Newsroom/Announcements/Blog
Nov.22, 2021-Blog-Intensive Outpatient Care and the Care Connections Clinic
By Audrey Kuang, MD
In 1978, Delta Airlines pioneered the “Hub and Spoke” model, following deregulation of the airline industry, with the goal of increasing access and efficiency of air travel. Atlanta, GA was established as the hub through which most flights were routed while other airports were designated as spokes where travelers might begin or complete their routes. In healthcare, the Hub and Spoke Model has been used to increase access to specialized care within primary care settings, in addition to the traditional offering at a hospital or specialty clinic. CommUnityCare’ s Care Connections (CareCo) Clinic serves as both a hub (for complex procedures) and a spoke (for key services), bringing together a remarkable array of services for our patients with the highest burden of clinical illness as well as people experiencing homelessness. With this model we are boldly and safely challenging traditional notions of “right care, right place, right time.” Some of these services include the following:
1. Paracentesis is a procedure that is typically provided in a hospital setting that provides relief to individuals by draining fluid that has accumulated in the abdomen. This procedure helps avoid visits to the emergency room or hospital, and patients prefer the calm setting of our clinic with their trusted providers and team.
2. Hepatitis C treatment was traditionally provided exclusively by a GI or Infectious Disease specialist, but with newer hepatitis C medications, treatment protocols have been simplified allowing for treatment in the primary care setting. CareCo is one of a number of sites at CommUnityCare to offer Hep C screening, diagnosis and treatment within the convenience of our patients’ primary care experience.
3. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines medication and behavioral therapy to treat substance use disorder, including the remarkably effective medication, buprenorphine, for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Initiation of this treatment requires intensive support, however, once a patient has stabilized on buprenorphine at our SEHWC hub, they are then transferred to a spoke site, including CareCo, for continued treatment. This exciting work is led by our MAT lead, Emily Humphrey.
4. HIV care has traditionally been delivered out of our hub site, the David Powell Clinic. Timely linkage to care is critical in the treatment of HIV, and CareCo Clinic has been developed as a spoke site to provide HIV care. Through additional HRSA grant funding, a HIV case manager and community health worker will be hired to assist with the spoke model work. This exciting addition is led by our Sexual Health Associate Director, Dr. Mike Stefanowicz.
November 12, 2021-Press Release-BOOSTER SHOTS AVAILABLE FOR AGE 65+ AND OTHER ELIGIBLE PATIENTS; PFIZER VACCINES AVAILABLE FOR ALL CHILDREN AGES 5 THROUGH 11
(Austin) – Central Health-affiliated CommUnityCare Health Centers is now administering Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 through 11 years old who are established patients. CommUnityCare is also offering booster shots by appointment only to eligible adult patients who completed their primary Pfizer-BIONtech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine series. Children and adult patients can receive their shots at their CommUnityCare home clinic (medical home).
To support the demand for pediatric vaccines and provide adequate staffing, CommUnityCare will close its walk-in vaccine locations starting this Friday, Nov. 12, at Rosewood-Zaragoza, North Central Health Center, and Southeast Health & Wellness Center. “CommUnityCare strongly encourages patients eligible for a COVID-19 booster to come in and get their shot and is also encouraging parents to vaccinate their children five and up,” CommUnityCare CEO Jaeson Fournier said, while noting that, “Vaccines continue to be the most effective way to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the following vaccine recipients are eligible for any of the COVID-19 boosters authorized in the United States:
- Those who have completed the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine series at least six months ago and are:
- 65 years or older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings
- Those who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago and are 18 years and older
“Vaccines and boosters are key to stopping the spread and keeping each other safe,” Central Health President & CEO Mike Geeslin said. “COVID boosters and pediatric vaccines are free and will be the best reinforcement for a safe and healthy holiday season.” Pfizer’s vaccine for younger kids is two doses of 10 micrograms, rather than the 30 micrograms per dose used for people 12 and older.
For more information and to schedule appointments, call CommUnityCare at 512-978-9015. For the latest information on CommUnityCare’s efforts related to COVID-19, visit HTTPS://COMMUNITYCARETX.ORG/COVID19/#VACCINEINFO.
November 8, 2021-Blog-Why CommUnityCare Matters Video
We’re celebrating more than 10 years of serving Central Texas to improve health equity and we are looking forward to another 10 years. We are committed to providing the right care, at the right time, and the right place for those who need us most. We can’t wait to show you what we do next. Click on the video below to learn more.
Nov. 1, 2021-Blog-The DAISY Award Winner - Marion Douglas
Nurses are the heart of CommUnityCare Health Centers and are often the first providers that patients engage with. Listen to Marion Douglas, long time nurse and The DAISY Award winner talk about why she loves working at CommUnityCare and what the DAISY award means to her.
Oct. 28, 2021-Blog-Prevention, Engagement and Health Equity for Women at the ARCH Clinic
By: Dr. Audrey Kuang
The Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) is a homeless shelter in downtown Austin that can house up to 100 individuals on any given night. Our ARCH clinic, dedicated to patients experiencing homelessness, is located on the first floor of the lobby.
