Northwest Austin Edition | June 2025

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Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 5 JUNE 28JULY 29, 2025

2025 Health Care Edition

St. David’s HealthCare expands footprint with hospital projects Certain Austin, regional projects facing delays

Also in the Health Care Edition

and $20 million emergency department expan- sion. These projects follow the women’s center expansion, which was completed in 2023. “That campus, generally, has gotten bigger and busier,” St. David’s CEO David Hustutler said. The health care system’s investment also backs other ongoing regional projects, including hospitals in Kyle and Leander.

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Some of St. David’s HealthCare’s nearly $1 billion worth of Austin-area expansion projects announced in February 2022 have faced delays, including a behavioral health hospital that was slated to open adjacent to St. David’s North Austin Medical Center last year. Despite the delay, other projects are still underway at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, including a $52 million parking garage

Kale Me Crazy’s healthy options

CONTINUED ON 26

We Are Blood urging donations

The rst phase of the emergency department expansion could be complete by late 2025. (Brittany Anderson/Community Impact)

Robotics use in local medicine

Also in this issue

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INSIDE

Impacts: Vida Verde Kitchen now serving up Mexican-American cuisine (Page 6)

Innovation meets expertise in scoliosis care

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Jared Fridley, MD Neurosurgeon, Spine and Nerve Center

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Impacts

• 3210 Esperanza Crossing, Ste. 122, Austin • www.biagiospirits.com

620

3 Google Store Shoppers can purchase Google-made products including Pixel phones, watches and tablets, Next cameras, Fitbit trackers and other branded merchandise. The location features experts who can help visitors with device issues such as troubleshooting, Pixel phone repairs and more. • Opened May 30 • 11701 Domain Blvd., Ste. 164, Austin • https://store.google.com 4 Abercrombie & Fitch The fashion brand has opened its women’s-only store which sells tops, bottoms, dresses, swimwear, accessories and more. • Opened June 12 • 11700 Domain Blvd., Ste. 120, Austin • www.abercrombie.com 5 Smile Suite The practice is operated by Dr. Sahar Talebloo. Patients can schedule appointments for a range of cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth whitening, veneers and dental bonding. • Opened June 2 • 11855 Research Blvd., Unit 200, Austin • www.smilesuiteatx.com 6 The Salty Customers can find baked goods served daily until sold out, such as Terry Black’s BBQ Brisket Kolache, Everything Cragel, Cheddar Cragel, and Jalapeno Sausage and Cheddar Kolache. • Opened June 6 • 11501 Rock Rose Ave., Ste. 156, Austin • www.saltydonut.com 7 Varsity Zone HVAC The business opened in the area in late April and offers a range of services including heating, cooling, repair, installation and maintenance. • Opened in late April • 2301 Denton Drive, Ste. K, Austin • www.varsityzone.com

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

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• 8222 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.azurecafe.site

Now open

1 Azure Cafe Owned by chef Mike Luu, the eatery’s menu includes appetizers, banh mi, rice plates and bowls, noodle soup and dry noodles. Customers can enjoy dessert options such as bingsu and croffles. • Opened April 29

2 Biagio Wine & Spirits The business opened in Domain Northside and is now offering beer, liquor, wine and mixers. Customers can purchase brands including Grey Goose, Jack Daniel’s, Patrón, Hendrick’s and more. • Opened in early May

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

8 Vigor Pilates Owned by Brenda Beckmann, the studio is now open for private sessions, but small group classes will begin in July. • Opened in May • 8127 Mesa Drive, Ste. 301, Austin • www.vigoratx.com

Now open

Relocations

Coming soon

9 Gold’s Gym The 30,000-square-foot gym will offer strength equipment, training zones, a stretch suite, a recovery room and other facilities, according to a news release.

