Clarifying Info About CommUnityCare

Dear Mr. Kanin,
    I read your article this morning [“The Med School Solution,” News, Sept. 14], however, I want to clarify some important information about the CommUnityCare – William Cannon Health Center. Our William Cannon clinic, which serves Dove Springs, offers more than just walk-in services. Our website notes that this health center offers complete primary care services with three family practice providers. In addition to these providers, a new physician will be joining the William Cannon health care team in October.
    In response to the community, this clinic was expanded to see more patients – from newborns to adults – and provides prenatal care, family and internal medicine, pharmacy services, immunizations, prescription drug assistance, behavioral health services, and family planning. The clinic offers extended hours until 8pm, Monday through Friday, and on Saturday. We are eager to spread the word about this expansion so the community will access the services we provide. Unfortunately, many people believe this center offers urgent care only.
    CommUnityCare is deeply concerned with the health of the Dove Springs community and would like to offer an increase in services to the area. As you may know, CommUnityCare is a full-service, Joint Commission accredited, Federally Qualified Health Center system that operates 22 sites in Central Texas serving about 62,000 individuals annually.
    At this time, CommUnityCare is welcoming new patients at the William Cannon Health Center. If all services offered are utilized to full capacity we will be better poised to make a stronger case for an increase in services at that location. We are continually assessing the volume of patients seen at William Cannon and their health care needs, and recently partnered with Central Health to double the size of this clinic. Because Central Health provides a large portion of our funding, we work in partnership with them in service expansions. To continually monitor the needs of those who access our system, CommUnityCare regularly submits data gathered from our clinics to Central Health. Our mission is to work with the community as peers with open eyes and a responsive attitude to provide the right care, at the right time, at the right place. We encourage citizens to provide input to Central Health on health matters impacting their community.
    CommUnityCare deeply values the interest of area leaders and other nonprofit organizations and is dedicated to providing access to health care in the Austin/Travis County area for underserved populations. We continually seek ways to improve services and we value the relationships we develop with those we serve.