Austin Chamber of Commerce

Austin Community College

Austin ISD

Austin Travis County Integral Care

Capital Metro

Central Health

Capital City African American 

Chamber of Commerce

City of Austin

City of Pflugerville

Community Justice Council

Del Valle ISD

Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce

Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Huston-Tillotson University

interfaith Action Central Texas

Manor ISD

One Voice Central Texas

Seton Healthcare Family

St. David's Foundation

St. Edward's University

Travis County

United Way for Greater Austin

University of Texas at Austin

Workforce Solutions - Capital Area

Central Health estimates there are 200,000 uninsured people in Travis County.  Many of these people will be eligible to purchase health insurance on The Marketplace, which will open on October 1st. Those who earn less than 400% of the federal poverty level may also qualify for an income tax credit to help offset some of the cost of the insurance. Central Health and United Way for Greater Austin are coordinating local efforts and directing people to call 2-1-1 for information.

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health at The University of Texas at Austin, in partnership with Grantmakers in Health, co-authored a new report, "A Window of Opportunity: Philanthropy's Role in Eliminating Health Disparities through Integrated Health Care." 

This publication is the result of a February 2012 roundtable discussion hosted by the Hogg Foundation that was attended by representatives from a diverse group of national, regional and local foundations that support integrated health care. Participants were motivated by a shared interest in exploring how integrated health care can impact health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities and people with limited English proficiency. The report summarizes this discussion, captures key discussion points and recommends activities that foundations can undertake to improve the health status of some of the nation's most vulnerable populations.

The report's main finding is that the current emphasis on integrating primary health care and mental health services can act as a pivot point for addressing health care disparities that persist despite improvements in overall health in the United States. A list of guiding principles that foundations can follow in the planning and implementation of their grant initiatives is found in the report.

Take a Loved One for a Check Up Day is a national initiative to encourage people to see a health care professional for regular health screenings.  Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services' African American Quality of Life Unit is spearheading an event this Saturday, September 21st at the HEB located at 7112 Ed Bluestein (Highway 183).  The event will offer free health screenings for blood sugar, blood pressure, pregnancy testing and HIV testing.  This year's event will also feature a career fair.

Project Connect is kicking off the next phase of its Central Corridor Study with a series of public meetings beginning next Wednesday, September 25th. The Central Corridor is the area from FM 2222 on the north to Oltorf on the south and from Mopac on the west to Springdale/Grove on the east.  Approximately 269,000 commuter trips are made into the central corridor each weekday.  According to the INRIX Traffic Scorecard, Austin currently ranks as the fourth most congested metropolitan area in the United States and the 12th most congested in the world.

The Project Connect Central Corridor Team is seeking input to help lay the groundwork for selecting our region's next transit investment.  Click here for a listing of meetings. 

The Director of the US Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights will hold a town hall meeting in Austin to learn of any civil rights issues in the health and social services field that may affect people in Texas.  All are welcome to participate on Wednesday, October 2nd from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Austin City Hall Council Chambers, 301 W 2nd Street..