AUSTIN, TEXAS / AGILITYPR.NEWS / April 09, 2025 / The Central Health system provided health care services for more than 170,000 people, up 10% from the previous year

Central Health’s 2024 Annual Report, released today to the Central Health Board of Managers Strategic Planning Committee, celebrates a year of meeting community needs through strategic growth and expansion, highlighted by an over 10% increase in patients from the previous year and the addition of 16 new specialty and diagnostic medical lines across the health care system.

By The Numbers (Figures Since FY2023):

• 171,374 people were served by Central Health in FY2024, up 10.1%
• 91,831 uninsured Travis County residents received coverage through MAP Basic, up 20.3%
• 58,646 uninsured Travis County residents received coverage through MAP, up 12.3%
• 64,905 applications were processed, up 12.8%
• 24,537 online applications were submitted, up 9.1%
• 2,671 people received insurance premium assistance from Central Health, up 30%
• 677,226 primary care visits provided through Central Health’s broad network of health care partners, up 10.5%

Going into year two of the Central Health Strategic Plan, a seven-year, $800 million investment in the future of health care for Travis County residents with low income, Central Health served more than 170,000 people in FY 2024—a number that breaks down to slightly more than 1 in 8 residents.

In total, Central Health had 255 provider locations across community health centers, hospitals, specialists, dentists and urgent care providers. Central Health’s broad network of health care partners, meanwhile, provided more than 677,000 primary care visits.

In 2024, Central Health opened its first specialty clinic in East Austin, unified its health care system, which includes CommUnityCare Health Centers and Sendero Health Plans, under one brand – or logo – and built upon partnerships reaching populations at risk, ensuring more quality health care and access across Central Texas.

“These successes required deep collaboration between Central Health, Travis County Commissioners, our partners and the community. Together, we’re reimagining what a health system should look like—one that truly puts people first,” said Central Health Board of Managers Chair Ann Kitchen.

New Locations

Central Health in August, 2024 opened the Rosewood-Zaragosa Specialty Clinic, a 15,000-square foot facility with access to over 20 specialty care lines. Feeding off the momentum of the opening of the Central Health Hornsby Bend Health & Wellness Center in the first quarter of FY 2024, the Travis County Hospital District’s expansion last year continued to shift its stance from primarily funding  care in Travis County to providing care, reducing wait times and eliminating gaps.

Central Health also added expanded service lines at the East Austin Specialty Clinic and the Capital Plaza Specialty Clinic, leading to 16 specialty and diagnostic services within the Central Health system for patients who historically have had little or no access to those services.

“With Travis County’s rapid growth and rising costs of living, the need for accessible health care has never been greater. That’s why Central Health took bold steps in FY2024 to expand care to thousands more of our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Central Health President & CEO Dr. Pat Lee. “These new clinics, services, and programs are reaching people who need us most, and helping to reduce health disparities, prevent avoidable hospitalizations, and save lives. We will continue to evolve to meet the needs of our growing community.”

A Step Forward for Wrap-Around Care

The Bridge Program, an innovative medical service built around treating the unhoused and underserved populations of Travis County, began at the end of 2024. The three-phase program features wrap-around care inside the Capital Plaza Specialty Clinic and a mobile care team.

Central Health invested further into its medical respite program, providing 25 beds for persons experiencing homelessness. As of 2024, medical respite care served 197 patients, reducing strain on hospital systems and urgent care providers.

Central Health also enrolled 11,225 people who were unhoused into the Medical Access Program (MAP), MAP Basic, and the Central Health Assistance Program (CHAP).

Over the year, partnerships with other community organizations and agencies strengthened:

• Justice-Involved Health, in coordination with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, served the Travis County jailed population toward better health outcomes through specialty care.
• An alliance with the Black Men’s Health Clinic brought culturally responsive care to patients.
• A collaboration with Integral Care’s Therapeutic Diversion Center provided care for people experiencing mental health crisis, incarceration and homelessness.
• The partnership with the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) delivered care to vulnerable populations.

For the full FY 2024 Central Health Annual Report, go to www.centralhealth.net/fiscal-year-2024-annual-report/.

Central Health’s fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30.