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Austin-Travis County Pioneers Healthcare Collaboration Using Watershed Health

Greater Austin a model for integrated healthcare in the US, coordinating patient care across traditionally siloed public and private entities and clinical and non-clinical providers AUSTIN, Texas – MAY 22, […]

WGU and Social Finance Announce Central Health as the Inaugural Employer Partner for its Fund Supporting Nursing Education

The Reinvesting in Nursing Education and Workforce (ReNEW) Fund addresses the national nursing shortage by financing a pipeline of new nursing graduates SALT LAKE CITY, AUSTIN, BOSTON, May 20, 2025 […]

How A Medical Assistant Program is Helping One Travis County Resident Form a Better Life

Sarai Vences, 19, graduated from the Central Health and Austin Community College MA apprenticeship program in 2024 and hasn’t looked back since. AUSTIN, Texas– Nine months into her job as […]

From Recognition to Action: Supporting AAPI Health in Central Texas

By Dr. Pat Lee, President & CEO of Central Health Each May, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate the cultures, histories, and […]

How A Mural of ‘El Montopolis Kid’ In the Southeast Health & Wellness Center Reflects the East Austin Community

The 90-year-old Johnny Degollado, a legendary conjunto musician in Central Texas, still plays his accordion “On Cinco de Mayo, it’s Johnny’s Day,” said Piper LeMoine, the Communications Director for the […]

Five-Year HIV Screening Policy Campaign Proved to Save Lives

HIV screening rates for MAP and MAP Basic patients in Travis County were found at rates 64% higher than the state average and 84% greater than the national average. AUSTIN, […]

One Vote, Many Victories

How the Central Health Policy Council Sparked Momentum for Health Equity Across Travis County By Arianna Gomez-Lopez, Public Health & Policy Specialist What happened next surpassed expectations. Even after the […]

Central Health Welcomes New Board Member While Honoring Departing East Austin Physician’s Legacy

AUSTIN, TX – Central Health announces the appointment of Geronimo Rodriguez to its board of managers, following the departure of longtime member and former chair Dr. Guadalupe Zamora, whose dedicated service […]

Central Health Earns National Budget Honor for the Sixth Straight Year

The Government Finance Officers Association presents Central Health its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award AUSTIN, Texas—For the sixth straight year, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded Central Health the […]

Central Health’s 2024 Annual Report Highlights 2024 Expansion and New Services

The Central Health system provided health care services for more than 170,000 people, up 10% from the previous year AUSTIN, Texas—Central Health’s 2024 Annual Report, released today to the Central […]

A Groundbreaking Partnership: Central Health Spearheads Residential Rooming Services Program with Parsons House Austin

The Travis County Hospital District has developed a private-public program with the assisted living community, which lines up temporary housing for unhoused senior patients. AUSTIN, Texas—In a bold move to […]

Justice-Involved Health Providing Positive Health Outcomes for Jailed Populations

When an inmate at the Travis County Jail arrived at the Central Health East Austin Specialty Clinic in June and was treated as part of the safety-net system’s Justice Involved […]

Central Health Opens Del Valle Health & Wellness Center

AUSTIN, Texas- A new hub for care and healing has come to Eastern Travis County, as Central Health’s Del Valle Health & Wellness Center officially opened in March. The newest […]

Central Health & Sendero Health Plans Honored with 2025 CAN Transformational Impact Award

AUSTIN, Texas–The Community Advancement Network (CAN) recognized Central Health and Sendero Health Plans with the 2025 Transformational Impact Award at a ceremony on Wednesday, March 26. The award recognized their […]

Kimmy Needed Help After Breaking Her Hand-That’s When HAAM And Sendero Health Plans Stepped In

An Austin disc jockey needed health care coverage after a medical emergency. She found community through her situation. Central Health and CommUnityCare Health Centers (CUC), both long-standing HAAM partners, provide […]

How a Calling Led This Central Health Doctor, Among the First Graduates of Dell Medical School, into Medicine

Dr. Brooke Wagen was one of 50 graduates in the first-ever class at Dell Medical School in 2020. She now works inside Central Health’s Supportive and Palliative Care department. By […]

For Steve, Healing Wasn’t Just About Being Cancer-Free – It Was About Feeling Supported

