A podiatrist is a specialist who focuses on the foot and ankle primarily but may even address some soft tissue aspects of the lower leg as well. Patients naturally come to a podiatrist for foot pain or a deformity. Several illnesses lead to foot problems, but the one that stands out most significantly is […]
News
Central Health Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
By President & CEO Dr. Pat Lee As we observe Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we not only commit to provide equitable healthcare for all in Travis County, but we also celebrate the AAPI pioneers who’ve made indelible marks in the fields of science and medicine. I stand with you as a […]
New Community Health Champions Learn About their Rights to Access Healthcare
Over the last eight years, Central Health’s Community Health Champions program has graduated more than 360 dedicated, engaged advocates for health resources and equity in Central Texas. Many are community leaders and organizers, public health professionals and healthcare innovators, with a few regular folks who just care about healthcare. It’s been a great success. This […]
Central Health Welcomes New Board Manager
(Austin) – The Austin City Council appointed Eliza May to the Central Health Board of Managers, replacing outgoing member and chair Dr. Charles Bell. The City Council appointed May on April 18 and she joined the board of managers for the April 24 meetings. She will complete Dr. Bell’s unexpired term, ending Dec. 31, 2025. […]
Central Health Receives Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
GFOA Again Recognizes Central Health for Distinguished Budget Presentation (Austin) — Central Health is proud to announce it has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its fiscal year 2024 budget (Oct. 1, 2023 – Sept. 30, 2024) from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The award represents a significant achievement by Central Health, as […]
Closing Healthcare Gaps, One Case At a Time
Central Health Opens New Capital Plaza Specialty Clinic (Austin) – Patients with low income and challenging health conditions like emphysema, sleep apnea, or generalized infections now have a new, convenient destination on their journey back to good health. Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district, has opened a new location in Capital Plaza, near I-35 at […]
Central Health Names Dr. Patrick Lee Its New President & CEO
Hospital district’s new leader to begin work Jan. 29, 2024 MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Dr. Lee will participate in a virtual news conference with local media on Thursday, Dec. 20, at 10 a.m. CST. Contact Mike Clark-Madison (info above, text preferred) to reserve a spot and get the link. Dr. Patrick Lee, right, addresses attendees at a […]
Ann Kitchen Elected Chairperson of the Central Health Board of Managers
Dr. Cynthia Brinson, Maram Museitif DRPH, MPH, CPH re-elected as vice chair and treasurer; Dr. Manuel Martin named board secretary (Austin) – At its meeting on December 13, the Central Health Board of Managers elected Ann Kitchen to be the board’s new chairperson, succeeding Dr. Charles Bell, who is retiring from the board. Central Health […]
President & CEO Finalist Dr. Patrick Lee
Dr. Patrick Lee was honored to serve as the inaugural System Chairman of Medicine for One Brooklyn Health (OBH), a new safety net health system in Central Brooklyn serving over 1 million people who experience the highest levels of health inequity in NYC. He led 11 clinical divisions and 570+ physicians and staff responsible for […]
Central Health Reminds Travis County Residents to Enroll in Health Coverage
AUSTIN – Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district, once again reminds residents to take advantage of free local assistance to get health insurance for 2024. Open enrollment in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace begins today, Wednesday, Nov. 1, and runs through Jan. 15, 2024. Travis County residents have several options for enrollment […]
Hornsby Bend Health and Wellness Center Grand Opening and Community Celebration
As over 200 people celebrated with food, games, and song, Central Health’s Hornsby Bend Health and Wellness Center officially opened on Saturday, October 21. Along with tasty tacos, Zumba moves, and a Teddy Bear Clinic staffed by CommUnityCare’s Hornsby Bend providers, the event signaled new and better healthcare access for the more than 10,000 residents […]
Travis County Commissioners Approve Central Health’s FY 24 Budget and Tax Rate
AUSTIN – Today (Tuesday, Sept. 26) the Travis County Commissioners Court voted to approve the fiscal 2024 proposed budget for Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district. The commissioners also set Central Health’s 2024 property tax rate at 10.07 cents per $100 valuation. For the county’s average assessed home value, that’s a tax increase of about […]
Central Health’s Sendero Health Plans Names Sharon Alvis as Next Chief Executive
AUSTIN – Sendero Health Plans Inc. (Sendero) announced Wednesday it has named Sharon J. Alvis as the new chief executive officer to lead the nonprofit health maintenance organization (HMO), which was created and is funded and owned by Central Health. Sendero offers health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) federal Health Insurance Marketplace. […]
Central Health Board Adopts Fiscal 2024 Budget
Millions in new investments as hospital district repairs safety net; Travis County commissioners to consider Sept 12 and 19 AUSTIN – The Central Health Board of Managers on Sept. 6 voted to approve a $744 million annual budget for fiscal year 2024, which begins Oct. 1. Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district, goes to the […]
