Week of Thanks: Gratitude for a Year of Progress and Partnership

by Dr. Pat Lee
President and CEO

As we approach Thanksgiving, I’ve been reflecting on how much we have to be grateful for across our Central Health community.

Trust allows us to build a stronger, more connected health system. Every step forward that we took this year, from expanding services to improving how we deliver care, reflects the trust, commitment, and partnership found in every corner of our community.

And this year’s progress was significant. With broad community support, we formally unified Central Health, CommUnityCare, and Sendero as one system centered on the people we serve. This integration improves coordination and reduces inefficiencies, increasing the value of every taxpayer dollar. It also means that patients experience more seamless, compassionate care. Our teams delivered more than half a million primary care visits this year, including many patients returning for routine care for the first time.

We also strengthened our support for neighbors experiencing homelessness through a set of coordinated efforts. At our new Bridge Clinic at Capital Plaza, we receive patients directly from Austin/Travis County EMS, giving them a safe, consistent place for follow-up care instead of returning to the street or the emergency department. Our mobile teams, working alongside Integral Care and other partners, bring comprehensive, whole-person care to residents in permanent supportive housing sites, helping them stay connected to treatment and stabilize in their communities. And our new 50-bed Medical Respite Center provides patients who would otherwise have nowhere to go with a safe, dignified place to heal, creating a more secure path toward recovery and long-term stability.

Guided by the vision of our Board of Managers, we added 30 new specialty services — from cardiology to palliative care — closing critical gaps for our residents. And for the second consecutive year, the Travis County Commissioners Court unanimously approved our tax rate and budget, a clear signal of continued confidence in our mission.

None of this would have been possible without you.

During this Week of Thanks, I am grateful for the privilege of serving a community grounded in compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to health equity. Travis County is a special place, and I’m honored to be part of this work.

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for helping us make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.