Local News
Current news regarding health & resilience in Williamson, Travis, Hays, Comal, Bastrop, Caldwell, and Bexar Counties in Central Texas.
Texas teen birth rates rise for first time in 15 years
In 2022, the teen birth rate in Texas rose for the first time since 2007. Some researchers believe it could be because of the abortion ban, although it is not entirely clear.
FROM: Spectrum News
Fund created to help South Bend family after deadly fire
After a housefire killed 5 children, the Smith Family Memorial Fund was created to support the grieving family.
FROM: WSBT
SAPD Mental Health Unit Expanding as a Resource
The San Antonio Police Department consists of many divisions and specialized units; one of them is dedicated to mental health support and services.
FROM: FOX San Antonio
Federal government approves 1 year of Medicaid coverage for Texas mothers
Beginning March 1, low-income Texas mothers can receive Medicaid coverage for one year after childbirth.
FROM: Community Impact
New Braunfels mulls new youth council to empower teens
The New Braunfels Youth Collaborative (NBYC) executive director spoke about the possible creation of a youth advisory council to serve local young people during the Jan. 16 special city council meeting.
FROM: Hearld-Zeitung
Medicare expands mental health coverage
Medicare has been expanded to cover marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors.
FROM: Spectrum News
5 ways to support mental wellbeing in 2024
Gives five ways to encourage mental health conversations, including talking about your own struggles.
FROM: Mental Health First Aid
7-story St. David's Hospital to be built near Kyle Crossing
According to agenda documents, the seven-story St. David’s hospital will be 693,000 square feed and be equipped with 550 hospital beds.
FROM: Community Impact
Evoke Wellness to provide substance abuse treatment for Hays County Mental Health Court Program
The contract between Evoke Wellness, Hays County and the Hays County Mental Health Court Program is effective as of Jan 2.
FROM: Community Impact
Most Texas can’t find or afford mental health care, according to new report
More than 88% of Texans live in a county where there aren’t enough mental health providers, according to the report, which found the state also has the country’s worst ratio of providers to people.
FROM: Houston Public Media
Mental Health Court offers substance abuse treatment with or without insurance
People going through the Hays County Mental Health Court can now get help treating substance abuse regardless if they have insurance or not.
FROM: KXAN
Some veterans struggle with mental health during the holiday season
Approximately 1.4 million veterans call Texas home, and the holidays can be particularly difficult for some.
FROM: Texas Community Health News
13 health and wellness offices opened in New Braunfels in 2023
13 health care-related businesses opened in New Braunfels in 2023.
FROM: Community Impact
Texas fire departments are fighting stigma and pushing to provide firefighters mental health help
Department leaders say they recognize that post-traumatic stress and other mental health issues are among the biggest dangers of the job.
FROM: The Texas Tribune
New Travis County program launches to divert youth from criminal justice system after family violence cases
A new program in Travis County helps adolescents by sending them to restorative practices rather than juvenile detention.
FROM: KXAN
AI Solutions to Postpartum Depression
AI chatbots could fill gaps in postpartum depression support and care.
FROM: Texas Community Health News
Poverty and Older Texans, the Digital Divide and Climate Change
Poverty puts older Texans at risk.
FROM: Texas Community Health News
Property Taxes and Renters; Firefighters' Health Risks
Renters unlikely to benefit from property tax proposal.
FROM: Texas Community Health News
Baby Box Bill, Republishing Instructions and More
New report: Baby Boxes make it safer for moms in crisis to surrender babies.
FROM: Texas Community Health News
Town Hall on Future of Mental Health Diversion Program in Travis County
Travis county leaders will be holding a town hall to discuss future health diversion center.
FROM: KXAN