Central Health Equity Policy Council
Led by community, driven by advocacy, grounded in trust
Since 2015, the Policy Council has brought together a passionate team of community members to shape public policy. This group focuses on improving access to health resources, especially for Travis County residents living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Born from the recognition that fairness must be built into policy rather than left up to organizations to prioritize on their own, the Policy Council was founded to ensure that the voices of those most affected by health disparities would lead the way. Today, more than 80 active members, from seasoned policy experts to first-time advocates, are collaborating to address real issues in our health system with grassroots insight, access to resources, and an unwavering belief in justice.
A place to learn, lead, and belong
The Policy Council is one of the most accessible spaces in Austin to gain experience in community-led policy. We welcome all who care about shaping a fairer health system, whether you’re an experienced advocate or just curious about policy work. Many of our most impactful contributors joined not as experts, but as people from all walks of life who cared deeply for their communities.
If you’d like to learn more about the Policy Council, sign up for our newsletter and read on to see how our team has made, and is making, change in our community.
A true team effort
With the Policy Council, Central Health steps back so the community can step forward. While Central Health provides infrastructure and coordination, our members set the agenda, lead the campaigns, and bring the vision to life.
Unlike traditional councils, the Policy Council has no formal offices or titles. What we do have is a vibrant network of people—from residents and professionals to organizers, researchers, and advocates—each bringing their lived experience, expertise, and goodwill to shape policy from the ground up.
- Our advocacy led to an update to Austin’s Smoking Ordinance, protecting the health of our most vulnerable by banning e-cigarettes.
- We promoted a policy to support childhood development by helping guarantee 30 minutes of recess for elementary schools in Manor and Leander ISDs.
- We launched the HIV Opt-Out Screening Campaign, encouraging local clinics to screen patients for HIV unless they opted out. This helped increase local screening rates to 64% above the state average and saved lives by enabling early detection.
- In the aftermath of COVID-19, we partnered with city and county leaders to ensure emergency alerts were available in more than a dozen languages, transforming how risk communication reaches our diverse communities.
Our 2025 Campaign: Food as Medicine
Every year, the Policy Council reviews a list of initiatives pitched by our members and selects one to be that year’s official policy campaign. This year, the Policy Council chose Food as Medicine. Recognizing that good health begins far beyond clinic walls, this initiative aims to embed food access and nutrition-based interventions into the health care system.
By screening for food insecurity, strengthening referral pathways, and integrating support into electronic health records, we’re working to ensure no one’s health suffers because of what’s missing on their plate.
And we can’t do it alone. Whether you’re passionate about public health, research, or strategic planning, there’s a place for you in this work.
Get involved: Sign up for our newsletter
More than a vote—a catalyst for change
While the Policy Council usually selects only one member-submitted proposal to focus on in a year, something extraordinary happened in 2025: four proposals—including Food as Medicine—gained traction.
One initiative led to new city policy conversations on maternal health and extreme heat. Another drew funding and university partnerships for culturally and linguistically appropriate services. These ripple effects show that the Policy Council is more than a forum for priorities—it’s a launchpad for health systems change. These initiatives show we are action-oriented, community-rooted, and determined to keep moving forward.
The work ahead needs you
In a landscape where health disparities persist, change doesn’t just happen. It’s built by people who show up, share their knowledge, use their networks, and stay committed to the long process of justice.
If you’re looking for a place to connect your passion to real impact—this is it.
To get involved, contact Megan Cermak at Megan.Cermak@CentralHealth.net.
Together, we’re reimagining health policy and rebuilding trust, dignity, and care from the ground up.
Notable initiatives & achievements
Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) Initiative
Launched in 2022, the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) Initiative was a collaborative effort to promote inclusive and affirming health care for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Travis County. Led by the Policy Council’s HEI Committee, this initiative brought together Central Health, CommUnityCare, and Integral Care to pursue national HEI designation.
The HEI is the leading national benchmarking tool evaluating health care facilities on policies and practices related to LGBTQIA+ patients, visitors, and staff. The committee supported participating providers in meeting HEI standards, developing strategic plans, and reaching key milestones to strengthen inclusive care practices.
HIV Opt-Out Policy
The Policy Council promoted the expansion of opt-out HIV screening at local clinics, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). An analysis from the LBJ School of Public Affairs showed the policy led to earlier diagnoses and improved outcomes, all at minimal additional cost—laying the groundwork for broader implementation across the safety-net system.
HIV screening rates for MAP and MAP Basic patients in Travis County were found at rates 64% higher than the state average and 84% greater than the national average.
Language access efforts
Limited English proficiency presents a major barrier to accessing services, especially during public health emergencies. The Pandemic Equity Committee collaborated with city and county agencies to identify solutions and improve language access, ensuring critical information reaches all members of the community.
Race Equity Policy Advocacy Toolkit
The Race Equity Committee created a comprehensive Policy and Advocacy Toolkit to help partner organizations adopt inclusive practices that address racial and cultural disparities. The toolkit offers actionable guidance for designing services that better reflect the needs of Travis County’s diverse population.
Austin breathes vape-free air
In 2017, the Policy Council successfully advocated for an amendment to the City of Austin’s Smoking in Public Places Ordinance (SIPPO) to include e-cigarettes. This public health win expanded protections in restaurants, bars, parks, and other public spaces, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and promoting healthier environments for all.
Learn moreRecess policy: access to unstructured playtime
To support healthy childhood development, the Policy Council launched an initiative in 2017 advocating for increased recess time in low-income schools. In partnership with the Manor and Leander ISDs, the initiative helped establish a policy ensuring at least 30 minutes of supervised, unstructured playtime each day for elementary students.
Learn more