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A Legacy of Service:CommuniCare’sOngoing Commitmentto Community Health By Sally KalosS ince 1972, CommuniCare has served as a cornerstone of healthcare for low-income families across south-central Texas. What began on San Antonio’s West Side as a smallpediatric clinic with just two exam rooms has grown into a dynamic network of 32 clinics, offering nearly 550,000 patient encounters each year throughout Bexar, Hays, and Kendall counties. Founded by Sister Dolores Girault, CommuniCare was established to address the healthcare disparities faced by low-income and uninsured families. More than five decades later, that mission remains at the heart of everything the organization does:“To improve the health of those we serve with a commitment to excellence in all we do.”As a 100% privately funded, nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), CommuniCare stands out for its commitment to affordable, high-quality care for all. Services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of the communities they serve and include pediatrics, adult medicine, women’s health, OB/GYN care, behavioral health, senior care, dental care, and a growing list of specialty services such as allergy care, HIV prevention and treatment, sports medicine, neurology, and functional medicine. Every clinic operates with the same guiding values: to be timely and responsive, to focus on hassle- free experiences, to treat patients like family, to strive for excellence, and to be the best place to work.In response to the growing population in the Texas Hill Country, CommuniCare expanded its footprint with the opening of the Boerne clinic in 2015, followed by the Leon Springs clinic in 2019. These locations reflect the organization’s dedication to making healthcare more accessible in underserved or rapidly growing areas. The Boerne clinic offers a wide range of services, including Pediatrics & Teen Health, Adult Medicine, Immunizations, Patient Health Education, and Behavioral Health. Leading the clinical team are pediatricians Dr. Jeffrey HendersonBoerne Providers:Boerne Campus 430 W Bandera Rd, Ste 9 (near the HEB Plus) Boerne, TX 78006and Dr. Jennifer Eck, along with newly added Adult Medicine provider Dr. Alfred Flores, who joined the team in August to bring a patient-centered approach to primary care.Leon Springs offers similar services, including Pediatrics & Teen Health, Women’s Health, Immunizations, Patient Health Education, and Behavioral Health. Pediatrician Dr. Armando Garza and Women’s Health provider Dr. Paul Trautmann currently lead the Leon Springs clinical team, with Adult Medicine services expected to launch soon. Both clinics operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, offering extended hours for the convenience of working families and busy individuals.What truly sets CommuniCare apart is its integration of innovation with a strong culture of compassion. Each clinic is equipped with the latest telehealth technology, allowing patients to connect with providers virtually from the comfort of their own homes. Whether visiting in person, via curbside service, or through telemedicine, patients can count on a team that values personal connection, clear communication, and clinical excellence. The organization’s focus on creating a seamless, welcoming healthcare experience has made it a trusted name across the region.In addition to traditional services, CommuniCare is deeply committed to supporting families outside the clinical setting. One example of this is the organization’s annual back-to-school immunization drives, which ensure that children are up to date on vaccines before the school year begins—at no cost to families. Events like these highlight CommuniCare’s dedication to community wellness and reducing financial barriers to care.Accessibility is further enhanced by the organization’s flexible payment model. CommuniCare accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including most commercial/ private options, Medicaid, and Medicare. For individuals without insurance, self-pay options are available to ensure no one is turned away. Patients can also access resourceslike patient health education and counseling, further empowering them to take control of their well-being.As CommuniCare grows, so too does its impact. The addition of adult medicine services to the Boerne clinic reflects the organization’s continued investment in delivering complete care close to home. Dr. Flores brings not only extensive clinical experience but also a deep understanding of community-based care and a dedication to forming long-term relationships with patients. With his leadership, Boerne-area adults now have access to preventive care, chronic disease management, and general wellness services—without needing to leave their neighborhood.The future looks bright for CommuniCare. As demand for affordable, patient-centered healthcare continues to rise, the organization remains focused on expanding its services, enhancing its technology, and recruiting passionate providers who share in its mission. From the smallest check-up to the most complex diagnosis, CommuniCare remains grounded in its founding belief that everyone deserves access to care that is not only effective but deeply human.What began with two exam rooms has become a beacon of hope and healing across Texas. For the patients and families who walk through their doors each day, CommuniCare is more than just a clinic—it’s a trusted partner in health, and a promise to care for the community, one patient at a time.Visit our convenient locationsCommuniCare (210) 233-7000 www.communicaresa.orgDr. Armando GarzaDr. Paul TrautmannLeon Springs Providers:Dr. Jeffrey M. HendersonDr. Jennifer EckDr. Alfred FloresLeon Springs Campus 21195 I-10 Suite 2101 San Antonio, TX 78257October 2025www.bsbhighlights.com9