Author: Veronica de la Rosa

People’s Community Clinic has been honored by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association for its strong commitment to helping patients manage their blood pressure. The clinic earned Gold Level Recognition through the national Target: BP™ program.

This award goes to health care practices where 70% or more of adult patients with high blood pressure have their blood pressure under control.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is one of the leading causes of heart attacks and strokes in the United States. Nearly half of all adults, about 122 million people, live with high blood pressure, but only about a quarter have it well controlled. That’s why early diagnosis and good management are so important.

Starting September 8, 2025, all appointments for People’s Women’s Health will take place at our new home at St. David’s Medical Center Pavilion.

This move includes an expansion with more exam rooms, a dedicated space for group care and education, and a calm, welcoming atmosphere, all located directly across the highway from its current location. While the address is new, everything else remains the same.

• You’ll still see the same trusted care team
• Your appointment date and time will not change
• And you’ll continue receiving the high-quality care you count on from People’s

📍 New Address for all Women’s Health appointments
St. David’s Medical Center Pavilion 
1025 East 32nd Street, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78705

🚗 Convenient Drop-Off
Use the circle drive at 919 East 32nd Street to drop off patients at the Pavilion entrance, then proceed to Garage 3 for parking.

📍 Address for Parking Garage 3
1025 East 32nd Street
Austin, Texas 78705

Parking is available on P2 and P3.

We encourage all patients to allow extra time for travel and walking to the clinic.

For complete directions, transit tips, clinic hours, and FAQs, visit our official move page:

austinpcc.org/womens-health-is-moving

We look forward to welcoming patients in the new space!

Meet Keegan Warren – Board Member, founder of Medical-Legal Partnership, and legal expert.

At People’s Community Clinic, taking care of patients means looking at the whole picture, not just what happens in the exam room. That’s why Keegan Warren volunteers her time and expertise to help patients navigate legal issues that can impact their health.

Keegan is a board member, legal expert, and founder of the Medical-Legal Partnership(MLP) at People’s. She is currently the Executive Director of the Institute for Healthcare Access at Texas A&M Health.

As founder of the MLP,  she has played an active role in the program that brings lawyers into the health care team to help address legal issues that impact patients’ well-being. What makes this program unique is that lawyers are physically located at People’s working side by side with doctors, social workers, and other clinic staff to help patients resolve legal issues, such as housing problems, difficulties obtaining Medicaid, or unsafe home situations.

One important project Keegan helped create is the Prenatal Legal Checkup Series. It’s a video program in English and Spanish that educates pregnant patients about their rights and protects their families.

“It’s like a legal version of What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” she says. It talks about things like naming a legal guardian, filling out medical forms, or getting help if you’re in an unsafe relationship. These are things that don’t always come up in a regular doctor’s visit, but they’re just as crucial for staying healthy and safe.

You can access the full series here: Prenatal Legal Checkup Series

She’s also proud to be part of the Communications Committee, helping make health information easier to understand. “People’s is more than a clinic. It’s a trusted place where people are treated with dignity and respect.”

To those who support People’s, Keegan says: “You make programs like this possible. Without your help, we would be unable to provide patients with the full support they need to stay healthy. You’re not just helping individuals—you’re helping our whole community thrive.”

Measles Outbreak in Texas: What You Need to Know to Stay Protected

Please visit our YouTube Channel to see the video.
Por favor, visite el canal de YouTube de People’s para ver el video.

A significant measles outbreak is currently affecting parts of Texas, particularly in the West Texas and southern plains regions. As cases rise, many individuals are understandably asking: Am I protected?

To help answer this important question, Dr. Louis Appel, Director of Pediatrics at People’s Community Clinic, offers expert guidance on protecting yourself and your loved ones during this outbreak. Here’s what you need to know.

Who Needs the Measles Vaccine?
If you were born before 1957, it’s generally assumed you’re immune to measles because of natural exposure during that time period. However, if you were born in 1957 or later, you should be vaccinated.

Children should receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine—first at 12–15 months old and again at 4–6 years old. Adults should ensure they’ve had at least one dose and in some cases, two.

Not Sure About Your Vaccination History?
If you’re uncertain whether you’ve been vaccinated, check your medical records or speak with your healthcare provider. They can help assess your history and determine the best course of action. Sometimes, a blood test can check for immunity, or you can get vaccinated—an extra dose won’t cause harm.

How Does Measles Spread—and What Are the Symptoms?
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses. It spreads through airborne respiratory droplets and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room. That means you don’t need to have direct contact to catch it.

