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October/November 2013
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One-year anniversary of Proposition 1
Board members Tom Coopwood, Frank Rodriguez, Rosie Mendoza, Trish Young Brown (President & CEO), and Katrina Daniel approve the final vote canvassing following the Nov. 6 election.
Stepping back and taking stock of how much has happened in only one year, it's hard to believe we have accomplished so much. Central Health and our community partners truly have much to be thankful for, and proud of, when we look at everything that is being accomplished as a result of Travis County voters approving Proposition 1 last fall.
 
Here are the ways Central Health and our partners are transforming health care in Central Texas.
  • We directly addressed the provider shortage crisis by investing in the creation of the Dell Medical School and a new teaching hospital;
  • As of last month, new and enhanced services came online through DSRIP projects related to the 1115 Medicaid Transformation Waiver
  • We launched our new integrated delivery system, driven by the Community Care Collaborative;
  • We expanded resources to help residents obtain health care services and coverage through the Affordable Care Act; and
  • Our board approved a new strategic plan that supports the vision of Proposition 1. 

As a key player in the local health care landscape, Central Health has strengthened our existing relationships with other community partners like the Seton Healthcare Family and Austin Travis County Integral Care, and built a new relationship with the University of Texas. Together with these and other partners, we are transforming the way we deliver health care in Central Texas to benefit the residents we serve. 


One year later, Central Health would like to once again express our sincere thanks to the voters of Travis County for their vision and commitment to improving health care in our community.
Dove Springs flood relief
"If you've been listening to the news, if you've been watching the meetings that have been going on in the Dove Springs area... it's heartbreaking," Board Chairperson Rosie Mendoza said.  
 
Tsupport our community's recovery from October's devastating flash floods, Central Health approved a $25,000 contract with Latino Healthcare Forum to provide health care services through cooperation with area Promotores de Salud. The Promotores will provide a number of services, including disseminating health related information and materials, making referrals, coordinating with other agencies and case workers, and other essential community outreach and assistance efforts. 
 
Additionally, Central Health Eligibility Services staff will provide bi-lingual support, working alongside the Promotores at the Flood Assistance Center, set up at the Dove Springs Recreation Center. Our staff will assist with intake, address basic needs, and make referrals, as well as provide health care enrollment services. 
 
If you'd like to volunteer to help with recovery efforts, sign up at 
www.adrntx.org or call 512-331-2600. All of the usual community service organizations are also accepting cash donations. 
HHS Secretary Sebelius visits East Austin
"Success!
 
Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius made a stop at the CommUnityCare East Austin Health Center on Oct. 25 to speak with staff and local residents who have enrolled in the new Health Insurance Marketplace

 

Trish Young Brown, Kat Richards, and Kathleen Sebelius discuss the marketplace and our local solutions during the Oct. 25 tour. 
Secretary Sebelius met with local residents who successfully enrolled in a plan as a result of the Affordable Care Act, including Kat Richards, who made a personal statement about how access to healthcare has changed her life for the better. 
 
"Now I don't have to live in fear. A serious accident or illness could bankrupt me for life and put real burden on my family. I think this is all great," Kat said.  
 
David Caramanidis successfully enrolls in Sendero Health plans via the Healthcare Marketplace.
During the visit, Austinite David Caramanidis completed enrollment in a health coverage plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, thanks to the assistance of Certified Application Counselors at the health center.

 

Both Kat and David chose Sendero Health Plans as their plan provider. Sendero is Central Health's affiliated, non-profit HMO. Learn more at www.senderohealth.com.

 
Read more about Secretary Sebelius's visit here. There is also more information about the ACA and the Marketplace on our Web site.  
Dell Medical School forum
It's only been a few months since work on the new Dell medical School began in earnest, but there is already significant progress to report. An open forum on Oct. 29 let members of the public hear about progress, engage with community leaders, and learn more about how the medical school will benefit our community. 

Speakers included Central Health President & CEO TrishYoung Brown, State Senator Kirk Watson, members of the medical community, and officials from UT. Each provided the public with progress reports. 

Page Southerland Page, LLP has been selected as architect for the project and the building is currently in the process of schematic design, with the plan being presented to the Board of Regents in February 2014 for final approval. Construction will begin immediately after, and the school is projected to be finished in the early summer of 2016, with an inaugural 50-student class beginning that year.
 
Speaking for Central Health, Trish Young Brown explained how the creation of the medical school will add hundreds of physicians and health care professionals to the local system, addressing the increasing shortage of providers in the state. She also explained that Central Health, who has partnered with Seton and UT, has created the  Community Care Collaborative (CCC), a multi-institutional, multi-provider integrated delivery system focused on low income and uninsured individuals, that will also be performing 1115 Waiver projects. 
 
For more information about the forum, visit our Web site
Austinite of the Year Clarke Heidrick
Congratulations to Board member Clarke Heidrick, who was just named by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce as Austinite of the Year
 
As an original member of the Central Health Board of Managers, Clarke was instrumental in the creation of the hospital district in 2004 and all of our accomplishments since. 

Austinite of the Year is the highest honor bestowed by the Chamber. It was established in 1984 "as a vehicle for honoring significant leaders in the local community." 

Read the full press release on the Chamber's Web site. 

Once again, congratulations on this most distinguished honor, Clarke!
Central Health

Texas leads the nation in people without health insurance.
Almost 20% of people in Travis County are uninsured.
That's more than 200,000 people.
That's why Central Health is here.

To learn more about Central Health and our mission, goals and accomplishments, visit CentralHealth.net.

Envisioning Central Texas as a Model Healthy Community.