• Grand opening June 30 • 7301 Burnet Road, Austin • www.goldsgym.com

14 Vida Verde Kitchen The restaurant serves Mexican-American meals with ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers, as stated on its website. For breakfast, diners can find sandwiches, omelets, tacos and more. Lunch and dinner options such as made-to- order guacamole, appetizers and salads are also available. • Opened May 19 • 4200 W. Braker Lane, Ste. 100, Austin • www.vidaverdekitchen.com

16 Feats of Clay The business relocated from its previous location at 4630 Burnet Road. Customers can find a range of pottery classes, including one-time classes, six- to-eight-week classes, workshops and art shows, and events.

10 Hillcrest Children’s Academy The day care will accept children ages 6 weeks to pre-K all year round in addition to accepting K-5th grade ages during the summer months. • Opening in August • 3838 Steck Ave., Austin • www.hillcrestacademy.kids 11 Kilwins The brand has over 175 locations across the U.S. and offers handcrafted chocolates, fudge, caramel apples, 12 Tag Heuer The business sells a range of watches including classics, sport watches, dive watches, automatic, chronograph and more for men and women, according to its website. • Opening in late 2025 • 11700 Rock Rose Ave., Ste. 100, Austin • www.tagheuer.com 13 Tora EastVillage will welcome the new restaurant created by Michelin-recognized Aburi Restaurants. Guests brittle and ice cream. • Opening early 2026 • 3500 E. Parmer Lane, Austin • www.kilwins.com

• Relocated in early May • 806 Mc Phaul St., Austin • www.featsofclaypottery.com

17 Slackers Brewing Co. Family-owned brewery Slackers Brewing Co. expanded its offerings in mid-March, serving coffee, tea and other nonalcoholic drinks. The new coffee bar, located inside the brewery, offers traditional espresso drinks such as Americanos, lattes and cappuccinos, as well as drip coffee and cold brew. • 12233 N. RM 620, Ste. 204, Austin • www.slackersbrewing.com 18 Summit Elementary Summitt Elementary School in Austin ISD celebrated its 150th anniversary at an assembly with students, staff and former teachers May 16. • 12207 Brigadoon Lane, Austin • www.austinisd.org/schools/summitt

will place orders using a platform that will use a sushi concierge system to deliver dishes through a network of laneways, as stated in a news release. • Opening in December • 3500 E. Parmer Lane, Austin • www.aburitora.com/aburi-tora-austin

In the news

15 First Presbyterian Church of Austin The congregation first began with five members in 1850, who met at the old state Capitol building. The church plans to commemorate the anniversary through the end of the year with additional celebrations to come. • 8001 Mesa Drive, Austin • www.fpcaustin.org

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Government

Austin to halt license plate reader program The Austin Police Department’s use of hundreds of automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, will end in June following community opposition against the data collection initiative. What happened City Council was scheduled to vote on June 5 to indefinitely continue an ALPR program. However, public pushback this month led City Manager T.C. Broadnax to withdraw the item to more closely vet the program and community concerns. An APD spokesperson said the department supports the move to allow for more review and public engagement. After city officials suspended the use of ALPRs in 2020, the technology returned under a one-year pilot program with council-imposed guidelines related to privacy and data-sharing with outside law enforcement agencies. It started last March and was

Austin Energy GM search continues

Millions of license plate scans led to dozens of arrests under a city pilot program. Austin automated license plate reader program results

License plate scans

The recruitment process for the next gen- eral manager of Austin Energy is underway ahead of the formal retirement of current head Bob Kahn later this month. What’s happening Kahn, a longtime power industry member and previous AE executive, notified city offi- cials of his intent to step down in late March. His retirement will be effective June 30, just over two years after he was appointed to the role. He was earning a $494,000 salary this fiscal year. For now, former deputy General Manager Stuart Reilly is serving as interim GM. On June 5, City Council voted to move for- ward with a $110,000 recruitment contract with utility industry search firm Mycoff Fry Partners LLC.

40M

37,697,936

30M

23,623,874

20M

13,790,311

10M

Trial Q1

Trial Q2

Trial Q3

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

temporarily extended this spring, and a city audit of program results was released in May. APD Chief Lisa Davis said ALPRs were key to solving dozens of criminal cases since early 2024. Opponents on the council dais and in the commu- nity have said the cameras represent surveillance overreach and unwanted data-sharing.

