review in July. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with Ambulatory Care standards spanning several areas including environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, medication management, and rights and responsibilities of the individual.

The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help health care organizations measure, assess, and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“As a private accreditor, The Joint Commission surveys health care organizations to protect the public by identifying deficiencies in care and working with those organizations to correct them as quickly and sustainably as possible,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend CommUnityCare for its continuous quality improvement efforts in patient safety and quality of care.”

The accreditation applies to CommUnityCare’s almost 30 health centers in Travis County and surrounding areas.

“Whether your income is in the highest bracket or the lowest, everyone wants to know they are receiving the highest quality and safest medical care at their doctor or dentist’s office,” said Jaeson Fournier, CEO of CommUnityCare. “That’s why The Joint Commission’s independent and rigorous review of our services is so important. It gives patients peace of mind and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our clinicians, nurses, and care team members and demonstrates our commitment to continuously improving our health care services as we strive to achieve greater health equity for all, but especially for our low income and uninsured patients.”

Patients and community members can go online and download the quality report here.

Accreditation is required for hospitals that participate in federal health care programs and optional for community health centers.

As the largest safety net healthcare provider in the Austin region and one of the 1,373 federal Health Center Program Grantees nationwide, CommUnityCare sees 130,000 unique patients, representing 460,000 patient visits each year.

CommUnityCare’s David Powell Clinic, center of excellence for HIV care, also received a new certification by The Joint Committee as a Primary Care Medical Home, a designation that means a health institution focuses on the whole person and respects each patient’s needs, culture, and values.

“We provide communities traditionally left behind with inclusive, non-judgmental care– regardless of income,” Fournier said. “As importantly, we strive toward bringing health equity to these communities by knocking down traditional barriers, like race, ethnicity, and language.”