Health & wellness
BY ETHAN THOMAS
Health & Wellness Edition
2026
Howdy, neighbors! A healthy community is shaped by connection, access, and the shared spaces that bring us together—from our trails and rivers to the local organizations that support us. To us, health and wellness are about time outdoors, meaningful connections and resources that support our physical, mental, and social well-being. In this guide, you’ll nd updates on trail projects throughout the community, a feature on a boxing gym o ering a unique experience and the latest from local nonpro ts helping our community live healthier. This issue wouldn’t be possible without the support of local businesses and sponsors. We hope you’ll show your appreciation by supporting them to help keep our community thriving.
Gold Sponsors
Kayla Brooks General Manager kbrooks@ communityimpact.com
Blue Agave Functioning Medicine www.blueagavefunctionalmedicine.com 830 491 4040
Pak Medical Group by InnovaCare Health https://innovacarehealth.com/ location/pak-medical-group-center-of- excellence/ (830) 730 4125 Serving the community with patient care at the forefront.
Blue Agave Functional Medicine rede nes healthcare through prevention, education and
personalized, evidence-based care that addresses root causes and supports wellness.
Silver Sponsors
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Program looks to help teens impacted by substance use Previously, families in Comal County seeking services had to travel to San Antonio or Austin, often creating barriers to consistent and timely care. The new program hopes to help remove those obstacles and help more individuals by keeping treatment close to home, Program Director Zach Saunders said. “We are extremely excited to launch this pro- 600 573
RecoveryWerks! is now o ering a new level of care for teens and families impacted by substance use with Comal County’s rst and only Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, or IOP. The program launched in October and provides recovery support services for teens and families in rural communities a ected by substance use, according to a news release from the organization. The details An IOP is intended to bridge the gap between inpatient treatment and traditional outpatient services. Participants receive several hours of therapy and support each week while continuing to attend school and remain engaged in daily life, the release states. The organization currently provides free services through peer recovery support specialists and licensed chemical dependency counselors. The Adolescent IOP is a fee-based service, with pricing tied to the level of care provided.
Unique clients year-to-year Since 2016, the nonpro t saw fewer than 50 unique clients, with that number growing to over 350 by scal year 2025, RecoveryWerks! Executive Director Deborah Dickensheets said.
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gram,” Saunders said in the release. “In 2025 alone, we served over 360 individuals, and the demand continues to grow.” Something to note Data shows a dip in clients in 2024 after Comal ISD stopped o ering a shortened stay at alternative education schools for students who participated in the program. The organization required parent or guardian participation for at least four weeks of the program, which became an issue for some parents. This led CISD to remove the incentive, RecoveryW- erks! Executive Director Deborah Dickensheets said.
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NOTE: THE ORGANIZATION'S FISCAL YEAR RUNS FROM APRIL 1 TO MARCH 31. Fiscal year
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
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