Renovated Rosewood-Zaragosa Clinic will Help fill Gaps in Specialty Care for Medical Access Program Members
(AUSTIN) — Central Health announced it is transforming the historic Rosewood-Zaragosa health center into a new state-of-the art specialty care clinic, slated to open in fall 2023, to serve Medical Access Program (MAP) members. MAP and MAP Basic are health coverage programs provided by Central Health for Travis County residents with low income and without […]
Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Increase 2024
The no-new-revenue tax rate is the tax rate for the 2023 tax year that will raise the same amount of property tax revenue for the Travis County Healthcare District d/b/a Central Health from the same properties in both the 2022 tax year and the 2023 tax year. The voter-approval tax rate is the highest tax […]
More Services, More Healthcare for Travis County As Central Health Grows with Fiscal 2024 Budget
Upcoming Community Conversations, Public Meetings Provide Opportunities for Input AUSTIN – Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district, has released its initial proposed budget for fiscal year 2024 (FY 24), a spending plan that includes sizable new investments in patient care, guided by the district’s recently adopted Healthcare Equity Action Plan. The Central Health Board of […]
Central Health Board Adopts Healthcare Equity Action Plan
Hospital district to invest nearly $700 million to strengthen Travis County’s safety-net health system AUSTIN – On Wednesday, August 2, the Central Health Board of Managers adopted the hospital district’s Healthcare Equity Action Plan, a roadmap for building a high-functioning, comprehensive safety-net healthcare system in Travis County. The Action Plan will guide implementation of Central […]
With Call for Search Firms, Central Health Kicks Off Community-Informed Process To Recruit Its Next President/CEO
(Austin) — Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district, has begun to seek search firms as potential partners in a community-informed process this summer and fall to recruit a successor for President and CEO Mike Geeslin. An invitation for proposals was sent to selected executive search firms last week, with responses due this Friday, June 16. […]
Central Health Says it Won’t be Distracted by Ascension’s Latest Legal Maneuvers
(Tuesday) On Tuesday, May 2, 2023 Central Health received from Ascension Texas (formerly known as Seton Healthcare Family) a notice of Governance and Funding Deadlock under the terms of the 2013 Master Agreement between the two parties. “We will not be distracted by this latest legal maneuver,” said Mike Geeslin, Central Health president and CEO. “We […]
Central Health’s Annual Report Details in Patients, Providers and Services in 2022
(Austin) — Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district, delivered its latest annual report on Wednesday, May 13, detailing how it increased the number of patients served by 4% in 2022 compared to the previous year. Central Health provided healthcare for 152,435 individuals, or one out of every nine Travis County residents. “Central Health is continuing […]
Outdoor Activities Update
We’re happy to let you know that designs for outdoor community spaces at the future Hornsby Bend Health & Wellness Center have been finalized and approved. Based on what we heard from the community, we’ve included some exciting outdoor amenities. Outdoor adult fitness area Members of the community and the Hornsby Bend Health & Wellness […]
April Update
GOOD NEWS Construction of the Central Health Hornsby Bend Health & Wellness Center is on track to finish by June and the center is still set to open this fall. We’ve come a long way since breaking ground in early 2022. The center will offer primary care, integrated behavioral health (via Telehealth), an accessible community gathering space, a community playscape, workout equipment, and a nature trail. The […]
Bad to the Bone! Are you at risk for Vitamin D and Calcium Deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies worldwide and in the United States. Approximately 1 billion people worldwide are Vitamin D deficient, while about 50% of the US population has Vitamin D insufficiency. Vitamin D is the only vitamin that is also considered a hormone. It can be made in the skin […]
Update: April, 2023
A lot is happening at the Del Valle Health & Wellness Center. The foundation has been poured and construction crews have begun building the framing. Central Health staff are currently contracting for additional services and soliciting businesses to address area road improvements. Staff are evaluating the estimated opening date, but they still project the center to open by the end of 2023. The Del Valle Health and Wellness Center will offer primary care, […]
National Kidney Month
March is National Kidney Month. Our kidneys are vital to our health to excrete wastes from the blood in the urine. Each kidney gets rid of about 1 to 1.5 liters of urine per day. The two kidneys together filter about 200 liters (about twice the volume of a mini fridge) of fluid per day. […]
Three Habits to Reduce Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer
March is National Colorectal Month and its time to get comfortable talking about the number 1 problem associated with number 2! Let’s face it-No one likes to talk about excretion patterns (or lack thereof), especially constipation. As a dietitian, I have the “opportunity” to talk about poop, “Code Brown”, or Number 2 often. After all […]
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Facillimum id quidem est, inquam. Eadem fortudinis rao reperietur. Perge porro; Vestri haec verecundius, illi fortasse constanus. Quid autem habent admiraonis, cum prope.
