Health care
BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
Health Care Edition
2025
Community Impact ’s annual health care guide features news on the timeliest topics in the industry. We’re thrilled to bring you the latest on health care topics that truly matter to residents across Bastrop, Cedar Creek, and our neighboring communities. This year, we’re diving deep into several crucial local and regional health issues, aiming to provide you with insights that are both informative and relevant to your daily life. Inside this edition, you’ll nd comprehensive coverage on a variety of essential subjects. We tackle the statewide blood shortage and explore how you can contribute, o er an update on the new Bastrop ESD and its partnership with Acadian Ambulance, and highlight local support groups that promote mental well-being. We also educate on the di erent types of care options available to you, and even share a unique dining experience right inside the Ascension Seton Smithville hospital, plus much more vital health information designed to keep you informed. A huge thank you to our amazing advertisers. Their support is what allows Community Impact to keep you informed and connected to the news that impacts your life.
What's inside
See how Restoration Ranch uses rehabilitated horses to help veterans (Page 15)
Leslie Bradshaw General Manager lbradshaw@ communityimpact.com
Get the latest updates from Bastrop-area medical facilities (Page 16)
Learn how to choose di erent clinics and care centers based on your needs (Page 17)
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We Are Blood continues to urge blood donations, following a “critical shortage” reported earlier this year. The blood bank provides donations to every hospital within the area it serves, including Bastrop County. Representatives say one donation could save up to three lives and takes less than one hour. “We are calling on generous O-type donors to help us rebuild and meet the needs of local patients at area hospitals,” Nick Canedo, vice president of community engagement at WAB, said in an April release. As of late 2023, members of the LGBTQ+ community can donate; the gender of a donor and their sexual partners is no longer a consideration for donor eligibility. Residents urged to donate blood
How it works
On arrival, potential donors will sign in at the front desk and be asked to read information about the process. After that, they will complete a survey regarding medical and travel history. The donor will receive a mini-physical, including checking temperature, blood pressure, pulse and red blood cell percentage. A phlebotomist will then lead them into the donation room. Those interested can schedule an appointment online for any of the four Austin-area locations or mobile drives held across all the counties it serves. O cials said donors should drink plenty of water the night before and bring photo identi cation. Anyone with questions can call 512-206-1108 or email whocandonate@weareblood.org.
Bastrop-area residents can make a life-saving impact by donating O-type blood amid a current shortage.
COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Donors must Be in good health Be at least 17 years old Weigh at least 115 pounds for whole blood donations or 110 pounds for platelet donations
SOURCE: WE ARE BLOOD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION
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