Central Health moves forward with funding for northeast medical complex

Last week the Central Health Board of Managers voted unanimously to allow about $90.5 million in certificates of obligation to be used toward establishing a new medical complex that will serve low-income patients. According to a press release from Central Health, the funds will be used to purchase and renovate buildings in Northeast Austin and the facility will serve those experiencing homelessness. The location of the complex has not yet been made public. However, the complex is expected to have clinical space and a short-term detox center as well as 50 respite care beds that will give those experiencing homelessness a space to recover from medical care.

“We know from our data analysis and being in the community there are serious gaps in healthcare services for Travis County’s low-income residents. Central Health is in the process of addressing those gaps by adding new services for more people in more locations,” President & CEO Mike Geeslin said in a statement to the press. “This new Northeast Austin location will be an important asset for us as we work toward our goals, but more importantly for the residents who so desperately need the services it will provide.”

At the same meeting, which was held on March 29, the board voted to authorize about $9 million toward the Rosewood-Zaragosa specialty care clinic that will open later this year.

This week, the Travis County Commissioners Court will be asked to approve the funding. If they do so on April 4, “the annual debt service amounts will increase the average homestead property tax bill by approximately $12.84,” according to the press release.