Test session
Facillimum id quidem est, inquam. Eadem fortudinis rao reperietur. Perge porro; Vestri haec verecundius, illi fortasse constanus. Quid autem habent admiraonis, cum prope.
Central Health’s Newly Released Demographic Report Highlights Critical Healthcare Needs in Travis County
Study shows 75% of Travis County families in poverty live along I-35 corridor (Austin, TX) – As part of ongoing efforts to address systemic health inequities in Travis County, Central Health released its 2022 Demographic Report, which identifies where people with low income live, what are their barriers to health care, and the most common […]
Central Health’s Newly Released Demographic Report Highlights Critical Healthcare Needs in Travis County
Study shows 75% of Travis County families in poverty live along I-35 corridor (Austin, TX) – As part of ongoing efforts to address systemic health inequities in Travis County, Central Health released its 2022 Demographic Report, which identifies where most people with low income live, what’s preventing them from getting care, and the most common […]
Central Health Sues Ascension for Failing to Live Up to its Contractual Commitments to Care for Travis County Residents with Low Income
DOWNLOAD THE LAWSUIT (Austin) – Central Health sued Ascension Texas (Ascension), formerly known as Seton Healthcare Family, Tuesday for failing to meet its contractual obligations to provide healthcare for Travis County residents with low income. “We are out of options,” said Mike Geeslin, President & CEO of Central Health. “Ascension’s persistent failures to honor its […]
Central Health Increases Funding to Cut HAAM’s Waitlist of Local Musicians Needing Health Insurance
(Austin) – The Central Health Board of Managers voted unanimously Wednesday to increase enrollment in athe Central Health and Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) partnership that will provide health coverage to 500 additional local artists. The artists will be enrolled through Sendero Health Plans at an estimated cost of $1 million. Central Health subsidizes […]
City, County Appoint New Members to Central Health Board of Managers
City of Austin Council Member Ann Kitchen, local physician Dr. Manuel Martin will join the Travis County Hospital District’s board in January (Austin) – Central Health will welcome two new members to its board of managers in January. The Travis County Commissioners Court appointed outgoing Austin District 5 City Council Member Ann Kitchen to the […]
Austin-based Sendero Health Plans Announces Change in Leadership
(Austin) – The Board of Directors for Sendero Health Plans announced Monday the departure of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wes Durskalski. Sendero also announced Perla Cavazos, Central Health Deputy Administrator, will serve as acting CEO of Sendero. The Sendero Board of Directors will begin a search for a new, permanent CEO. “As Perla transitions from […]
Central Health’s Kuang Named Humanitarian of the Year
Travis County Medical Society Presents Physician with Honor (Austin) – Dr. Audrey Kuang, Central Health’s director of high-risk populations, was named Humanitarian of the Year last Thursday night by the Travis County Medical Society (TCMS) at the group’s annual awards dinner. Dr. Kuang joined Central Health in 2022 and was among the first physicians hired […]
Don’t Let The Flu Ruin Your Holidays
Seeing family and friends is important during the holiday season, but so is making sure you and your family are safe. It’s cold and flu season, and COVID has never gone away. This year there’s another common, yet easily spreadable respiratory virus called RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Together, these viruses are causing an increase in the […]
Central Health Honors Service of Departing Board Members Greenberg, Zuniga
(Austin) – Central Health’s Board of Managers honored departing board members Sherri Greenberg, M.S., and Julie Zuniga, R.N., PhD, FAAN, with a resolution during Wednesday’s meeting. Manager Greenberg joined the board in Feb. 2015 and served as Vice Chair from Jan. 2018 to Dec. 2019 and Board Chair from Jan. 2020 to Dec. 2021. She […]
Travis County Residents Encouraged to Sign up For Health Insurance as the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Open Enrollment Begins
(Austin) – Central Health, Travis County’s Hospital District, is urging residents to take advantage of free local assistance to enroll in health insurance for 2023. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace) opens Tuesday, Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 15, 2023. To enroll in health insurance through the ACA, Travis County residents […]
Good Bites Offers Morsels of Food, Knowledge to Travis County Residents
(Austin) – Take one dollop of good nutrition, add a dash of smart shopping, and sprinkle in some delicious recipes. That’s the basis for “Good Bites,” Central Health’s new video and blog series that will provide Travis County residents not only with new and healthier ways to prepare meals, but also tricks to maximize dollars […]
Central Health Urges Travis County Residents to Get Flu Shots Early
Flu Season is Expected to be Worst in Several Years (Austin) – With flu season already upon us, Central Health is urging all Travis County residents to get their flu shots as soon as possible, preferably by Halloween. “Getting your flu shot is the best way to protect you and your family members from falling […]
