Austin Braces for Intense Cedar Fever Season Amid El Niño Conditions
Cedar fever season is returning to Austin, Texas, with high pollen counts expected. Symptoms are similar to common viruses, making diagnosis challenging. Allergists recommend early medication and strategies to manage allergies.
Austin's Downtown Community Court Chosen as Model in National Criminal Justice Mental Health Initiative
Austin's Downtown Austin Community Court was selected as a partner in the Criminal Justice Mental Health Learning Site Program due to its approach to behavioral health in the justice system.
UT Austin Study Reveals Caregiving May Shield Against Depression Despite Stress of Ailing Loved Ones
The University of Texas at Austin study finds caregiving may protect against depression, suggesting the stress from a loved one's health decline, not caregiving itself, leads to depression.
Congressman Casar Joins Call for DOJ to Investigate Austin Police's Use of Force Over Potential Discriminatory Practices
Congressman Greg Casar seeks a DOJ investigation into the Austin Police Department for excessive use of force, particularly against people of color and those with mental health issues.
Firehouse Animal Health Center Gifts $10K in Vet Services to Central Texas Families in Need
Firehouse Animal Health Center donated $10,000 in veterinary services to pets of families in the Statesman Season for Caring program, aiding two Chihuahuas owned by a family facing cancer-related financial struggles.
Central Texas Battles a Trio of Respiratory Viruses as Holidays Approach, Wastewater Signals COVID Spike
Central Texas faces a spike in respiratory viruses including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, with hospitals feeling the strain and health officials advising vaccinations and hygiene measures.
School District Gains Counselor, Court Program Enhanced with $25K Funding
Hays County invests in mental health with funding for an additional school counselor and enhanced services for its Mental Health Court Program, addressing the rise in student substance abuse and aiding those with severe mental health challenges.
Pflugerville and Round Rock School Districts Welcome Challenged Chaplain Volunteers under New Law
Pflugerville and Round Rock ISDs in Texas approved volunteer roles for chaplains in schools, but clarified they should not perform mental health tasks; a decision influenced by Texas Senate Bill 763.
Seattle Children's Hospital Counters Texas AG's Demands for Patient Records in Court, Defending Gender-Affirming Care Policies
Seattle Children's Hospital sued the Texas Attorney General to protect patient confidentiality after Texas demanded records on the hospital's gender-affirming care for minors.
Austin Councilmember Natasha Harper-Madison Returns, Champions Mental Health Advocacy After Personal Struggles
Austin council member Natasha Harper-Madison returns from a medical leave for mental health, openly discussing her depression and anxiety, and advocating for mental health initiatives.
U.S. Battles Post-Holiday COVID-19 Wave, Hospitalizations Rise Amidst JN.1 Variant Surge
The U.S. faces a rise in respiratory illnesses post-holidays, with a spike in COVID-19 cases attributed to the JN.1 variant. However, experts note hospitalizations and deaths, though increasing, are not at previous surge levels.
St. David's Round Rock Medical Center Unveils $53.1 Million Expansion as Central Texas Healthcare Flourishes
St. David's Round Rock Medical Center completed its $53.1 million expansion, marking 40 years of service with a new tower and 34-bed care unit, reflecting significant investment in Central Texas healthcare.
Austin Startups Otherweb and MindBar Innovate News Consumption and Mental Health Care with Trending Tech
Austin startup Otherweb has launched an app that customizes news feeds and educates users on content quality, while MindBar offers affordable mental health resources via video classes and worksheets.
Texas House Bill to Ban Tobacco and E-Cigarettes on College Campuses Aims to Extend Public Health Measures
The Texas House is reviewing a bill to ban all tobacco products on college campuses, with supporters citing health concerns and the history of the U.S. surgeon general's anti-smoking efforts.
Austin Launches Texas' First Trauma Recovery Center as Part of Public Health Advancements
Austin unveiled its first Trauma Recovery Center focused on mental health for crime survivors, enhanced newborn care with the Family Connects program, and maintained food safety with over 10,000 inspections.
Austin Dental Practice Former Owner Sentenced to 3 Years for Wire Fraud, Ordered to Pay Over $2 Million Restitution
A former Austin dental practice owner, Clinton Finch Herzog, was sentenced to three years in prison for wire fraud, involving the misuse of investor funds for personal luxuries. He must also pay over $2 million in restitution.
New Adolescent Behavioral Health Wing Opens in Georgetown's Rock Springs Hospital to Address Teen Mental Health Surge
Williamson County opened the Maple Unit, a new teen behavioral health wing at Rock Springs hospital, providing 24 beds for adolescents in response to soaring mental health crises.
