January 28, 2021
Central Health Board of Managers approves clinic plans in Hornsby Bend, Del Valle and Colony Park
(Austin) – The Central Health Board of Managers Wednesday approved project plans for three new health and wellness centers in Eastern Travis County, fulfilling a long-time commitment to expand health care services in areas lacking access to resources.
Central Health’s capital investment for the three projects over three years is estimated at $31.3 million.
Historically identified as having high levels of poverty and limited health care infrastructure¬, Eastern Travis County is a focus for Central Health, whose mission is to create access to essential health care services in order to improve quality of life for residents with low income.
“The pandemic didn’t cause inequities in the health care system – it highlighted and exacerbated them,” said Central Health President & CEO Mike Geeslin. “While we are very focused on keeping our community’s most vulnerable residents safe from COVID-19, we’re also continuing our work to address the underlying issues that keep people from living healthier and longer. We have to treat the source of the problem, not just the symptoms.”
Through robust community engagement validated by Central Health’s Demographic Report, Hornsby Bend, Del Valle and Colony Park were identified as areas of need, lacking access to resources like health care, transportation, healthy food and more. The report compiles data on the areas of Travis County with the highest number of families in poverty, Medical Access Program (MAP) enrollment, access to care and demographic analysis related to age, gender, and race/ethnicity.
Based on the current project plans, all three locations will initially offer comprehensive primary care, and integrated behavioral health care. Central Health and our clinical operator are also evaluating the addition of select specialty services via telehealth, and pediatrics, obstetrics, dental services along with on-site pharmacies. The plans also consider future needs, with opportunities to add more providers and services.
All three facilities will be designed with input from the community to provide a positive and culturally affirming experience and offering a full complement of health and wellness services. The buildings will also foster a sense of community through features such as indoor and outdoor spaces and community food gardens. Central Health will also seek partnerships to promote health and wellness throughout the communities the health centers serve.
“We are using every tool available to make sure we are addressing present day needs while also looking ahead to future needs, so that any space we create can have a long-lasting impact,” said Geeslin. “We know each day someone goes without access to health care is one day too long. At the same time, it is our obligation to get this right – which takes time and careful planning – and community involvement.”
Based on the current project plans, construction for Del Valle and Hornsby Bend facilities is anticipated to start in late 2021. Plans for Colony Park are still in development, and in the meantime Central Health is resuming in-person and virtual health and wellness services at Volma Overton and Barbara Jordan Elementary Schools. For more information about available services, call 512-978-8680.
Central Health will gather community input and feedback throughout the design and planning phases for each project. Public input opportunities and events will be posted at CentralHealth.net/Calendar.
The latest project timelines, plans and conceptual renderings for all Central Health projects are available at CentralHealth.net/Our-Work/Expansion.
Hornsby Bend Health and Wellness Center
- Project Site: Gilbert Road and Sandifer Street, 78725 (across from Dailey Middle School)
- Current proposed services:
- Primary Care
- Integrated mental health and oral health assessment
- Limited on-site pharmacy (Class D)
- Accessible community gathering space (indoor community room, outdoor community garden, play areas and green space)
Del Valle Health and Wellness Center
- Project Site: 7050 Elroy Road, 78617
- Current proposed services:
- Primary Care
- Dental Care
- Integrated mental health
- On-site retail pharmacy (Class A)
Northeast Health and Wellness Center (Colony Park)
- Project Site: to be determined
- Current proposed services:
- Primary Care
- Dental Care
- Integrated mental health
- Mammography
- On-site retail pharmacy (Class A)
- Accessible community gathering space