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BY BEN THOMPSON

New policy for voter- approved tax hikes Austin leaders adopted a new policy meant to guide city planning for a tax rate election, or TRE, when local officials move to seek voter approval for a tax hike in the future. What’s happening Under Texas law, cities typically can’t increase their property tax collections by more than 3.5% year over year. However, local governments do have the ability to go beyond that limit if they earn voter approval to increase taxes beyond that limit, up to an 8% annual revenue jump. Austin hasn’t yet used a TRE for general budgeting purposes since the 3.5% cap was imposed by state leaders in 2019. Officials on May 22 approved a new blueprint to be used before calling a TRE.

Pushback prompts housing program reform An Austin development program created last year will be revised and potentially expanded, after city officials acknowledged unintended effects tied to new construction under the policy. How we got here Austin’s DB90 program is a density bonus allowing mixed-use projects up to 90 feet tall, requiring at least 10% of new housing to be afford- able based on the local median family income. A resolution from Mayor Kirk Watson approved June 5 kicks off DB90 amendments and calls to create similar new bonus programs set to varied building heights, affordability requirements and commercial activation. Watson said his proposal aims to create “density tiers” after DB90 pro- duced a mixed bag of results and public pushback as Austin’s only citywide affordable bonus program.

Approved affordable bonus program rezonings in Northwest Austin 1 Allandale Car Wash Redevelopment 2 8200 & 8300 North MoPac Expressway 3 7500 Burnet Road

4 9012 Research Boulevard 5 Burnet Road & US 183 DB90

6 2100 Polaris Avenue 7 Far West Multifamily

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SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: AS OF JUNE 5

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Education

BY GRANT CRAWFORD, BROOKE SJOBERG & CHLOE YOUNG

3 Austin ISD middle schools to see overhaul Three Austin ISD middle schools are set to change next school year, receiving new teachers, administrators and curriculum. These changes are a part of AISD’s proposed turnaround plans to restart Dobie, Webb and Burnet middle schools following two consecutive years of failed A-F accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency.

PfISD, city partner to offer trades training The city of Pflugerville and Pflugerville ISD will continue a partnership to provide local students the opportunity to explore careers in water and wastewater, after City Council approved a memorandum of understanding agreement with the school district May 27. The overview As part of the summer skilled trades academy, area high school seniors who are unsure if they want to attend college can learn more about careers in the water and wastewater sector. The city and PfISD have worked with the Texas chapter of the American Water Works Association to regionalize the academy to the cities of Austin, Round Rock and Manor.

The update The board is set to hold a public hearing and vote on the plans at its June 26 meeting, after press time, ahead of a June 30 deadline from the TEA. The district postponed the vote, which was originally scheduled for June 12, to allow for more time to receive community feedback and finalize the plans, Jacob Reach, AISD chief of governmen- tal relations, told Community Impact . What’s happening Austin ISD has replaced some campus staff as it implements the state’s Accelerating Campus Excellence, or ACE, model for improvement.

School scores

The “what if” rating scores the 2021-22 TEA accountability rating data using the 2022-23 methodology as a comparison point. A score of “C” or 70 and above counts as passing.

Campus

2021-22 "what if"

Rating out of 100

2022-23

Rating out of 100

Burnet Middle Dobie Middle Webb Middle

F F F

59 56 54

F F F

55 51 59

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Enrollment projections for RRISD shift Round Rock ISD is projected to reach a dis- trictwide enrollment of between 45,893 and 48,690 students in the next decade, a new demographics report shows. In a departure from reports historically provided by Zonda Education, the range of possible results represents outcomes the district could face due

to a few challenges in the local housing market, consultant Hudson Huff told trustees in a May update. What you need to know While interest rates remain high, residents of the district are not selling, Huff said, leading to an overall aging of the district’s population. This is offsetting student enrollment growth in RRISD, where many new housing developments may bring families with school-aged children to the area.