Austin Pioneers Mental Health Diversion Center to Replace Jail Time for Low-Level Offenders in Travis County
Travis County is implementing a mental health diversion program as an alternative to jail for low-level offenders, utilizing a $12M investment for treatment and possibly housing services.
Austin's Public Health Committee Grapples with Homeless Shelter Crisis and Contested McKinsey Study Costs
Austin's Public Health Committee faced criticism over the city's homeless shelter and a contentious $2 million McKinsey study on homelessness. Residents described poor conditions and advocated for better use of funds.
Austin Rallies Against Opioid Crisis, Strategies and Funding to Combat Escalating Epidemic
Austin and Travis County officials collaborate to address the opioid crisis, employing strategies such as naloxone distribution, overdose education, and harm reduction services, with funding from the Texas Opioid Abatement Trust Fund.
Austin's $23.7M Mental Health Milestone, Travis County Launches Diversion Program to Replace Jail Time with Care
Travis County has launched a $23.7 million diversion program to provide mental health care instead of jail for nonviolent offenders with mental illness, expanding services to offer round-the-clock care.
University of Texas Study Suggests Paxlovid Could Prevent Hospitalizations and Save Billions in Healthcare Costs
The study from The University of Texas at Austin suggests increased use of the COVID-19 antiviral drug Paxlovid could reduce hospitalizations and deaths while saving healthcare costs.
Texas Advocate and TxDOT Amplify 'Be Safe. Drive Smart.' Campaign in Wake of Rising Pedestrian, Cyclist Deaths
Katie Parker partners with TxDOT for the "Be Safe. Drive Smart." campaign, aiming to reduce traffic fatalities of pedestrians and cyclists in Texas following her own life-altering incident.
University of Texas Study Links Air Pollution in Austin to Increased Asthma ER Visits, Exacerbating Racial Health Disparities
A UT Austin study links higher asthma-related ER visits to air pollution levels in predominantly Black and Latinx neighborhoods in Austin, pointing toward environmental and racial health disparities.
Texas Man Contracts Avian Flu in Rare Case Linked to Dairy Cattle, State Health Services Respond with Vigilance
A human case of avian flu (H5N1) has been reported in Texas, with the patient having had contact with dairy cattle. Health officials maintain there is no increased public risk. Treatment and monitoring protocols are in place.
Allergy Seasons Lengthen Across the U.S., Las Cruces Hit by Significant 65-Day Increase
Allergy seasons are lengthening across the U.S. due to a warming climate, with Las Cruces and El Paso experiencing significant increases. However, some cities like Ottumwa are seeing shorter seasons, showcasing the complex effects of climate change.
First Cases of Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in Real County Deer Breeding Facility
Chronic Wasting Disease has been found in two white-tailed deer at a Real County, Texas breeding facility, marking the county's first cases. Detected through mandatory testing, authorities emphasize strict adherence to protocols to prevent spread.
Eight Governors Unite in Opposition to Biden's Medicaid Policy Changes, Citing $48 Billion Funding Threat
Eight governors, led by Texas Gov. Abbott, oppose President Biden's healthcare policies, fearing a $48 billion cut in Medicaid funds, which they argue will harm vulnerable populations.
Surge in Syphilis Cases Puts Austin Health Officials on High Alert Amid STI Uptick
Syphilis cases surge in Austin, mirroring a national trend, with a significant rise in infections and test demands at local clinics. Various factors including healthcare access and a shortage of the key antibiotic contribute to the increase.
Austin's Future Healthcare Heroes Program Celebrates 18 Students Poised to Embark on Medical Careers
The Future Healthcare Heroes completion ceremony honored 18 high school students who participated in a healthcare initiative, providing them certifications, mentorship, and hands-on medical experiences.
Central Texas Woman Files Lawsuit Against Ascension Seton After Data Breach During Ransomware Attack
A lawsuit has been filed against Ascension Seton after a ransomware attack led to a data breach, compromising patient data. The FBI is investigating the incident attributed to the Black Basta group.
Austin Schools Embrace Yoga to Soothe Stress in Students and Teachers, Bolster Retention
Austin Independent School District introduces a yoga program, Breathe For Change, to help alleviate stress and improve behavior in students and teachers, with funding from Aetna and plans for expanding teacher certifications.
Off-Duty Austin Firefighter Hailed as Hero in Saving Man's Life, Inspires Push for Public CPR Training
Off-duty firefighter Ben Liner and trained CPR bystander Gus Manke saved Dom Fusco, who collapsed from cardiac arrest in Austin. Later, Fusco reunited with Liner to express his gratitude.
