CommuniCare Health Centers has been assisting the San Antonio community since the 1970’s when it began as a two-room pediatric clinic, known as Barrio Comprehensive Family Health Care Center, Inc. The clinic was initially located in the back of a west side church.

Sister Dolores Girault, D.C., helped found the clinic after the deaths of several children due to a preventable diphtheria epidemic in the early 1970's. In 1980, due to Sister Girault's advocacy efforts, Barrio Comprehensive Family Health Care Center, Inc. became federally funded as a non-profit community health center. It was the first Federally-funded Community Health Center in San Antonio. In 2000, Barrio Comprehensive Family Health Care Center, Inc. merged with the Ella Austin Health Center and expanded its service area to the city’s east side. In 2005, Barrio Comprehensive Family Health Care Center, Inc. began doing business as CommuniCare Health Centers. In October 2005, after a three-year capital campaign, CommuniCare Health Centers opened the brand-new Dr. Frank Bryant Health Center.

At the Barrio Family Health Center and the Dr. Frank Bryant Health Center, CommuniCare Health Centers provide a comprehensive array of primary health care services, including medical, dental, behavioral health, and health education. Pharmacy and laboratory services are also available onsite at these two locations. Additional services include: patient eligibility services and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition assistance. CommuniCare Health Centers provides services to patients who have health insurance as well as those who are uninsured. Patients who are uninsured receive services on a sliding fee scale, according to family size and income.

2006 Facts & Figures:

- Provided services to approximately 30,000 patients of all ages (66% female and 34% male).
- 56,774 medical visits including family practice, pediatrics, internal medicine, and obstetrics/gynecology.
- 25,330 dental visits to include preventive and restorative services.
- 76% of patients are uninsured or underinsured
- 60% of patients have incomes below the Federal Poverty Level.