Home sales in Round Rock ISD

8,000

-50.48%

6,000

4,000

2,000

0 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

ATP opens bidding for $3B Austin light rail contract

CapMetro swears in transit police force Capital Metro welcomed its inaugural class of transit police officers June 6, mark- ing a milestone for the agency. Some context Concerns over safety are not something new for the organization. CapMetro adopted a three-pronged public safety strategy back in 2021, leading to the creation of the specialized transit police department, public safety ambassadors and community intervention specialists. The agency appointed Eric Robins as its first police chief last August. Officials announced June 17 that Robins would leave the role in mid-July, with plans to begin a nationwide search in the near future. Assistant Chief Joseph Rose will serve as the interim chief of police in the meantime.

The agency tasked with building Austin’s voter-approved light rail system—Austin Transit Partnership—has officially launched the official solicitation process for a design and construction contract worth an estimated $3 billion. An additional $1 billion in contracts is also anticipated for vehicle purchase and operation and maintenance, while the total cost of the project is estimated at $7.1 billion. What’s happening? ATP expects to award the final design and construction contract by early 2026, with crews breaking ground in 2027, according to a news release. The agency will use a two-step procurement process to vet interested applicants. Contractors will initially submit a request for qualifications, which will remain open until July 3. Once the firms are deemed qualified for the project, they will submit requests for proposals in

Rail plans Phase 1 Priority extensions Future extensions

GUADALUPE ST.

360

183

S. CONGRESS AVE.

E. RIVERSIDE DR.

SOURCE: AUSTIN TRANSIT PARTNERSHIP/COMMUNITY IMPACT

August, by which the ATP team will evaluate the firms’ experience, approach and total cost pro- posals. The Austin light rail is expected to create and support hundreds of thousands of jobs both locally and across the state.

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Health care

BY KAROLINE PFEIL

Health Care Edition

2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health Care Edition! If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything—and here in Northwest Austin, we’re lucky to have access to top-notch care, from hospitals and clinics to testing sites and holistic services. Dive into our Annual Health Care Edition to explore your local options, and thank you to our sponsors and advertisers for enabling Community Impact to keep our residents informed.

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What's inside

The reason behind longer hospital wait times (Page 17)

Experts share the importance of dental care for health (Page 19)

Robotics use helping advance North Austin hospitals (Page 24)

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Austin Gastroenterology now oering AI-assisted colonoscopies locally

Detection averages The adenoma detection rate is the percentage of colonoscopy patients with one or more colon polyps detected.

Austin Gastroenterology

National benchmark

Men

Patients at Austin Gastroenterology will now have access to new AI-assisted colonoscopies. The new procedure will serve as a tool to help special- ists detect growths in the colon without patients feeling any physical change in their colonoscopy experience, according to a news release. The overview During a colonoscopy, a thin, exible camera is inserted into the colon, or large intestine, in order to scan and detect growths or polyps. At Austin Gastroenterology, this procedure will now include additional equipment which will use AI to scan image databases to more accurately compare and detect polyps, said Dr. Sanjana Luther, a board-certied gastroenterologist practicing at Austin Gastroenterology. “It’s kind of like an added layer, an extra set of

eyes, to essentially help us detect polyps—spe- cically those that might be a little bit harder to detect,” Luther said. The details The technology, referred to as the Medtronic GI Genius module, was introduced at the practice in early April, and is available at all four of the busi- ness’ Austin Endoscopy Center locations in North Austin, South Austin, Bee Cave and Leander. A key indicator of colonoscopy quality is adenoma detection rate, or ADR, according to the practice’s news release, which is the rate of detection of colon polyps in patients. The practice is aiming to improve these numbers with the new GI Genius module, and saw positive improvements in a trial period prior to purchasing the technology, Luther said.