Travis County Drug Overdoses Remain Leading Cause of Accidental Death, Fentanyl Crisis Intensifies
Drug overdoses remain the top cause of accidental death in Travis County, rising to 486 cases in 2023, with fentanyl implicated in over half. Despite a grim outlook, the rate of increase in fentanyl deaths has slowed for the first time in four years.
Texas Health Authorities Urge Immediate Hurricane Preparations for Health Care and Child Care Facilities Ahead of Predicted Stormy Season
Texas health and child care providers are urged by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to prepare for an expectedly active hurricane season, by updating their emergency plans.
Health Experts Highlight the Aggravating Effects of Austin's Humidity on Asthma Sufferers
Health experts warn of increased asthma discomfort in Austin due to high humidity and air pollution, with recent studies showing a link to emergency room visits, particularly in communities of color.
Ascension Restores Electronic Health Records in Florida, Alabama, and Austin Amid Ransomware Recovery
Ascension's electronic health records are coming back online after a ransomware attack in May. Clinics in Florida, Alabama, and Austin are recovering, with efforts to restore full access still ongoing.
Microsoft and Google Join Forces with White House to Shield Rural Hospitals from Cyber Onslaught
Microsoft and Google are working with the American Hospital Association and the White House to bolster cybersecurity in rural US hospitals, providing discounted resources, security advice, and software funding.
Ascension Hospital System Targeted in Cyberattack, Patient and Staff Data Potentially Exposed
Ascension hospital system confirmed the theft of files from its servers after a cyberattack, potentially compromising sensitive data. Credit monitoring services have been offered as a precaution.
Round Rock Amplifies Mental Health Support for Residents in Wake of Juneteenth Festival Shooting
Round Rock responds to Juneteenth shooting with mental health services, offering residents support through the Crisis Response Unit and other resources, including a help hotline and self-help guides.
Texas Combats Mental Health Provider Shortage by Integrating Care into Primary Practices
Texas primary care facilities are becoming crucial for mental health treatment due to a shortage of mental health providers, with professionals like Barbara Chapman advocating for integrated screenings in routine visits.
Attorneys Challenge Texas Medical Board's New Abortion Rules for Legal Clarification
Attorneys Amy and Steve Bresnan may petition the Texas Medical Board for clearer abortion guidelines, criticizing recent amendments as insufficient for assuring physicians on legally performing necessary abortions.
Austin's Integral Care Partners with Public Health to Tackle Youth Mental Crisis Through First Aid Training
Integral Care's Youth Mental Health First Aid training in Austin, hosted at Dove Springs Clinic, aims to educate adults on how to aid youth facing mental health challenges, with a plan to train 2,000 community members this year.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Biden Administration, Challenging HHS Rule on Contraceptives for Minors
Texas AG Ken Paxton has sued the Biden Administration's HHS over a rule that would bypass Texas's parental consent law for minors getting contraceptives, arguing it's a constitutional issue.
Georgetown Ramps Up Efforts Against West Nile Virus with Scheduled Mosquito Spraying
Georgetown schedules mosquito spraying after West Nile virus is detected in local parks, with health officials advising residents to stay indoors during spraying and take precautions against mosquito bites.
Texas Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order for Hospitals to Report Costs of Healthcare for Undocumented Immigrants
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has ordered public hospitals to report healthcare costs for illegal immigrants, attributing this need to federal border policies. The Texas HHSC will collect this data, potentially for federal reimbursement.
Austin Encourages Preventative Care with 'Take a Loved One for a Check-up Day' Amid Health Equity Concerns
Austin is hosting Take a Loved One for a Check-up Day on August 17 to encourage health screenings and address healthcare disparities, with activities at Parque Zaragosa Neighborhood Park.
Stand-Up Paddleboarders Embark on 21-Mile Lake Austin Journey to Raise $1.4M for Cancer Support at 15th Annual Dam That Cancer Event
The 15th annual Dam That Cancer event in Austin saw over 200 paddleboarders aim to raise $1.4 million for families affected by cancer, emphasizing mental health support through the Flatwater Foundation.
Texas Invests $8.8 Million in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Fort Bend County to Build New Environmental Health Complex
Texas allocates $8.8 million of federal funds to enhance mental health and substance abuse services, focusing on needy populations, in response to the state's mental healthcare challenges.
Travis County Seeks Legal Counsel to Review $35M Annual Payment to Dell Medical School Amid Fiscal Concerns
Travis County Commissioners investigate the legality of Central Health's $35 million payment to Dell Medical School, amid concerns of its alignment with the district's mission and state law.
