Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition | June 2023

HEALTH CARE BRIEFS

Texas Oncology adds local colon, rectal surgeons to expand services As recent studies show colon and rectal cancer is increasingly found in younger patients and being diagnosed in more advanced stages, Texas Oncol- ogy has expanded its care by acquiring a group of local surgeons. compared to 52% in the mid-2000s. Plus, 20% of cases occurred in adults younger than age 55, up from 11% in 1999. Thiru Lakshman, president of Central Texas BY DARCY SPRAGUE As colorectal cancer is increasingly found in younger adults and at more advanced stages, Texas Oncology is expanding its Austin-area services. EXPANDING CARE

Colon and Rectal Surgeons, said anyone age 45 or older should get screened for cancer—ideally with a colonoscopy. To lower the risk of getting colorectal cancer, he recommends avoiding excessive red meat, smoked meats and alcohol; not smoking; and not living a sedentary lifestyle. Access services through www.texasoncology.com or www.tcrscolondoctors.com.

153,020 new cases of colon and rectal cancer are diagnosed annually nationwide. 1 in 23 men and 1 in 26 women on average will be diagnosed with these cancers in their lifetimes. It is the 3rd leading cause of cancer death in the United States. SOURCE: AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Central Texas Colon and Rectal Surgeons joined Texas Oncology in May. The physicians will now operate under Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists, a subset of Texas Oncology. A study from the American Cancer Society found 60% of colorectal cancer was diagnosed as advanced

COVID19 strategy shifts as emergency declaration ends

Suvida Healthcare focuses on senior services for Latinos

Prevention as well as the Texas Department of State Health Services, and to address changes or elimination of federal or state COVID-19 metrics. APH will continue to oer COVID-19 vaccines through the Shots for Tots and Big Shots clinics as well as the Mobile Vaccination Program’s community events, APH ocials said. COVID-19 test kits will continue to be available from APH while supplies last. APH Director Adrienne Stur- rup said residents should not be concerned by the end of the declaration as APH will continue to provide care for the community.

SPECIALIZED CARE Suvida Healthcare provides senior-focused services for Latinos in South Austin.

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Suvida Healthcare South Austin

COVID-19 eorts are shifting from an emergency to a managed response as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the end of the national public health emergency in May. Austin Public Health ocials are nalizing updated COVID-19 dashboards to match the Centers for Disease Control format and

Suvida Healthcare opened its new permanent South Austin location June 16 at 500 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 400, Austin, after operating a temporary location since January. The new location is about 10,000 square feet and oers a health care system for Latino seniors and their families. Suvida spokesperson Paul Saldana said the company oers a model that addresses physical, behavioral, social and cultural aspects of health. The clinic also provides 24/7 care. Saldana said this is the fourth location to open in Texas and the only one in Austin. Suvida co-founder and CEO Austin Pittman said in an email the

BILL HUGHES RD.

company seeks to expand care by embedding in neighborhoods and establishing trust. Each patient receives a care team, including a health care guide called a “guia.” In addition, Suvida Healthcare provides transportation for established patients, integrated behavioral health support, in-home care and services, nutrition and diabetes support.

COVID19 RESPONSE

Since the start of the pandemic:

1.2 million+ COVID-19 tests were conducted by APH.

Austin Public Health is shifting its COVID-19 eorts following the end of the national public health emergency May 11. SOURCE: AUSTIN PUBLIC HEALTH COMMUNITY IMPACT

10,000+ businesses were monitored to ensure COVID-19 protocols were followed. 404,000+ doses of COVID-19 vaccines were distributed.

CELEBRATING 45 NEW SCHOLARS!

Congratulations to the 2023 Neal Kocurek scholarship recipients as they pursue their careers in healthcare. We wish them every success on the road ahead. To learn more about mentorship and scholarship opportunities, connect with us.

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