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Most Popular Stories
- Council members celebrate unanimous defeat of bill that proposed putting Austin under state control
- A once-banned type of building is back in favor – and the Planning Commission approves
- Eviction crisis spreads as affordability pressures worsen
- Audit shows former Austin Water employee directed search of boss’ inbox
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Public Health
County and city collaborate on robust mental health program ahead of diversion facility launch
With the wheels officially in motion for Travis County’s Mental Health Diversion Center, City Hall is doing its own work to scale up the mental health services that will be key to its success. In honor of Mental Health Awareness…
Public Health • By Kali Bramble • May 16, 2023
Fentanyl-related overdoses doubled in a year in Travis County, per medical examiner
Despite significant work across Travis County over the last year, the number of overdose deaths increased 35 percent and the number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths climbed 108 percent. That number has increased tenfold since 2019 and has doubled since last…
Public Health • By Seth Smalley • May 1, 2023
City may help Travis County with mental illness and substance use disorder pilot
The Travis County Commissioners Court approved a resolution last month to create a diversion center for people with substance abuse disorders and other mental health issues, who would otherwise end up in the county jail. On Thursday, City Council approved…
Public Health • By Jo Clifton • Apr 14, 2023
Sobering center may seek expanded role
The Austin-Travis County Sobering Center, currently in its fifth year of operations, has served more than 8,000 people, according to Jana Ortega, chair of the center’s board of directors. Ortega and Executive Director Laura Elmore addressed City Council at Tuesday’s…
Public Health • By Jo Clifton • Apr 12, 2023
Dell Seton Medical Center will get a $280 million expansion
Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas is set to get a major expansion to the tune of $280 million, the facility’s parent hospital system Ascension Seton announced Monday. The expansion will add 150 beds and more than…
Public Health • By Olivia Aldridge, KUT • Apr 11, 2023
County greenlights long-awaited performance audit of Central Health
On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court greenlit a long-awaited independent performance audit with auditing firm Mazars for $854,200. The audit will examine how Central Health has used taxpayer money, with a close eye on the controversial, taxpayer-funded allocation of…
Public Health • By Seth Smalley • Apr 7, 2023
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Central Health demographic report finds 'no escape' from regional cost-of-living crisis
Austin’s cost-of-living crisis has spread into a regional issue impacting Travis and surrounding counties, according to Central Health’s 2022 Demographic Report. The report, key findings of which Central Health staff discussed in a community conservation last week, found that Austin…
Public Health • By Nina Hernandez • Apr 3, 2023
A new report says Austin allergies aren't that bad. Locals beg to differ.
For folks moving to Austin, experiencing the first brush with cedar fever is practically a rite of passage. Griping about allergies is a sacred activity that unites the newbies with folks born-and-raised in Austin. So when a report was released…
Public Health • By Olivia Aldridge, KUT • Mar 27, 2023
Austin Public Health offers $50 gift cards for COVID vaccinations and boosters
Anyone who gets a Covid-19 vaccine or booster shot at an Austin Public Health vaccination event will be eligible to receive a $50 Visa gift card, the agency said Monday. APH said it hopes the incentive will be helpful to people…
Public Health • By Olivia Aldridge, KUT • Mar 21, 2023
New forecast modeling puts Austin homeless population near 4,600
New methods for counting and forecasting by one of Austin’s leading homelessness services organizations suggests nearly 4,600 people are experiencing homelessness in the city, far higher than previous estimates and counts using federal guidelines. The new figure was revealed at…
Public Health • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 20, 2023
Salvation Army changes course on timing of downtown shelter closure after Council pressure
After a week of pressure from Mayor Kirk Watson, members of City Council and community activists, the Salvation Army announced Friday it would extend operations at its downtown shelter through April 30. The extension is being funded by the city…
Public Health • By Nina Hernandez • Mar 14, 2023
County pays tribute to joint vaccination efforts during pandemic
On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court recognized the departments and organizations whose efforts were crucial in the county’s emergency response at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. “A dedicated group of public and private partners, including a cross section…
