The Smithville Hospital Authority Board donated $20,000 to the Bastrop County Public Health Department to contribute to the community assessment work underway in partnership with the Texas A&M School of Public Health. The funds will also contribute to the school's consulting services in the establishment of the public health department in Bastrop County.

The background

The Bastrop County Public Health Task Force began meeting in February, partnering with Texas A&M to conduct a community needs assessment in Bastrop County.

“We’re very thankful to have the county in partnership with Smithville," Precinct 4 Commissioner David Glass said. “They really did lead the charge on this.”

Also on the agenda

In June, the Bastrop County Public Health Department will apply for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize. The foundation would award $250,000 to the Bastrop County Public Health Department if recognized as a finalist. Finalists are awarded to communities that show a commitment to addressing racism and improving equity, said Donna Nichols, the Bastrop County Health Department interim executive director.