Local News
Current news regarding health & resilience in Williamson, Travis, Hays, Comal, Bastrop, Caldwell, and Bexar Counties in Central Texas.
What Happens Before Recovery Starts? How Mental Health First Aid Helps Spot Early Signs of Substance Use
“MHFA is an early intervention training that teaches people how to recognize, understand and respond to signs of mental health concerns and problems related to alcohol or other drug use.”
FROM: Mental Health First Aid
Back to School: A New School Year Means New Challenges for Students
“As students return to school, Mental Health First Aid is reminding parents and educators that evidence-based programs are available to support the mental wellbeing of young people.”
FROM: Mental Health First Aid
Ascension Seton Williamson opens $230 million patient tower expansion
“The expansion of Ascension Seton Williamson comes as the hospital system estimates the county to grow by 15% in the next five years.”
FROM: Community Impact
VA grant strengthens TXST model connecting students with veterans’ stories
“Through a new Veterans Affairs grant, TXST’s TexVet Legacy Project will expand teacher training, Gold Star family storytelling, and guided historical learning experiences.”
FROM: Texas State University Newsroom
Free training helps Travis County adults spot struggling kids
“Travis County mental health authority Integral Care has trained 394 people in Youth Mental Health First Aid training so far this fiscal year.”
FROM: Community Impact
Texas launches Rural Hospital Officers Academy to strengthen rural health care leadership
“Texas health officials are launching a new leadership academy aimed at helping rural hospital leaders navigate financial, regulatory and operational challenges as the state works to strengthen health care access in rural communities.”
FROM: KXAN
From I-35 traffic to healthcare and workforce, new coalition forms to tackle SA-ATX mega region issues
“The Central Texas Alliance will focus on seven issue areas, Rodriguez said, including transportation, water resources, housing, workforce development, energy resilience, healthcare and land stewardship and planning.”
FROM: San Antonio Report
Where to find flooding resources and how to help impacted Texans
“From addressing storm damage to mental health needs, here’s how to help or find resources.”
FROM: The Texas Tribune
TXST awarded funding for a project to elevate veteran voices and address the hidden wounds of service and transition to civilian life
“The project will support veterans and their Caring Circles—the family members, friends and others who support them—in a state that is home to one of the nation's largest veteran populations.”
FROM: TXST Newsroom
Five Million Strong
“5 million people across the U.S. have now been trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)”
FROM: Mental Health First Aid
Lone Star Circle of Care celebrates half a decade of mobile healthcare in Central Texas
“Through the Big Pink Bus, Lone Star Circle of Care offers mammography services and breast cancer screenings.”
FROM: Community Impact
Bexar County to consider first crisis nursery program in Texas
“Proposal would create temporary safe haven for children during family crises.”
FROM: KSAT
Scrolling Smarter: 5 Digital Habits to Stop Doomscrolling and Improve Mental Health
5 Healthy Digital Habits for a Better Relationship With Social Media
FROM: Mental Health First Aid
What Texas Can Teach Us About the Crisis in Primary Care
“We found that primary care practices across Texas are facing growing administrative burden, workforce challenges, fragmented coverage, and increasing expectations to address patients’ complex health and social needs.”
FROM: The Commonwealth Fund
UT Dell Medical Center aims to transform health care access, training in Central Texas
“North Austin will soon be home to a major expansion of The University of Texas’ medical, academic and research systems.”
FROM: Community Impact
Texas Conference to Spotlight Family Farms and Local Food Systems
“Often described as the largest gathering of independent family farmers and local food advocates in Texas, the annual conference focuses on strengthening regional food systems, sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty.”
FROM: Natural Awakenings
South Texas dementia cases high, Bexar commissioners raise awarenes
“South Texas has some of the highest rates of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia in the nation, according to an expert on the disease from UT Health who spoke to Bexar County commissioners.”
FROM: Texas Public Radio
Texas School Safety Center honors 2026 Statewide School Safety Spotlight Award winners
“The awards recognize innovative and impactful programs that support Texas school safety mandates and implement effective emergency preparedness and violence prevention strategies.”
FROM: TXST Newsroom
Hays County nonprofits granted $2.04M to boost maternal care
“The St. David's Foundation awarded grants totaling $2.04 million to four Hays County organizations providing perinatal care, including the Hill Country Women’s Health Collective.”
FROM: Community Impact
Brain stimulation can help PTSD symptoms, studies find
“Researchers at UT Health San Antonio demonstrate how TMS for PTSD works.”
FROM: Spectrum Local News