Central Health Convenes Training for Travis County Healthcare Providers to Improve Care for LGBTQIA+ Patients
(Austin) — The Central Health Equity Policy (CHEP) Council announced Monday the start of training for several Travis County health organizations to embrace the tenets of the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), a national benchmarking tool for healthcare organizations to evaluate their level of care for the LGBTQIA+ community. An HRC representative […]
Central Health’s Cavazos Wins Leadership Award
Named “Latina Elected or Appointed Official Award Winner” by HABLA (Austin) – Central Health is pleased to announce that Deputy Administrator Perla Cavazos is the recipient of the 2022 Latina Elected or Appointed Official Award winner by Hispanic Advocates Business Leaders of Austin (HABLA), a think tank group and forum made up of local Hispanic/Latino […]
Travis County Commissioners Court Approves Central Health FY 2023 Tax Rate and Budget
$305m budget offers more healthcare access for Travis County Residents with low income (Austin) – The Travis County Commissioners Court voted to approve Central Health’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget and tax rate Tuesday. The $305,358,237 budget includes more than $290 million for healthcare delivery, a $90.5 million increase over FY 2022 while lowering the […]
Update: September, 2022
Construction has begun on the Del Valle Health & Wellness Center. After completing the permitting process, construction began late August at the Del Valle site, 7050 Elroy Road (adjacent to Popham Elementary School). Substantial completion the Del Valle site is expected to be reached by the end of next summer. This facility, which broke ground […]
Construction Underway at Del Valle, Hornsby Bend Sites
New Health & Wellness Facilities Will Serve Eastern Travis County (Austin) – Construction has begun on Central Health’s new Health & Wellness Centers that will serve patients in Eastern Travis County beginning next year. After completing the permitting process, construction began this week on the new health and wellness centers in Hornsby Bend, 3700 Gilbert […]
Central Health Board of Managers Approves FY 2023 Budget, Tax Rate
(AUSTIN) – The Central Health Board of Managers approved its Fiscal Year 2023 budget and tax rate Wednesday night that will lower property taxes for some Travis County residents, while expanding healthcare services for people with low income. These expansions are the direct result of years of planning, culminating in the recently adopted Equity-focused Service […]
Central Health Plans New Multispecialty Clinic in East Austin for Travis County Residents with Low Income
Renovated Rosewood-Zaragosa Clinic will help fill gaps in specialty care for Medical Access Program members (AUSTIN) — Central Health announced Wednesday it is transforming the historic Rosewood-Zaragosa health center into a new state-of-the art specialty care clinic, slated to open in fall 2023, to serve Medical Access Program (MAP) members. MAP and MAP Basic are […]
Central Health Proposes Cutting Property Tax Rate, Increasing Services as Part of FY 2023 Budget
New Plan Calls for $85M Spending Increase in Patient Services (AUSTIN) — Central Health is proposing numerous, significant expansions to healthcare services for Travis County residents with low income in its Fiscal Year 2023 budget. These expansions are the direct result of years of planning, culminating in the recently adopted Healthcare Equity Plan. To support […]
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND VOTE ON TAX INCREASE
Get more information about our FY 2023 budget. PROPOSED TAX RATE $0.098684 per $100 NO-NEW-REVENUE TAX RATE $0.092372 per $100 VOTER-APPROVAL TAX RATE $0.100506 per $100 The no-new-revenue tax rate is the tax rate for the 2022 tax year that will raise the same amount of property tax revenue for the Travis County Healthcare […]
Community Conversation About FY 2023 Budget
(AUSTIN) — Central Health is inviting the public to weigh in on its Fiscal Year 2023 budget priorities. Central Health will hold the final of three Community Conversations this week where Travis County residents can learn how the organization is building a comprehensive healthcare system to improve the health of county residents with low income. […]
Central Health to Offer Methadone Treatment for MAP Members Suffering from Substance Use Disorder
The new contracts will expand options and access to care for MAP members AUSTIN – In a continued effort to address the opioid epidemic in Central Texas, Central Health signed a new contract to begin offering methadone treatment services for substance use disorder. According to the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office Annual Report, drugs were […]
Central Health Convenes Travis County Healthcare Providers to Improve Care for LGBTQIA+ Patients
(Austin) — Central Health Equity Policy (CHEP) Council announced Wednesday it is convening several Travis County health organizations to embrace the tenets of the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), a national benchmarking tool for healthcare organizations to evaluate their level of care for the LGBTQIA+ community. A news conference introducing this initiative […]
Update: August, 2022