30%

61.2%*

Women

20%

47.5%*

*2024 DETECTION RATES

Recommended steps to reduce colon cancer risk: Reduce red meat consumption Stay physically active Increase ber Avoid smoking or drinking

Get adequate sleep Maintain a healthy diet

Reduce stress

SOURCES: AUSTIN GASTROENTEROLOGY, ELIZABETH KLINGBEILCOMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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Health care

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

6 updates from hospitals in the Northwest Austin area

2 Cedar Park Regional Medical Center Ascension Seton officials announced in an April 15 news release that the hospital system will take over ownership of the Cedar Park Regional Medical Center. Per the news release, Ascension is expected to fully take over ownership this summer once the transaction is closed and will focus on expanding advanced medical services and improving efficiencies within the hospital. CPRMC features 126 beds, has two 24/7 emergency rooms and provides a variety of medical services.

3 Dell Children’s Medical Center North Campus The hospital elevated its trauma certification in April and is now an advanced trauma center, making it one of only three Level 3 pediatric trauma centers in Texas, per a news release. “I’m thrilled and proud of our emergency team for earning this recognition,” said Cathy Heckenlively, chief administrative officer at Dell Children’s North. To receive the status, Dell Children’s staff performed individual reviews of each patient case, received a two-day facility survey by Texas EMS Trauma and Acute Care Foundation, and created trauma guidelines, among other tasks. “As Central Texas continues to grow, it’s imperative that we invest in our hospitals and ensure we have the latest trauma advancements and staff available to serve our patients,” said Adam Messer, president of Dell Children’s Medical Center.

1 Ascension Seton Northwest Hospital Ascension Texas named Jamie Youssef as its new CEO on May 19. Youssef has 23 years of experience, and most recently worked at HCA Healthcare as the senior vice president of network development and service lines, according to a news release. “I look forward to aligning my passion and experience with the deep-rooted legacy of Ascension Texas to serve our associates and patients,” Youssef said in the release. Youssef is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and also previously served in senior executive roles for Medical City Healthcare-HCA North Texas Division and Medical City Children’s Hospital, the release states. “We are thrilled to have Jamie join Ascension Texas,” said Chris Mowan, senior vice president and regional operating officer for Ascension.

“With full ownership, we can accelerate growth, streamline operations and introduce new services that meet the evolving needs of the community.”

EDUARDO CONRADO, ASCENSION PRESIDENT

RESEARCH BLVD.

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5 St. David’s North Austin Medical Center In 2023, the hospital expanded its NICU from 50 to 97 beds with four additional floors. The $121 million project comes after St. David’s HealthCare announced nearly $1 billion in investments in Central Texas facilities. “We always seem to be a little surprised at how rapidly we continue to grow and fill that capacity,” St. David’s CEO David Huffstutler said. Amid facing parking challenges, the hospital will open a $52 million parking garage to add about 971 spaces. The campus is also in the process of developing a three-phase expansion of its emergency department. To read more about what’s happening at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, visit Page 26.

6 Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus The campus is set to expand its offerings in 2025 with the addition of a craniofacial clinic, per an announcement in late 2024. The clinic, which offers services at other Texas Children’s locations, treats children with facial, jaw and skull abnormalities, such as: • Undersized jaws • Small or underdeveloped parts of the face • Dentofacial deformities, such as Apert syndrome, Crouzon syndrome and Pfeiffer syndrome • Acute and chronic sequelae of facial fractures, resulting from a disease, injury or other trauma • Rare craniofacial clefts Representatives for the hospital said the Austin clinic will include integrated dentistry and orthodontic services.

4 Heart Hospital of Austin Heart Hospital of Austin has worked toward less invasive procedures for patients, shifting from open-heart surgery to minimally invasive techniques through its research department, said Dr. Faraz Kerendi, director of the Heart Valve Clinic at Heart Hospital of Austin. Under St. David’s HealthCare, the hospital focuses on various cardiac and vascular procedures. Kerendi said the specialty hospital’s research department has worked on “the cutting edge” of new technological advancements, such as catheter-based treatment or smaller surgical incisions. Heart valve surgery required open-chest surgery about 10 years ago. Since then, technology has improved to include trials for minimally- invasive procedures in other heart valves, Kerendi said.

