July 4, 2014
The Central Health Board of Managers on Wednesday approved the adoption of an Affiliation Agreement between The University of Texas at Austin, Central Health, and the Community Care Collaborative (CCC). This Agreement formalizes the relationship between the CCC, Central Health, and The University of Texas at Austin and the transfer of $35 million in local funds that will be used each year to support the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin as determined by the voters of Travis County in November of 2012. The Agreement also sets out the Dell Medical School’s commitment to transforming the way health care is delivered in Travis County, including how it will participate in the Integrated Delivery System specifically designed for vulnerable Travis County residents.
“We are grateful to the Travis County voters for their vision and providing the mandate to undertake this collaborative effort. Our community will benefit directly from its support of the Dell Medical School in many ways. We will add new physicians to hospitals, clinics, and health centers in the region to meet the needs of our growing population. Medical students, residents, and faculty will train and work within our network of community health centers providing prompt access to high-quality health care services for those who need it most,” Central Health President & CEO Patricia A. Young Brown said.
In 2012, the residents of Travis County provided the mandate and the vision to begin this transformation. This Agreement is one in a series of agreements setting out the affiliations between the University of Texas at Austin, Central Health, the Community Care Collaborative and the Seton Healthcare Family. These affiliations reflect a shared vision for the development of transformative health care services and medical education and will directly benefit our community by expanding the health care capacity in our region, supporting the mission of Central Health to provide access to care for those who need it most.
“This Agreement is the next implementation step in our ongoing efforts to improve access to health care for our most vulnerable residents, to build an integrated health care delivery system, and to transform the way we deliver health care to the underinsured and uninsured residents of Travis County. The Dell Medical School’s innovative focus reflects Central Health’s commitment to our diverse community and will advance population health and reduce health disparities by focusing on preventive health care, integration of care, and cultural sensitivity in treatment,” Central Health Board of Managers Chairperson Brenda Coleman-Beattie said.
The Agreement establishes the structures through which the organizations will communicate regarding permitted use of Community Care Collaborative transferred funds and collaborate on activities related to this Agreement such as the integrated delivery system. Pending approval by The University of Texas System Board of Regents, the first payment will be made on or before August 15, 2014.
“Central Health is a key partner for the Dell Medical School. It will help us fulfill an essential part of our mission: to develop and implement new models to improve care for the underserved. We are pleased that the agreement is advancing and are excited to begin our work together to make Austin and Travis County a model healthy community. This partnership will be one that other communities strive to emulate,” S. Claiborne Johnston, MD, PhD, Dean, Dell Medical School said.
Prior to approval, a public presentation was made at the Central Health Board of Managers meeting on June 4. For that presentation and more information on Central Health and the Agreement please click here.