Central Health recently received the site development permit from the City of Austin. While the permitting process is hard to predict and took longer than originally expected, we built a flexible construction schedule, and are optimistic that we can make up time during construction. Next, it will take a few more weeks to receive the […]
Central Health to Hold Community Conversations About FY 2023 Budget
(AUSTIN) — Central Health is inviting the public to weigh in on its Fiscal Year 2023 budget priorities. Central Health will hold three Community Conversations beginning this week where Travis County residents can learn how the organization is building a comprehensive healthcare system to improve the health of county residents with low income. Residents will […]
Central Health Announces 2022 Community Health Champions Class
(Austin) — Central Health is announcing its new class of Community Health Champions for 2022. Central Health created the Community Health Champions program in 2016 to bring together diverse members of the community from across Travis County to learn about, discuss and collaborate on improving the health of people with low income across Central Texas. […]
Central Health Prepared to Work with Travis County Commissioner’s Court on Previously Scheduled Performance Audit
(Austin) — Central Health will work with Travis County Commissioners Court to modify a planned performance review, previously recommended by the Court and scheduled for 2023. The Commissioners Court approved late Tuesday an amendment to its 2017 financial order that directed Central Health to undergo an independent performance review every five years. Tuesday’s amendment requires […]
Central Health Board of Managers Recommends Increasing Exemptions to $110,000
Decision would affect Over 65 and Disabled Travis County residents (Austin) — The Central Health Board of Managers unanimously approved a measure that recommends to the Travis County Court of Commissioners to increase the exemption amounts for Over 65 and Disabled Travis County residents by $10,000. The Board of Managers also recommended maintaining the homestead […]
Central Health Invites the Community to Help Build a Better Safety-net Healthcare System
June 16 Community Conversation will provide an update on Central Health’s Healthcare Equity Plan (Austin) – Residents are invited to help shape the future of health care in Travis County, as Central Health hosts a series of community conversations regarding its new Healthcare Equity Plan. Central Health patients face extreme poverty and severe social inequities […]
Central Health, Central Texas Food Bank Team Up to Offer Summer Meals
Program offers free lunches to families through Aug. 5 (Austin) — Central Health, Central Health-affiliated CommUnityCare Health Centers and Sendero Health Plans, and the Central Texas Food Bank are partnering once again to offer free lunchtime meals for Travis County children up to 18 years old and their families. Area kids and their families can […]
Central Health Responds to Travis County’s Opioid Crisis by Expanding Access to Treatment
Travis County’s Hospital District expands Medical Assisted Treatment (MAT) program; adds Methadone providers (Austin) – Central Health, Travis County’s Hospital District, shared plans with Travis County Commissioners to increase access to Methadone for people with low income, as Judge Andy Brown and Commissioner Margaret Gomez co-sponsored the declaration of a public health crisis to address […]
Central Health Community Health Champions Profile: Socorro Carrasco
“I’m a longtime Austin resident so knowing that history and how it ties into health was something I was very shocked to see.” Socorro Carrasco is the Director of the Family Resources Center at Webb Middle School. A lifelong Austinite, she is a graduate of Texas State University with a degree in business management. A […]
Central Health Community Health Champions Profile: Ricardo A. Garay
“You shouldn’t do it for an additional line on your resume, but to connect and champion those who need it the most and provide critical feedback for folks who need it the most.” Ricardo A. Garay serves as a program manager for the community engagement and health equity team under the Department of Population Health. […]
Central Health Community Health Champions Profile: Nora de Hoyos Comstock
“Be a real advocate. Don’t just use this to put on your resume; it’s something to act on, and let’s figure out how we make health care available to everyone.” Nora de Hoyos Comstock, Ph.D., is an entrepreneur, business leader, and pioneer in utilizing social media to build a community for Latinas. Nora believes that […]
Community Health Champions Recruiting Next Class of Leaders
Application Process is Open Through June 15 (Austin) — Community Health Champions, a leadership training program designed to help community leaders understand the healthcare system and needs of Travis County residents with low income, is currently accepting applications through June 15, 2022. Applications and more information about the program can be found at communityhealthchampions.net. The […]
Central Health Community Health Champions Profile: Maram Museitif
“This work, to me, is a life mission, and it’s driven by passion and interest and expertise in the field of public health.” Maram Museitif is a public health and health care professional with more than 10 years of experience working in large research, academic, and government health settings, and has a solid understanding of […]
