Project Update 

October 2020 

Staff is working with advisory committees and potential partners and expect to bring a project plan for the Hornsby Bend Health & Wellness Center to the Central Health Board of Managers in January 2021. The project plan will include: 

The project plan will include: 

1. Specifics on initial programs and services 

1. Proposed construction budget 

1. Estimated timelines and milestones 

September 2020 

The Central Health Board of Managers directed staff to analyze existing information to understand exact needs of Central Health’s covered population, including MAP/MAP BASIC members living in Hornsby Bend. View preliminary findings in the Data section below.  

Based on this analysis, the initial recommendation of staff is to include comprehensive primary care and integrated behavioral health in the initial phase of the project. Staff are evaluating other services such as pediatrics to potentially phase in over time. Staff will share key findings with patients and community residents and request the potential health care provider to evaluate their own data and our service recommendations to come up with a financial model. Community and health care provider feedback continues to be incorporated into the planning process.  

Project Background 

Central Health-affiliated CommUnityCare Health Centers started operating a one-provider health clinic at Santa Barbara Catholic Church in 19/20__. After xx years of operations, CommUnityCare decided to move services to __(location) due to low utilization of services and … 

In 2015, Central health formed the Eastern Travis County Health and Wellness Collaboration to address challenges in the area. In July 2018, Central Health and CommUnityCare launched a shuttle service pilot to help Hornsby Bend residents get to their medical appointments. In September 2018, Central Health and CommUnityCare adopted the Fiscal Year 2019 budget, which included an estimated $3.49 million for priority projects in Eastern Travis County, including Hornsby Bend. In 2019, Central Health-affiliated CommUnityCare Health Centers started making medical home visits in Hornsby Bend. In July 2019, Central Health purchased 10.63 acres of underdeveloped land in Hornsby Bend to build a health and wellness center. While a permanent clinic is planned and built, in March 2020, Central Health, CommUnityCare and community members celebrated the opening of the Hornsby Bend Health Center (14312 Hunters Bend Rd, Austin, TX 78725), which features three exam rooms and offers primary care, chronic disease management, vaccines, on-site lab, limited pharmacy services, and a flexible space for behavioral health services and enrolling people in health coverage.  

Community Engagement 

To ensure community members have a seat at the table during the planning, research, implementation and evaluation of Central Health’s quality enhancement or service expansion projects in their neighborhoods, Central Health formed community advisory committees in early 2018. Members include residents, advocates and leaders, neighborhood association members, representatives of school districts, faith-based organization leaders, and elected officials. Advisory committees help us get to know, and connect with, each unique community – to ensure our collective work will impact the health of people with low income experiencing disparities in their neighborhoods. 

Central Health is looking for more residents who can join the Hornsby Bend Health and Wellness Advisory Committee. Meetings are currently taking place on an as-needed basis online/by phone. For more information, email: communications@centralhealth.net. 

About the population: Data & Demographics