Through its Medical Access Program, one patient found total care through the Supportive and Palliative Care team at Central Health The Central Health gastroenterology team had referred him first. Then […]

A Welcome Space for Anyone in Travis County – How the African American Youth Harvest Foundation Has Become an Ecosystem for Community

In September 2023, the AAYHF began operating the Harvest Trauma Recovery Center, a first-of-its-kind program in Texas offering behavioral health resources to survivors of violent crimes and post-traumatic stresses. The […]

Just-released Central Health 2024 Demographic Report: Your background and where you live impacts your health

Updated report to guide strategic plan and ongoing clinical service expansion AUSTIN, Texas – Central Health today released its 2024 Demographic Report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the population trends, […]

For Kevin, Care Meant Finding His Song Again

Kevin’s life had been saved.

For Danielle, Care Meant Walking Without Pain

That appointment changed everything.

Danielle’s Life Wasn’t 100% – Until She Found Central Health

Receiving treatment from Central Health’s Podiatry Unit, one patient was able to walk for the first time in two years The hole in Danielle’s left foot was small at first. […]

Central Health Launches Medical Partnership with Integral Care’s Therapeutic Diversion Center

Vulnerable populations gain access to enhanced health care through innovative bridge program Austin, TX – The newly created Central Health Bridge Program has expanded to a new site at the Integral Care […]

Important Heart Health Tips to Understand During American Heart Month

Central Health Cardiologist Dr. Darren Harrison provides insight on how Travis County residents can prevent heart disease American Heart Month returned in February to remind us of some key facts. […]

Central Health Seeks Community Input  on Expanding Local Health Care Services

Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea to join AUSTIN, Texas — Central Health invites community members to join Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea (Precinct 2) and the Central Health Board of […]

For Kevin, Central Health Was More Than Care –It Was His Second Chance

Beloved Austin musician supported by Central Health and its Transitions of Care team after emergency situation Life had always come at Kevin Gant fast, but perhaps this was a bit […]

Central Health’s Partnership with the Black Men’s Health Clinic Has Helped Transform This Patient’s Life

AUSTIN — Robert Lilly had 20 years to think about his regrets while incarcerated, a life, perhaps, of forks in the road and poorly timed decisions. Lesser men would have […]

Holistic Wellness at No Cost: An Integrated Yoga Program in Hornsby Bend

Central Health welcomes 2025 with free yoga at Hornsby Bend Health & Wellness Center Lopez has often been a connector of people. She teaches Zumba classes at the local elementary […]

Central Health’s Work Helps Unhoused Residents Achieve Better Health As They Move Out of Homelessness

The health crisis of homelessness For thousands of people living in shelters or on the streets of Travis County, poor health is both a cause and a consequence of their […]

New Central Health Clinic Builds Bridges to Health Care for People Experiencing Homelessness

AUSTIN — Winter has arrived in earnest in Central Texas, and thousands of unhoused Travis County residents need more than just warm shelter. They also need medical care for both […]

Central Health and CommUnityCare Clinics and Offices Closed Tuesday, Jan. 21

For the safety of our employees and patients during the ongoing poor weather conditions, all Central Health, CommUnityCare clinics and offices will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 21 in anticipation of […]

Central Health Continuing to Expand Access to Care Across Travis County

New locations, services mark hospital district’s 20th year AUSTIN — Central Health, Travis County’s public hospital district, begins its third decade with momentum as it repairs and reinvents Travis County’s […]

Central Health Seeks Innovative Partners to Tackle Food Access Challenges

AUSTIN – Central Health, Travis County’s public hospital district, is currently accepting proposals from community partners to take part in its major initiative to improve food access and nutrition support […]

Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district, has named Kim Heinonen its first chief transformation officer

AUSTIN–Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district, has named Kim Heinonen its first chief transformation officer. To fulfill this mission, Central Health has nearly doubled its employee headcount since 2021 and […]

Dr. Hemali Patel Receives Humanitarian of the Year Award

The Travis County Medical Society has selected Dr. Hemali Patel as the 2024 Humanitarian of the Year! As the director of Central Health’s Transitions of Care program, Dr. Patel has […]

Hancock Groundbreaking: A New Chapter in Safety-Net Care

by Dr. Pat Lee Central Health President & CEO Earlier this month, as I walked through the construction site of the former Sears building at the Hancock Center, I felt […]