Correcting the Record: Central Health is Building a Better Healthcare System
By Dr. Charles E. Bell, Central Health Board Chair and Dr. Cynthia Brinson, Central Health Board Vice Chair Last week, an op-ed appeared in the April 22 edition of The Austin Chronicle about Central Health that included misleading and inaccurate statements about our mission to serve people with low income and combat healthcare inequities in […]
Central Health Community Health Champions Profile: Amit Motwani
“I feel like I’m a better human for having participated.” Amit Motwani was appointed to the Central Health Board of Managers by Travis County and the City of Austin in November of 2020. His participation in Central Health’s Community Health Champions program in 2017 provided him with a thorough understanding of the complexities around providing […]
Central Health Issues RFP for Community Health Initiative Fund
New Fund Will Help Address Health Inequities in Travis County (Austin) — Central Health is seeking Requests for Proposal (RFP) for its new program, the Community Health Initiative Fund. The fund will create new or increase existing healthcare services for Travis County residents below 200% Federal Poverty Level. The fund will support community groups, nonprofits, […]
Central Health Served 147,186 Residents in FY 2021; A 6% Year-Over-Year Increase
Newly released annual report highlights growth in patients served and provider locations for Travis County Hospital District (Austin) — Central Health’s newly released Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 annual report highlights the hospital district’s growth over the past year with patients and providers, and health coverage through the Medical Access Program (MAP). Created by Travis County […]
Central Health Receives Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
GFOA Recognizes Central Health for Third Straight Year (Austin) — Central Health is proud to announce it has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its fiscal year 2022 budget (Oct. 1, 2021 – Sept. 30, 2022) from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The award represents a significant achievement by Central Health, as it […]
Central Health Breaks Ground on Two New Health Centers Family-friendly events planned for March 26 in Hornsby Bend; April 2 in Del Valle
(Austin) — Central Health will break ground on two new community health centers in Eastern Travis County, fulfilling a commitment made to Travis County residents to expand access to care in historically underserved communities. Family friendly groundbreaking celebrations are scheduled at the site of the planned clinics in Hornsby Bend on March 26, and in […]
Hornsby Bend and Del Valle Health and Wellness Centers Groundbreakings
Press Kit Press release / en espanol (PDF) English copy follows below High-resolution renderings of both sites (ZIP/JPG) Produced video reel, including aerial, of both sites (MP4, 1080p) Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) About Central Health (PDF) For additional information, questions, or interviews contact Central Health Public Relations Specialist Phillip Ramati – (512)978-9990. Central Health Breaks […]
Central Health Board Approves New Plan to Tackle Health Care Inequities
(Austin) – The Central Health board of managers voted Wednesday to adopt an Equity-focused Service Delivery Strategic Plan, which will guide the immediate and long-term work of the healthcare district to improve health and reduce inequities for Travis County’s low-income population. Central Health patients face extreme poverty, higher unemployment, and severe social inequities that prevent […]
Honoring Black History Month: Central Health is Building a Better, More Equitable Health Care System
By Dr. Charles E. Bell In February, Central Health will adopt a new Equity-focused Service Delivery Strategic Plan, which will serve as a blueprint for building a better health care system in Travis County for people who are uninsured and have low incomes. Adoption of the strategic plan coincides with Black History Month’s 2022 theme: […]
Central Health Takes Important Step Toward Building New Clinical Practices to Address Health Care Inequities in Travis County
Travis County Healthcare District Hires Renowned Dell Med Physicians and Faculty (Austin) – Central Health, the local healthcare district, is expanding its clinical practices to serve a growing number of people with low income in Travis County. Central Health is hiring two more physicians, Dr. Audrey Kuang and Dr. Jewel Mullen, to join its new […]
BOIL WATER NOTICE AND WATER DISTRIBUTION / AVISO DE HERVIR AGUA Y DISTRIBUCIÓN DE AGUA
The City of Austin has issued a citywide boil water notice. City of Austin water customers should boil tap water for at least two minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Do not take medications with tap water unless it has been boiled. This boil water notice could last for several days. Water Distribution […]
Central Health, CommUnityCare, Announce Operational Changes in Advance of Forecasted Winter Storm
Patients encouraged to be medically prepared Severe weather is forecast for Central Texas overnight, bringing the coldest temperatures so far this winter and the possibility of freezing rain and sleet, impacting services provided by Central Health and affiliated CommUnityCare Health Centers. Additional updates will be announced as the situation develops. Refer to this website and […]