Austin's New Initiative, Diverting Mental Health Crises From Jail to Care with a $6 Million Joint Investment
Travis County has initiated a $6 million pilot program for diverting individuals with mental health crises from jail to therapeutic care, providing 24/7 services and a 25-bed facility for up to 90-day stays.
Caldwell County Amends Disaster Declaration, Shifts Focus from Health Risks to Resource Strain Amid Immigration Increase
Caldwell County updated its disaster declaration to remove language implying immigrants pose a health risk, instead focusing on the impact of immigration on local resources.
Georgetown Escalates Mosquito Control with Spraying After West Nile Virus Detected in Area
Georgetown increases mosquito control with insecticide spray after West Nile virus found in traps, targeting Edwards Park. Officials urge precautions and announce spraying dates, depending on weather.
Measles Case Diagnosed at Windermere Elementary in Pflugerville, Health Officials Seek to Contain Spread
A student at Windermere Elementary in Pflugerville, TX, was diagnosed with measles, prompting school and health officials to notify and advise parents. No further confirmed cases were reported.
Texas and Louisiana on Alert as Bird Flu Cases Surface, Health Officials Urge Precautionary Measures
Texas health officials warn about bird flu following a positive test in a Galveston duck. The CDC confirms the country's first severe case, urging preventive measures for those handling birds.
Austin Public Health and ATCEMS Champion Heart Disease Awareness During American Heart Month
APH and ATCEMS raise heart disease awareness during American Heart Month, highlighting risks especially among African Americans and advocating for lifestyle changes, regular screenings, and public education on CPR in Austin.
Rising Measles Cases Spark Public Health Concerns in West Texas Amid Vaccination Rate Decline
West Texas faces a measles outbreak, with 10 unvaccinated people infected, mostly children. Health officials expect more cases and emphasize the importance of the MMR vaccine as vaccination rates fall and exemption requests rise in Texas.
Austin Public Health Allies with EMS to Combat Heart Disease, Launches Innovative Care for Homeless Population
Austin health authorities highlight heart disease awareness and introduce a new healthcare model for the homeless, emphasizing early detection, lifestyle changes, and accessible medical services.
Measles Outbreak Hits South Plains, Texas with 58 Cases, Health Officials Urge Vaccination and Caution
A measles outbreak has hit Texas' South Plains, with 58 cases reported across five counties, leading to 13 hospitalizations, mostly among unvaccinated individuals. Health officials urge vaccination and caution.
Austin Health Authorities Urge Vaccinations as Measles Cases Surge in West Texas
A measles outbreak in West Texas, with 90 cases and over 16 hospitalizations, has spread to Hays County. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccinations and warn of the risks, especially for unvaccinated individuals and pregnant women.
Bird Flu Detected in Wild Bird in Hays County, Texas, Health Officials Signal Low Risk to Public
A dead wild bird tested positive for avian influenza in Hays County, Texas. While 70 human cases have been confirmed in the U.S., Hays County Health Department emphasizes a low risk to the public.
Texas in the Throes of Measles Mayhem, Vaccination Rates Plummet as Cases Soar to 146
Texas faces a severe measles outbreak, with 146 cases and 20 hospitalizations. Despite the crisis, key leaders are silent, and vaccination rates are low. Current policies lack proactive measures such as school exclusions without a declared emergency.
Measles Outbreak Ignites Vaccine Rush in Texas Pharmacies, CVS and Walgreens Step Up as Cases Soar
Texas pharmacies report increased demand for MMR vaccines amid a measles outbreak, with CVS offering vaccines at numerous locations and Austin officials stressing the importance of immunization.
Austin's Paradromics Unveils Pioneering BCI Tech Poised to Give Voice to the Paralyzed, Top Docs Join Connexus BCI Study Set for 2025
Paradromics announced a partnership for their upcoming Connexus BCI Clinical Study to restore communication for paralysis patients, aiming for a 2025 launch, involving advanced implant tech for speech synthesis.
Austin Public Health Marks 30 Years of Service During National Public Health Week Amid Texas Measles Outbreak
Austin Public Health is celebrating National Public Health Week by highlighting their services and staff contributions to community health, overcoming the urgency of the recent measles outbreak.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Visits Texas Amid Measles Outbreak, Controversy Over Vaccine Standpoints Ensues
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended the funeral of an unvaccinated girl who died of measles in Texas, sparking debate due to his anti-vax history.
Measles Outbreak in Texas Escalates with Over 560 Cases, Lubbock Children Among Victims
The Texas measles outbreak sees 20 new cases, raising the total to 561. Gaines County is the hardest hit, and two unvaccinated children died due to complications. Health officials stress vaccination to prevent spread and severe illness.