45 TOLL

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9835 N. Lake Creek Parkway, Bldg. B, Austin www.texaschildrens.org

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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Health care

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Physician burnout, fewer medical residency slots and demand outpacing provider availability are leading to longer doctor appointment wait times in Central Texas, according to Austin-based Harbor Health Drs. Clay Johnston and Luci Leykum. Austin’s rapid growth has made the local health care system unable to keep up with demand, Johnston said, and fewer primary care physicians and specialists have led to longer wait times across the city. “The bottom line is that the finances that Burnout, high demand behind long wait times

Diving in deeper

Health care wait times

A 2022 study surveying over 1,000 offices across 15 major metropolitan areas including Dallas and Houston found that average wait times were:

Part of physician burnout is driven economi- cally, Johnston said, as some systems attempt to keep revenue high by increasing the number of patients physicians see in a day. More physicians in the U.S. are also being employed by larger health care organizations instead of independent practices, Leykum said, which could give them less autonomy over their schedule. “You put that on top of a situation where people were maybe less likely to make a choice to pursue primary care to begin with, and it sort of has a synergistic effect,” Leykum said. According to Leykum and Johnston, patients can help combat longer wait times by: • Finding a clinic that has a team-based care model • Utilizing telehealth when able • Asking a clinic what its average wait times are for routine or urgent needs

• 16.9 days for an orthopedic surgeon appointment • 20.6 days for a family medicine physician appointment

• 26.6 days for a cardiologist appointment • 31.4 days for an OB-GYN appointment

SOURCE: AMN HEALTHCARE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

support those specialties just aren’t as strong,” Johnston said. Patients also often visit urgent cares to avoid longer wait times, but these clinics don’t offer holistic care, Leykum said. “They’re very focused on, ‘How do we address this to stabilize it?’ not, ‘How do we really get at the root of the problem?’” Leykum said.

Supply vs. demand

Major takeaways

A state report projects that five specialties will be deficient in graduate medical education residents by 2032.

the supply of graduate medical education residents will not be keeping up with demand. Of five specialties projected, pediatric physicians would have the largest gap with only 71% of demand met. General internal medicine physicians would need the most residency slots added each year, with 70 slots needed.

The rate of medical school graduates is ultimately greater than the state’s ability to train them, Johnston said. This can lead to fewer physicians staying to practice in Texas. Graduates must complete a residency program upon graduating, but there are limited slots in Texas available each year. A 2022 Texas Department of State Health Services report projected that by 2032,

2032 demand

2032 supply

9,004

Family medicine General internal medicine

11,499

7,759

10,366

3,783

OB-GYN

4,210

4,675

Pediatrics

6,588

2,852

Psychiatry

3,895

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Health care

BY DACIA GARCIA

Experts stress importance of oral care

Diving in deeper

12 Oaks Dental dentists Dr. Marc Worob and Dr. Elyse Barron focus on educating patients about the connection between dental care and whole body health. They said dental problems can aect: • sleep • breathing • blood pressure • body systems Studies from the past 15 years have shown bacteria found in the mouth can cause periodontal disease and ultimately aect the heart, arteries and the brain. “We’re trying to be very comprehensive and thorough and give people the best results possible, and if you help them do all these things, they’re going to live longer and live better lives and be able to enjoy that pretty smile they spend a lot of money on,” Worob said.

