CommUnityCare
2115 KRAMER STE 100
AUSTIN, TX 78758-4013
United States
Central Texas Community Health Centers dba CommUnityCare (CUC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 that operates the second largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) community health system in Texas (nearly 30 locations and 129,000 patients in 2022). Its model of care prioritizes creating a primary health care home that provides access to primary care and dental services to those who are un- or under-insured. Its mission is “To strengthen the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”
In 2022, most CUC patients identified their ethnicity as Hispanic or Latino/a and over half of all patients served were at or below the federal poverty level. Additionally, over half of all patients seen were best served in a language other than English. By fostering an environment of inclusion and equity, CUC helps break down the barriers many of their patients have previously faced in receiving quality health care.
Across the clinical/dental sites, CUC has nearly 70 dental staff, including dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. Unfortunately, the dental team has had vacancies that have proven difficult to fill over the last few years. This squeeze has led to increased interest from CUC’s pediatricians in assisting with the dental workload.
CUC’s desired outcome for this funding is to find a new way to improve dental outcomes at any point of care for pediatric patients. The clinical leadership team is working to develop a workflow that integrates oral health within pediatric medical practices and enhances medical-dental integration in CUC’s co-located medical and dental pediatric clinics. Ultimately, CUC hopes to improve oral health outcomes for low-income and historically underserved children by providing minimally invasive care in the most convenient setting. CUC will partner with Austin Independent School District and the University of Texas at Austin-Dell Medical School to ensure success.
The budget for this proposal is $125,000, which represents less than 1% of CUC’s overall budget. Funding will support a data analyst, translation services, online training, and other salaries.
This proposal is one of 10 selected finalists for the Community and Care Transformation RFP.