Austin Public Health Champions Breastfeeding Support with "Forward Together" During National Breastfeeding Month
Austin Public Health celebrates National Breastfeeding Month with the theme "Forward Together," focusing on creating sustainable support systems for breastfeeding families in the community.
Austin's Mayor’s Healthiest Schools Awards Recognize Pflugerville ISD Standouts and Welcomes New Faith Organizations
Austin's MHWC recognized 32 schools with health and wellness awards, including Parmer Lane Elementary and Kelly Lane Middle School, and welcomed three faith-based organizations for their wellness initiatives.
Austin Public Health Releases 2025 Community Health Assessment: Housing, Mental Health, and Food Insecurity Among Top Challenges in Austin-Travis County
Austin Public Health released the 2025 Community Health Assessment, highlighting local health issues such as housing instability, mental health, and food insecurity in Austin-Travis County.
Texas Original Opens State's Largest Medical Cannabis Facility in Bastrop, Enhancing Patient Access
Texas Original opens Texas' largest medical cannabis facility in Bastrop, featuring a 75,000 square foot space, a hybrid greenhouse, and enhanced manufacturing and testing labs to meet growing patient needs.
Texas Baby Deaths Climb As Grieving Parents Pin Hopes On Everly’s Law
Early state data and research show infant deaths in Texas have risen since 2021. Lawmakers passed Everly’s Law to require bereavement supports and cooling devices for hospitals.
Feds Cut Supplies, Jeffersonville Needle Program Left Holding the Bag
Jeffersonville’s syringe‑exchange program is relying on private donations and packaged kits after a July federal order limited what substance‑abuse grants can buy. Health officials worry the patchwork won’t last as Indiana’s exchange law nears a sunset.
Austin Health Officials Provide Guidance to Differentiate Between Allergies and Viral Symptoms Amid Seasonal Surge
Austin health officials offer guidance to distinguish between flu and allergies amid a rise in respiratory illnesses, stressing the importance of prevention measures and consulting healthcare providers.
Rabies Alert: Hays County Health Officials Battle Wildlife Outbreak; Free Vaccination Clinics Scheduled in San Marcos, Wimberley
Hays County confirms a rabies outbreak affecting wildlife, mainly foxes, poses potential risks to public and animal safety, prompting local efforts to monitor, vaccinate, and advise caution.
Central Texas Measles Alert, Bandera And Kendall Cases
Texas health officials flagged measles cases in Bandera and Kendall counties and urged exposed or symptomatic residents to isolate, call their provider and check MMR records. Schools may exclude unimmunized students for 21 days after exposure.
Georgetown Midwife Yanked From Practice After Infant, Mother Die Under Her Care
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation issued an emergency suspension for Georgetown midwife Salli M. Gonzalez after probes tied an infant and a mother’s 2023 deaths to her care. Regulators cited failures to escalate and gaps in documentation.
CDC Finds High Hospitalization Rate in West Texas Measles Outbreak
A CDC analysis of the 2025 West Texas measles outbreak found nearly one in five confirmed cases needed hospital care, and most hospitalized patients were unvaccinated children.
South Texas Newborns Get Lifesaving Boost As San Antonio Milk Bank Rises
University Health has broken ground on South Texas’s first milk bank at its San Antonio campus, a donor‑milk hub aimed at supplying pasteurized breast milk to NICU infants. Philanthropic donors and new equipment are already backing the project.
Texas Campus Paychecks Gutted By Health Premium Gaps, Rice Study Warns
A Baker Institute brief finds individual health-plan premiums at Texas universities vary from about $8,095 to $15,742 and family plans from $23,037 to $48,636, with market structure cited as a driver.

















































































































































































































































































































