On October 14th, 2021, the ARCH clinic team hosted a special event for women experiencing homelessness, to encourage health screening and improve health engagement. The event was open only to women, and they were warmly welcomed into the waiting room for snacks, tea, and free goodies like purses and nail polish. Many women participated, some of who had not had any regular healthcare for over 10 years. Pap smears (cervical cancer screening) were collected, mammograms were ordered, flu and Covid vaccines were administered, and screening labs (for diabetes, STDs, etc.) were performed. The women had a chance to meet the whole team, including our behavioral health counselor and case manager, to discuss their needs and struggles. Many women shared that, through the event, they felt loved and cared for; our hope is that our team at the ARCH will continue to support these women to promote their health and well-being.
Oct. 20, 2021-Blog-Tips for Providers to Avoid Burnout
Oct. 12, 2021-Press Release-GUIDELINES AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ANNOUNCED FOR COVID-19 BOOSTER SHOTS BY COMMUNITYCARE
(Austin) – COMMUNITYCARE HEALTH CENTERS announced guidelines and eligibility requirements for COVID-19 booster shots for patients and non-patients who received their second Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, to be eligible for the Pfizer booster shot, individuals must have completed their primary Pfizer vaccine series at least six months ago AND are either:
- 65 years of age and older
- residents of long-term care facilities
- aged 50-64 with an underlying medical condition
- aged 18-49 with an underlying medical condition who want a booster vaccine based on individual assessment of benefit and risk
- aged 18-64 who are in an occupational or institutional setting where the burden of COVID-19 infection and risk of transmission is high (including but not limited to healthcare workers, first responders, and teachers)
Studies have shown that after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus, including the delta variant, may decrease over time. COVID-19 vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent severe disease, although data suggest that mild disease may still occur, especially with the delta variant. Based on clinical trial data, a Pfizer booster shot improves protection against COVID-19, including the delta variant.
“We strongly encourage recommended groups who got their second COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine more than six months ago to get a booster shot now,” CommUnityCare CEO Jaeson Fournier said while noting that, “Eligible CommUnityCare patients can schedule their booster shot by calling 512-978-9015 or they can stop by our Rosewood Zaragosa Vaccine Clinic, North Central Health Center, or Southeast Health & Wellness Center to get their booster without an appointment.”
CommUnityCare will also be providing the COVID-19 boosters to anyone from the community who is eligible to receive their COVID-19 Pfizer booster at the walk-in sites mentioned above. Consistent with CDC guidance, CommUnityCare will only be providing the Pfizer booster to people already vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. People in the eligible groups who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine might also see enhanced protection from a booster shot but will need to wait for further study and analysis from the CDC and authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
June 14, 2021-CommUnityCare Health Centers Announces the Hire of Nicholas Yagoda, MD as Chief Medical Officer
(Austin) – It is with distinct pleasure that Central Texas Community Health Centers (dba CommUnityCare) announces Dr. Nicholas Yagoda as our Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
As CMO, Dr. Yagoda is responsible for the overall clinical leadership, provider practice, and overall performance and advancement of a diverse provider group that has the privilege of caring for underserved residents of Austin and its surrounding areas.
Dr. Yagoda joined CommUnityCare in 2014 and throughout his tenure with us has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthening the health and well-being of the patients and families we are so privileged to care for. He currently serves as CommUnityCare’s Associate CMO and has been intimately involved in our response to the coronavirus pandemic and our recent implementation of Epic system-wide. Nick has also been a physician champion with several other initiatives including the continued evolution of our care model and is a demonstrated champion for health equity. Since 2014, Nick has continuously cared for our communities as a family medicine physician with a focus on HIV and addiction medicine. He further helped develop the region’s first treatment program for uninsured people with opioid use disorders and is a founding member of the Fast Track Cities/Getting to Zero Taskforce to end the HIV epidemic in Travis County.
Dr. Yagoda is also an Assistant Professor of Population Health at the University of Texas at Austin – Dell Medical School and his writing has been published in peer-reviewed journals including The Annals of Family Medicine, The Journal of Family Practice, and Nature. He is from Brooklyn, New York, completed his medical education at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, and his post-graduate training at the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) based Lawrence Family Medicine Residency in northeastern Massachusetts.
June 3, 2021-CommUnityCare Health Centers Announces the Hire of Tara Trower as Chief Strategy Officer
(Austin) – CommUnityCare Health Centers welcomes Tara Trower as their new chief strategy officer (CSO) effective June 14th, 2021. As CSO, Tara will assist CommUnityCare in leading and advancing strategic initiatives and planning efforts, overseeing community engagement and communications, expanding the development and philanthropy footprint, and continuing to foster strong relationships with community partners.
Tara brings more than 20 years of experience in communications and operations and is a highly regarded, data-driven leader. She most recently served as the chief of staff for The University of Texas at Austin’s senior vice president and chief financial officer, where she planned and managed strategic initiatives for a portfolio of 44 operational units and consulted on communications and media relations strategy for several departments. Tara also spent more than 18 years as a journalist, covering education, politics, government, and community issues in Central Texas, most notably as senior editor for opinion and commentary (Viewpoints) for the Austin American-Statesman.