Travis County has seen a substantial increase in its population with an estimated 67,000 new residents from 2020 to 2024. This growth comes with a higher demand for dental services to accommodate all residents. Low-income residents have reported barriers to receiving dental care they can aord. In the 2020 Austin Area Community Survey, an average of 26% of survey respondents were unable to access dental services. Travis County’s hospital district, Central Health, has expanded its health care services for low-income residents since its establishment in 2004, including oering dental services through its partnership with CommUnityCare, a federally qualied health center. Dr. Joshua Even is the director of dental services at CommUnityCare. Even works as a general dentist and also helps with management of the center’s dental services. CommUnityCare has nine locations with aordable dental health services throughout the Austin area for both insured and uninsured community members. Patients are able to receive exams, cleanings, llings, extractions and preventative care. For more complicated cases, the center partners with oral surgeons. “I think forever in this country people look at dental care as a luxury item that is incredibly expensive, but it’s really important to be able to access it across the board,” Even said. “The mouth is part of the body, and most dental diseases are chronic infections or inammatory diseases that have real impact on the overall health.”

Zooming in

919 dentists in Travis County

1.39M population in Travis County

97% of CommUnityCare patients are under the 200% poverty line of $62,400 for a household of four 38,000 patients received dental care from CommUnityCare in 2024

The impact Research reports and dental professionals have stated there is a strong connection between poor dental health and issues throughout dierent body systems.

Periodontal disease Alzheimer’s disease Atherosclerosis Respiratory problems

Staying prepared

Heart disease

Barron’s general tips for dental care include: • Brush for two minutes twice a day • Floss • Use a low abrasion remineralizing toothpaste • Use a waterpick for bone loss and crown edges

Rheumatoid arthritis Diabetes

Pregnancy complications

• Drink 64-100 ounces of water per day • Get seven hours of good-quality sleep • Exercise 150 minutes per week

SOURCES: COMMUNITYCARE, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Health care

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Kale Me Crazy serves health-focused food and drinks in Four Points Superfood cafe franchise Kale Me Crazy opened its sole Austin-area location in Four Points ve years ago, serving salads, wraps, acai bowls, juices, smoothies and more. Meet the owner After leaving a career in information technology, owner Nicole Tomaszewski began looking at franchise options seven years ago before nding Kale Me Crazy. “I was also kind of on my own health journey, trying to eat healthier and feed my family health- ier,” Tomaszewski said. “There weren’t a lot of healthy options in our community, so I thought it would be a great t and also just something that I could easily sell because I had my own passion about eating good, quality food.”

Franchise ocials initially encouraged Tomaszewski to look at opening near Downtown Austin, she said, but she managed to shift the focus to her neighborhood of Four Points. “You might have more foot trac [downtown], but you also have a lot more competition,” Tomaszewski said. The restaurant ocially opened March 5, 2020, and battled “supply chain shortages, [struggles] to nd reliable sta and ... rising costs of ination” brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, she said. What they oer Kale Me Crazy’s menu includes a variety of salads and wraps, acai bowls with fruit and nuts, and sweet or savory toasts with topping options of salmon, avocado, hummus or almond butter and banana. Also on the menu is a poke bowl made with tuna, veggies, spicy vegan mayo and a housemade marinade served on jasmine rice. Its cold-pressed juices include The Glow, made with pineapple, grapefruit and turmeric; Beet-L- Juice, made with apple, carrot, beet, celery, lemon and ginger; or its charcoal lemonade, made with

activated charcoal, lavender, agave and lemon. Its smoothies are avored with fruits and vegetables and contain superfood ingredients such as maca powder, hemp protein and raw cacao. The restaurant also serves ginger, lemon or sea moss wellness shots, and protein-packed items including peanut butter energy bites and chia pudding made with coconut milk and served with fruit. The menu caters to vegan, vegetarian, glu- ten-free and paleo preferences. Staying local Along with oering catering services, Kale Me Crazy works to support local events and organiza- tions. The restaurant recently held a customizable smoothie bar at new Four Points pickleball court The Picklr Austin West, Tomaszewski said. While franchise ocials create the menu, Tomaszewski said the franchise likes to add its “own little Texas air.” Some of the grab-and-go items are local to Austin, such as chickpea-based snack Kibo Chips and fermented drink brand KTonic Kombucha.

The menu features a variety of toasts.

620

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Several smoothie options made with superfood ingredients are available at the cafe.

