News

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the Austin area beginning Wednesday. The National Weather Service is predicting a very strong arctic cold front will move through Central Texas starting Wednesday afternoon and evening – the coldest so far this winter –  bringing freezing temperatures and possibly a wintry mix of freezing rain and […]

(Austin) – The Austin City Council unanimously approved on Jan. 27 the Central Health Equity Policy Council’s recommendations to address equity-centered disaster planning, response, and recovery efforts. Sponsored by City Council Member Mackenzie Kelly and co-sponsored by Council Members Vanessa Fuentes, Ann Kitchen, and Leslie Pool, the resolution directs city staff to incorporate the City […]

The open enrollment period ends Jan. 15, 2022 (Austin) – As the deadline to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace approaches this Saturday, Central Health is urging Travis County residents to sign up for coverage. Central Health has continued the practice of working with Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) and SIMS Foundation to offer […]

In-person eligibility interviews suspended in response to Omicron variant (Austin) – Central Health is suspending in-person eligibility appointments for Medical Access Program (MAP) applicants to reduce exposure to the highly contagious Omicron variant. Central Health MAP eligibility specialists are currently contacting everyone with an existing eligibility appointment to conduct their interviews over the phone. Applicants […]

Following the recommendation of the Central Health Nominations Subcommittee, the Board of Managers voted to name as officers for 2022: Chairperson Dr. Charles Bell, Vice-Chairperson Dr. Cynthia Brinson, and Treasurer Dr. Julie Zuniga. The board of managers also appointed Cynthia Valadez secretary. Dr. Bell has served on the board of managers since 2016, appointed to […]

‘Voice of the Community’ key component of systems planning initiative; community survey available now (Austin) – Central Health is leading an initiative to create a high-functioning, patient- and equity-focused health care system that will improve the health of people living in Travis County – particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured. Created in 2004 by […]

10,000+ people experiencing homelessness are served annually through Central Health’s Medical Access Program (MAP) (Austin) – Central Health is increasing funding to support health care for people experiencing homelessness by $1.7 million for the new 2022 fiscal year (FY) that began October 1. This increase will support medical respite, intensive case management and mobile/street medicine […]

Booster shots available for age 65+ and other eligible patients; Pfizer vaccines available for all children ages 5 through 11 (Austin) – Central Health-affiliated CommUnityCare Health Centers is now administering Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 through 11 years old who are established patients. CommUnityCare is also offering booster shots by appointment only to […]

(Austin) –Central Health is urging residents to take advantage of free local assistance to help them enroll in the health insurance they deserve.  Beginning Monday, Nov.1, the Health Insurance Marketplace will begin to accept applications to enroll in health insurance for 2022.  This year, the open enrollment period has been extended through Jan. 15, 2022.  Do not delay […]

(Austin) – Central Health is launching a new program called the Community Healthcare Initiative Fund (CHIF) to support community groups, nonprofits, and private businesses working to address health inequities among Travis County residents with low income. Data shows about 80% of an individual’s health is determined by social factors outside a clinic: lack of access […]