Understanding Colorectal Cancer Screenings: Expert Answers from GI Advanced Practitioner Rebecca Moore

You might have heard the saying, “The early bird gets the worm,” but when it comes to colon cancer, being early could save your life. According to Rebecca Moore, specialists […]

CommUnityCare CEO Change

AUSTIN – Central Health President & CEO Dr. Pat Lee announced today Dr. Jaeson Fournier is no longer CommUnityCare’s CEO. CommUnityCare is one of Texas’s largest Federally Qualified Health Centers […]

Board Vacancy Alert: Join Sendero Health Plans’ Board of Directors

The Central Health Board of Managers is seeking qualified candidates to serve on the board of directors for Sendero Health Plans. If you have a passion for health care and […]

Strengthening Travis County’s Public Healthcare System: Central Health and CommUnityCare’s Relationship

At Central Health, we are committed to enhancing healthcare access for those who need it most in Travis County. A crucial part of this effort is our longstanding partnership with […]

Austin is Different—So is Central Health: Our History, From Creation to Present

Our history, from the earliest days of the safety-net healthcare system to present In its first two decades, Travis County’s hospital district has forged a unique path to bring care […]

Central Health Files Reply Brief in Appeal Over Voter-Approved Investment in UT Dell Medical School

Filing argues that UT partnership is legal, necessary, and improves patient outcomes AUSTIN – On Monday, Sept. 30, attorneys representing Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district, filed a reply brief […]

Travis County Commissioners Unanimously Approve Central Health FY 2025 Budget

(Austin, TX) – The Travis County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Tuesday, Sept. 24 to approve the Central Health fiscal year 2025 budget and tax rate. Citing unwavering support of the […]

Central Health FY 2025 Budget: Investing in a Healthier Future

By Dr. Pat Lee Central Health President & CEO Dr. Patrick Lee speaking at Travis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, September 17. I am pleased to announce that the Travis […]

Independent Performance Review of Central Health: No Violations of Law or Significant Deficiencies

Central Health President & CEO tells Travis County commissioners:We remain committed to “ongoing improvement and operational excellence.” AUSTIN – Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district, received a clean bill of […]

Celebrating Community Health Champions: Honoring Excellence in Healthcare

by Dr. Pat Lee Central Health President & CEO As Central Health marks its 20th anniversary, we stand at a pivotal moment in our mission to provide high-quality health care […]

Central Health Joins Common Health Coalition

New group seeks to unite healthcare, public health partners behind tested strategies The Common Health Coalition, founded in March by five leading national healthcare organizations, has announced Central Health among […]

Public Comment

From Teresa Perez-Wisely on August 14th, 2024: Board of Managers, please support funding for the Latino and other non-English speaking eligible Central Health population Health Conference proposed by Cynthia Valadez, […]

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING ON TAX INCREASE

PROPOSED TAX RATE $0.107969 per $100 NO-NEW-REVENUE TAX RATE $0.099901 per $100 VOTER-APPROVAL TAX RATE $0.109426 per $100 The no-new-revenue tax rate is the tax rate for the 2024 […]

Public Hearing

Central Health Board of Managers Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget and Tax Rate Public Hearing Wednesday, Aug. 14, 5:30 p.m. Central Health Administrative Offices 1111 East Cesar Chavez St. • […]

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX INCREASE

PROPOSED TAX RATE $0.107969 per $100 NO-NEW-REVENUE TAX RATE $0.099901 per $100 VOTER-APPROVAL TAX RATE $0.109426 per $100 The no-new-revenue tax rate is the tax rate for the 2024 […]

Central Health’s Latest Expansion in East Austin Will Impact Thousands

In a historic move, Central Health has opened its first permanent specialty clinic at the iconic Rosewood-Zaragosa center in East Austin, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s 20-year journey […]

From Waitlists to Wellness: How Central Health is Changing Lives with New Specialty Care Services

If you’ve been following Central Health news, you know that Travis County’s hospital district has opened 14 different specialty care and diagnostic lines of service. Five more are expected to […]

Over 70 Safety-Net Clinics Across Travis County Recognized for Unwavering Commitment to LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity

By: Public Health and Policy Specialist, Arianna R. Gomez, MPH and Vivent Health Senior Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement, Brandon Wollerson We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone […]

Central Health Transforms Patient Care with Launch of 14 New Specialty Services

Pat Lee, MD President & CEO I am thrilled to announce a major milestone for Central Health. As of today, we are proud to offer our patients 14 diverse specialty […]

Under New Leadership, Central Health Picks Up the Pace of Healthcare Transformation

Hospital district marks major milestones during Dr. Pat Lee’s first months at the helm When Dr. Patrick Lee became president and CEO of Travis County’s hospital district in early 2024, […]

 Compassionate Support Every Step of the Way

It’s a sad reality that many members of our Medical Access Program (MAP) have severe or even incurable illnesses. Over the past couple of years, Central Health has worked to […]

Central Health Invites Feedback on $880.3 Million Budget Proposal

Spending plan closes health disparities and improves care for Travis County’s most vulnerable residents AUSTIN – For policymakers and news watchers in Central Texas, summer is budget season, and it’s […]

Building Trust and Health Equity One Brick at a Time: My First 100 Days as President & CEO of Central Health

By Dr. Pat Lee, President & CEO As I reflect on my first 100 days as President & CEO of Central Health, one word comes to mind: trust. In a […]

Nurturing Your Mind: Recognize and Address Mental Health Challenges

Mental health conditions are common, manageable, and treatable. In a recent discussion with Behavioral Health Manager Catherina Conte, LCSW-S, we explored the prevalence of mental health issues and emphasized the […]

Central Health’s Commitment To Quality Whole-Person Care For All Won’t Be Disrupted By Lawsuit, Leaders Say

Judge rules for hospital district in suit over Dell Medical School funding AUSTIN – On Tuesday, May 21, District Judge Amy Clark Meachum ruled in favor of Central Health, Travis […]

Central Health, CommUnityCare, Sendero Launch New Brands for System

Central Health, CommUnityCare Health Centers, and Sendero Health Plans – collectively known as the Central Health system – unveiled their unified brands, as the Travis County hospital district celebrates its […]

Central Health Hosts Community Conversation for Members of the Public

(AUSTIN) — Central Health is inviting the public to have a conversation about how we’re helping more people get the healthcare they need. Central Health is hosting the first of […]

Central Health Releases 2023 Annual Report

Hospital district continues to expand services for Travis County residents with low income (Austin) – Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district, has published its Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report, which […]

20 YEARS AGO: Voters Create the Travis County Hospital District

Events in 2024 show two decades of progress by today’s Central Health system (AUSTIN) – Twenty years ago, on May 15, 2004, voters approved the creation of a Travis County […]

Central Health Community Survey

Dear Central Health Community, Travis County chose Mazars USA LLP to look at how Central Health runs the Medical Access Program (MAP). Mazars has been looking into how Central Health’s […]

Learn About Podiatry – Caring for your Feet

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

A Medical Home, Even on the Street

Central Health grows and stretches out to address homelessness Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district, is making healthcare better for all in this community, especially those who need it most. […]

Thriving Together: Two Decades of Transforming Healthcare in Travis County

On May 15, 2004, Travis County voters made a commitment to care for the health and well-being of everyone in our community, regardless of income. As Central Health marks its […]

Goodbites: Black History Month

Celebrating Black/African American History through food – Greens with smoked turkey instead of pork and a healthy homemade corn bread. February is Black History Month and Heart Month. Did you […]

Central Health Receives Clean Financial Audit

Central Health, Travis County’s publicly funded hospital district, has received a clean audit for its fiscal year 2023 financial statements. Maxwell Locke & Ritter, an independent, Austin-based audit firm, issued […]

Black History Month

Honoring Black History Month Message: Manager Shannon Jones. Over the years, Central Health and other public health agencies have embarked on numerous initiatives to uplift and empower the African American […]

Help Us Improve Your Healthcare Experience – Join Our Website Study Today

Are you sick of websites that are hard to use? Join our upcoming website study to help us design a better site for you. We want to meet with members […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Hornsby Bend Health & Wellness Center Grand Opening and Community Celebration

As over 200 people celebrated with food, games, and song, Central Health’s Hornsby Bend Health & Wellness Center officially opened on Saturday, October 21. Along with tasty tacos, Zumba moves, […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]