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Austin is Different—So is Central Health
In its first two decades, Travis County’s hospital district has forged a unique path to bring care to the most vulnerable.
The public hospital model is probably familiar to most Americans, especially since it provides the setting for so many TV medical dramas. If you need emergency care or surgery, most major cities have a publicly owned-and-operated hospital to provide that care, regardless of your insurance or ability to pay. These hospitals, and the clinics that support them, are often called “safety net” healthcare systems, although in many cities they’re also sites for the most advanced care.
In most big Texas urban counties – including Harris, Dallas, Bexar, Tarrant, and El Paso – special districts were formed in the mid-20th century to take over public hospital systems that had formerly been owned and run by the counties themselves. Travis County was, and still is, just a little different.
Useful resources for facts, figures, and background info about the Central Health system. Reach out to us via the contact us page if you still have questions you’d like answered.
Enabling legislation (Ch. 281, Health and Safety Code)
2018 Germane Solutions performance review
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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 with the Third Court of Appeals in support of its appeal seeking to dismiss what remains of litigation first brought in 2017 – known as […]
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 taxpayer-funded Travis County Hospital District’s mission, all five members voted yes. “I represent a community that lives 10 to 20 years less because of the […]
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 health today (Tuesday, September 10), as Mazars USA presented its final report of its performance review to the Travis County Commissioners Court. Steve Herbst, principal […]
Blog posts
Austin is Different—So is Central Health
In its first two decades, Travis County’s hospital district has forged a unique path to bring care to the most vulnerable. The public hospital model is probably familiar to most Americans, especially since it provides the setting for so many TV medical dramas. If you need emergency care or surgery, most major cities have a […]
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 County Commissioners Court has approved the Central Health fiscal year 2025 budget, marking another significant step in our ongoing commitment to advancing health equity in […]
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 to bridge healthcare gaps in Travis County. This new clinic is a cornerstone of Central Health’s unprecedented expansion, which includes launching around 20 specialty care, […]
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