Early symptoms include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Conjunctivitis (red or pink eye)

• A rash that typically appears a few days later

Importantly, people with measles are contagious up to four days before the rash appears and four days after—making it easy for the virus to spread before it’s even recognized.

What Should You Do if You Suspect Measles?
Call your healthcare provider before heading to a clinic or emergency room if you believe you may have measles. They may provide special instructions to avoid exposing others, such as waiting outside or entering through a separate entrance.

Is the Vaccine Safe and Effective?
Yes. The MMR vaccine is highly effective—about 93% after the first dose and 97% after the second. Like all medical treatments, it can cause mild side effects (such as fever or soreness at the injection site), but serious reactions are rare.

Concerns about a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism have been thoroughly debunked. Extensive studies have found no link between the vaccine and autism.

Why Vaccination Matters
While most people recover from measles, the illness can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. These include ear infections, pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and, in rare cases, death. The vaccine is our best defense.

Stay informed and protected.

As this outbreak unfolds, ensuring your vaccination history is current is more important than ever. Your healthcare provider is your best resource if you’re unsure or have questions. You can also leave your questions in the comments; we’ll do our best to help.

Vaccination isn’t just about personal protection—it’s about community health. Don’t wait. Take action today.

People’s Community Clinic is here to support you with accurate information and trusted care. Contact 512.478.4939 for more information.

Keep the Care They Trust

Turning 65 is a wonderful time of life but it does come with big decisions about healthcare. Consistency in care is essential, especially for older adults. People’s Community Clinic (People’s) is where at any age patients can continue seeing the doctors they know and trust.

Making Medicare Simple

People’s recommends that you visit with a financial counselor about Medicare before you turn 65. Navigating Medicare can be overwhelming, but help is available. People’s financial counselors assist patients by:

✔️ Explaining Medicare options

✔️ Comparing plans to find the best fit

✔️ Helping patients enroll with confidence

✔️ Identifying programs that can save money

Comprehensive Care for Your Long-Term Health at People’s

At People’s, care goes beyond doctor visits. The clinic prioritizes preventive services and long-term wellness, offering:

🩺 Routine check-ups and screenings to catch potential health concerns early.

💓 Chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

📝 Advance care planning to ensure healthcare wishes are respected.

Additionally, People’s connects patients with social support services, community programs, and transportation assistance, ensuring healthcare and wrap-around services are available.

As the population ages, access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare is vital. People’s Community Clinic is dedicated to providing personalized, patient-centered care for older adults, allowing them to continue seeing the doctors they trust. Whether navigating Medicare options, managing a health condition, or prioritizing preventive care, People’s ensures patients receive the support and guidance they need at every stage of their journey.

What’s Next?

People’s recommends that you visit with a financial counselor about Medicare before you turn 65 so you have the information you need to make the best decision for your care.  If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with one of our financial counselors, please don’t hesitate to call us at 512.478.4939.

We’re here to help you navigate the Medicare process and ensure you have the support you need at every stage of your healthcare journey.

Robin’s leadership has helped transform the lives of many young people. One of Robin’s most significant achievements was the establishment of Tandem, a Teen Prenatal & Parenting Program which provides comprehensive support for young parents, from prenatal care and housing to education and job training. This groundbreaking multi-agency initiative has improved the health outcomes of young parents and their children.

In addition to her instrumental role in shaping Tandem, Robin helped establish People’s Integrated Behavioral Health Department and the Integrative Pain Management Program (IPMP). IPMP provides comprehensive emotional wellbeing services and offers alternatives to opioid use to help patients manage chronic pain effectively. Her support for holistic care has fostered a healing community.

After nearly thirty years of dedicated service, Robin will be retiring. Her tenure has been marked by an enduring commitment to our clinic’s mission, a commitment that has had a profound and lasting impact on our community.

Reflecting on her years at the clinic, Robin shared that the most rewarding aspect of her job was her interaction with the patients—admiring their resilience and drawing inspiration from their courage. She often shared heartwarming stories of patients who, despite distress they have experienced in the past, are leading fulfilling lives. She also highlighted the importance of staff in fostering successful outcomes, emphasizing that “staff morale and wellness are equal priorities along with productivity because without them, we have no clinic.”

When asked about the key to success in her work, Robin pointed to empathy, a good sense of humor, and the ability not to take oneself too seriously, given the serious nature of their work.

Here’s to Robin Rosell—a true pioneer and an unwavering support for both patients and staff. Thank you, Robin, for your years of service and dedication!