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HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

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ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expy (512) 342-6893

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Health care

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

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 Williamson, Travis and Hays counties. 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 news 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 served. Ocials said donors should drink plenty of water the night before and bring photo identication. Anyone with questions can call 512-206-1108 or email whocandonate@weareblood.org.

Austin-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 BLOODCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Health care

Dell Children’s Medical Center North Campus became the first pediatric hospital in the world in May to receive a new robotic spinal surgery technology, according to Ascension Seton. The VELYS Robotic-Assisted System will allow pediatric surgeons to perform safer, more accurate spinal surgeries for children with scoliosis and other advanced spinal conditions using 3D imaging technology, said Dr. Brian Kaufman, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Dell Children’s. The technology is positioning Dell Children’s North to become “a destination center for pediatric spine surgery,” said Dr. Kirsten Ross, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Dell Children’s. The VELYS robot is one of many new robotic technologies that have made their way into health care facilities in Central Texas. Major hospital systems, including Baylor Scott & White, Ascension Seton and St. David’s, are increasing their investments in robotic procedures. North Austin hospitals advance robotic care

• 125,000 robotic procedures performed since 2015 through St. David’s HealthCare Local branch: • St. David’s North Austin Medical Center • 12221 N. Mopac, Austin St. David’s

MOPAC

SOURCE: ST. DAVID'S/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Ascension Texas

• 25,000 robotic procedures performed by Ascension Texas since 2021 Local branch: • Ascension Seton Northwest Hospital • 11113 Research Blvd., Austin

183

SETON CENTER PKWY.

SOURCE: ASCENSION TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

• 250 robotic procedures performed at Dell Children’s Central since fiscal year 2023-24 Dell Children’s Local branch: • Dell Children’s Medical Center North Campus • 9010 N. Lake Creek Parkway, Austin

183

183A TOLL

SOURCE: DELL CHILDREN'S/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Zooming out

How it works

After years of providing robotic surgeries for urology and gynecology, robotic orthopedic spinal surgery is “the new frontier” for Ascension Seton, said Charles Kaczmarek, vice president of surgical services for Ascension Seton. Doctors perform surgery to correct scoliosis by placing screws and rods into a patient’s back, Kaufman said. The VELYS robot completes a 3D scan of a patient’s spine and uses a robotic arm to position the screws. The precision of the robot is crucial as misplacing a screw can result in a spinal cord injury, Kaufman said. “[It allows] us as the surgeons to do this with less force, less variance and more safety, but we are still doing everything,” Kaufman said. The VELYS technology allows Dell Children’s to take on more complex spinal cases, Ross said. Additionally, the robot makes spinal surgeries more efficient and reproducible whereas the outcome of nonrobotic spinal procedures can differ based on the surgeon, she said. Spinal procedures using the VELYS technology, which began June 5, were already booked for six

The implementation of robotic surgical procedures has taken off across the U.S. Ascension Seton, Baylor Scott & White and St. David’s HealthCare have expanded robotic surgeries across their hospitals in specialities ranging from general surgery to orthopedics. “[Robotics] is definitely becoming the most dominant way of operating ... but we’re just really getting started,” said Dr. Thomas Payne, vice president of the Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery at St. David’s.

Benefits of robotic surgery

Smaller incisions

Faster recovery time

Reduced risk of blood loss and infections

Lower hospital readmission rate

Lower use of narcotics

SOURCES: ASCENSION SETON, BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

By the numbers

More than 750,000 robotic surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year, according to Stony Brook Medicine. Robotic surgeries increased from 1.8% to 15.1% from 2012 to 2018, according to the American College of Surgeons. SOURCE: STONY BROOK MEDICINE AND AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

weeks out as of mid-May, Ross said. “Our goal is to continue to be the leader in the robotics access for the region,” said Dr. Travis Isbell, chair of surgery for Baylor Scott & White. “We want to keep pushing that availability so that we can give the patients all the best options right in front of them.”

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