WINTER STORM WARNING
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the Austin area beginning Wednesday. The National Weather Service is predicting a very strong arctic cold front will move through Central Texas starting Wednesday afternoon and evening – the coldest so far this winter – bringing freezing temperatures and possibly a wintry mix of freezing rain and […]
Austin City Council adopts Central Health Equity Policy Council recommendations to improve City’s disaster planning, response, and recovery efforts
(Austin) – The Austin City Council unanimously approved on Jan. 27 the Central Health Equity Policy Council’s recommendations to address equity-centered disaster planning, response, and recovery efforts. Sponsored by City Council Member Mackenzie Kelly and co-sponsored by Council Members Vanessa Fuentes, Ann Kitchen, and Leslie Pool, the resolution directs city staff to incorporate the City […]
Central Health and Community Partners Help Local Residents Secure Health Care Coverage Before the 2022 Deadline
The open enrollment period ends Jan. 15, 2022 (Austin) – As the deadline to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace approaches this Saturday, Central Health is urging Travis County residents to sign up for coverage. Central Health has continued the practice of working with Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) and SIMS Foundation to offer […]
Central Health Medical Access Program (MAP) Begins Enrolling People by Phone Only
In-person eligibility interviews suspended in response to Omicron variant (Austin) – Central Health is suspending in-person eligibility appointments for Medical Access Program (MAP) applicants to reduce exposure to the highly contagious Omicron variant. Central Health MAP eligibility specialists are currently contacting everyone with an existing eligibility appointment to conduct their interviews over the phone. Applicants […]
New Central Health Board of Managers Officers Named for 2022
Following the recommendation of the Central Health Nominations Subcommittee, the Board of Managers voted to name as officers for 2022: Chairperson Dr. Charles Bell, Vice-Chairperson Dr. Cynthia Brinson, and Treasurer Dr. Julie Zuniga. The board of managers also appointed Cynthia Valadez secretary. Dr. Bell has served on the board of managers since 2016, appointed to […]
Central Health: Building a Better, More Equitable Health Care System for Travis County
‘Voice of the Community’ key component of systems planning initiative; community survey available now (Austin) – Central Health is leading an initiative to create a high-functioning, patient- and equity-focused health care system that will improve the health of people living in Travis County – particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured. Created in 2004 by […]
Central Health Increasing Funding for Homeless Health Care Services by $1.7 Million for Fiscal Year 2022
10,000+ people experiencing homelessness are served annually through Central Health’s Medical Access Program (MAP) (Austin) – Central Health is increasing funding to support health care for people experiencing homelessness by $1.7 million for the new 2022 fiscal year (FY) that began October 1. This increase will support medical respite, intensive case management and mobile/street medicine […]
CommUnityCare Health Centers Offering COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Boosters for Adult Patients by Appointment
Booster shots available for age 65+ and other eligible patients; Pfizer vaccines available for all children ages 5 through 11 (Austin) – Central Health-affiliated CommUnityCare Health Centers is now administering Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 through 11 years old who are established patients. CommUnityCare is also offering booster shots by appointment only to […]
Central Health to Travis County Residents: Don’t Delay – Enroll in Health Coverage Beginning Nov. 1
(Austin) –Central Health is urging residents to take advantage of free local assistance to help them enroll in the health insurance they deserve. Beginning Monday, Nov.1, the Health Insurance Marketplace will begin to accept applications to enroll in health insurance for 2022. This year, the open enrollment period has been extended through Jan. 15, 2022. Do not delay […]
New Central Health Program Will Fund Organizations Addressing Health Inequities and Service Gaps in Travis County
(Austin) – Central Health is launching a new program called the Community Healthcare Initiative Fund (CHIF) to support community groups, nonprofits, and private businesses working to address health inequities among Travis County residents with low income. Data shows about 80% of an individual’s health is determined by social factors outside a clinic: lack of access […]
TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVE CENTRAL HEALTH’S FISCAL YEAR 2022 $506 MILLION BUDGET AND TAX RATE; BUDGET INCREASES SPENDING ON HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS FOR GROWING LOW INCOME POPULATION
(Austin) – The Travis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, Sept. 21, voted unanimously to approve Central Health’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget and tax rate to pay for health care services for Travis County residents with low income. Central Health provides health care services to about one out of every nine Travis County residents. The […]
