On Thursday, April 26, 2007, the Travis County Healthcare District committed $1.9 million to two projects: increasing trauma capacity in the Brackenridge emergency room and increasing funding for inpatient mental health services at Seton Shoal Creek Hospital. Both actions will result in increased services to Travis County residents.

The Board of Managers voted to approve a one-time expenditure of $1 million to increase the trauma capacity of Brackenridge Hospital. "Increased trauma capacity at Brackenridge benefits the entire community and was one of the principle reasons the Healthcare District was created," said Clarke Heidrick, Chairman of the Board of the District. Brackenridge has seen a 17% increase in emergency department utilization and a14% increase in trauma cases over a five-year period with a projected increase of 22% and 20%, respectively, over the next 5 years. The District's $1 million one-time expenditure will leverage Seton's investment of approximately $5.74 million in this service expansion.

The Board also voted to expand mental health services by an additional $900,000. This amount includes an increase of $500,000 to the annual contract amount for inpatient services at Seton Shoal Creek Hospital which will cover the cost of treating additional patients and a commitment of $400,000 to increase the available bed capacity of Seton Shoal Creek.

In addition to the increased support from the Healthcare District, Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center has committed to spend an additional $500,000 on direct inpatient services at Shoal Creek Hospital in fiscal year 2008. “The Mental Health Stakeholder group which the District convened in December 2005 has continued to work together to strengthen the mental health crisis services safety net. These related expenditures demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the District, ATCMHMR, Seton, and all of our partners to improving mental health inpatient treatment options in our community," said Patricia Young Brown, District President and CEO.