Central Health Board Adopts Fiscal Year 2022 Budget and Tax Rate; $491 Million Allocated for Healthcare Delivery
(Austin) – The Central Health Board of Managers voted Thursday to approve the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget to pay for healthcare services for Travis County residents with low income. The vote followed a public hearing, and the budget now goes to the Travis County Commissioners Court for final approval on Sept. 21, prior to […]
Central Health Postpones and Moves Public Hearing for Fiscal Year 2022 Budget and Tax Rate to Austin City Hall
(Austin) – The Central Health Board of Managers will hold a public hearing and vote on the Travis County healthcare district’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget and tax rate at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9 at Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701. The public hearing was previously scheduled for Sept. […]
Opportunities to provide feedback on Central Health’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget and Tax Rate
(Austin) – On Thursday, Sept. 9, Central Health’s Board of Managers will vote on the Travis County healthcare district’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget. Community members will have multiple opportunities to learn more about the FY 2022 budget or provide input prior to the Board of Managers meeting. Travis County residents’ tax dollars fund healthcare […]
Central Health Hosts Public Input Session on Funding Plan for Clinic Construction and Office Consolidation
(Austin) – A committee of Central Health’s Board of Managers will host a special public input session at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 4. on the issuance of certificates of obligation to pay for construction of the new Hornsby Bend and Del Valle health and wellness centers and the Central Health Enterprise office consolidation. Community […]
As COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations Surge, Central Health Ramps up Vaccine Incentives to Slow Spread of Delta Variant
Public health experts are urging people to get tested, get vaccinated, and wear masks whenever they leave home (Austin, Texas) – With an explosive increase in COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions across the country–primarily among the unvaccinated population–Central Health, Travis County’s healthcare district, is offering gift card incentives to encourage people to get the COVID-19 […]
Dr. Alan Schalscha Named New Central Health Chief Medical Officer
(Austin) – Central Health announced Dr. Alan Schalscha as the new chief medical officer (CMO), effective June 28. Schalscha will provide clinical leadership and direct oversight of Central Health’s clinical practice of medicine, which includes identifying and mitigating healthcare risks; using a data-driven approach to identify healthcare gaps and prioritize initiatives; and collaborating with Central […]
Travis County Health Organizations Launch “Let’s Stick Together” Initiative to Reach Goal of 70% First-dose Vaccination Rate by July 4
New mobile vaccines and incentive programs aim to increase vaccination rates in ZIP codes with vaccination rates lower than 50% (Austin, Texas) – Central Health, in partnership with Austin Public Health (APH), Travis County, and CommUnityCare Health Centers, launched a new “Let’s Stick Together” initiative to support COVID-19 vaccinations. The initiative aims to achieve the […]
Austin City Council Approves Rezoning of Central Health’s Downtown Property
(Austin) – The Austin City Council Thursday unanimously approved as part of the consent agenda Central Health’s request to re-zone its 14.3-acre downtown property – former home of University Medical Center Brackenridge – at 15th Street between Red River Street and IH-35. Central Health is redeveloping the property to generate new sources of revenue to pay for health […]
CommUnityCare Health Centers Opening New COVID-19 Vaccination Sites in Manor and Pflugerville; Relocation Burleson Road Site
(Austin) – Central Health-affiliated CommUnityCare Health Centers is opening two new COVID vaccine sites – one in Manor and one in Pflugerville – while continuing to support Travis County’s mass vaccination hub, which is moving to the Travis County Expo Center Friday. The Central Texas Counties Vaccine Collaborative is moving from Circuit of The Americas […]
Central Health Launches COVID Vaccine Equity Payments Program
The new program aims to address pandemic disparities by focusing efforts on vaccinating minority communities at higher risk for COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths (Austin, Texas) – Central Health launched a new vaccine equity payment program to increase vaccination rates among Latinos, African Americans and low-income populations in Travis County. Through the program, Central Health will […]
Central Health to Free Up Millions of Dollars for Health Care by Consolidating Offices
Travis County approves Central Health’s plans to buy property for a consolidated headquarters with clinical space and fund construction of two new health centers in Eastern Travis County (Austin) – Travis County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday, April 20, 201, to approve Central Health’s request to issue certificates of obligation (debt) to fund the construction of […]