Connecting People

Dear Friends,

I am excited to say hello in my first BCC Community Newsletter. I appreciate your support and warm welcome as I've stepped into the role of Executive Director at Bastrop County Cares.

Coalition teams have been busy this fall, which you'll see outlined in this newsletter.

In the spirit of community that we focus on as an organization, we're compiling a list of holiday resources and ways to get involved. We hope this allows meaningful ways to connect neighbors during this holiday season.

I look forward to seeing how our collective efforts will bring positive outcomes to Bastrop County. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission.

Collaboratively yours,

Norma Mercado

Executive Director

Bastrop County Cares

Featured Stories

Parents as Teachers Program Receives Recognition

Members of the Bluebonnet Trails Parents as Teachers (PAT) team attended the National Parents as Teachers Conference Oct. 16-19 in New Orleans and received official recognition as a Blue Ribbon Model site. This honor is obtained by PAT Parent Educator teams that dedicate their time to produce the highest quality of services to their program participants. They are an example for other sites to pattern after. Bastrop County Cares is proud of their dedicated service to the families with young children they serve. Read More

Pinky Promise to Get Screened Beyond October

Keeping the Pinky Promise saves lives. Bastrop County Cares Breast Health Initiative (BHI), led by Dr. Linda O. Wilson, had a busy October. The initiative hosted events and programs that focused on breast health education and encouraging women getting their yearly mammogram.

The BHI brought attention to the importance of regular screenings, dispelled myths, and worked to reduce the stigma associated with breast cancer. We believe these grassroots efforts are invaluable in promoting better access to mammograms, fostering a culture of early detection, and ultimately saving lives in rural areas where healthcare resources can be limited.

Thank you to these partners who helped to provide knowledge about early detection and prevention to the residents in Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville:

Breast Cancer Resource Center, Texas Oncology, Alliance for African American Health in Central Texas, Community Action, Elgin Walmart, Bastrop Parks and Recreation, Eden East Farms, Abundant Grace Community Church, Southside Market & BBQ (Elgin), Schlotzsky's (Bastrop), Libraries for Health (Bastrop, Elgin and Smithville), Lone Star Circle of Care's Big Pink Bus, and Dell Medical School Department of Population Health.

Learn more about the Breast Health Initiative.

News and Updates

BCACH Partners Address Economic Stability

On Oct. 17, 19 Bastrop County Accountable Communities for Health Initiative (BCACH) partners participated in a Roundtable Discussion. The organizations have joined forces to address economic stability in Bastrop County. During the roundtable, participants shared ideas that will further connect organizations, drive positive change, and create pathways for community residents to obtain livable wages. BCACH partnerships aim to develop a comprehensive approach (a portfolio of interventions) to tackle the unique economic challenges faced by rural communities. Thank you, BCACH Partners!

Learn more about BCACH, and email patricia@bastropcares.org if you would like to get involved in this impactful partnership.

Open Enrollment for Marketplace Healthcare Plans

Bastrop County has a 22% uninsured population among insurable individuals, which means that approximately 22,000 individuals are without insurance coverage. Open Enrollment for Marketplace Healthcare plans is open until January 15, 2024. Please share this information with everyone you know! If you had a marketplace health plan this year, check for plan changes, because benefits/providers may have changed.

For more information, reach out to Foundation Community

Call: 512-381-4520

Text: 737-209-6861

Email: enroll@foundcom.org

We've Moved!

Along with our rapid growth comes the need for a new home for Bastrop County Cares. You can now find us at 806 Water Street in Bastrop. We've got a new phone number, too: 512-409-3116. Please update contact information for our team!

Job Openings

Breast Health Initiative Ambassador/CHW

Health Educator, Department of Population Health, Dell Medical School

Community Resources

We've got a directory on our website to connect people with community organizations

Benefits

See Resource List

Court Mandated Community Service

See Resource List

Faith Based

See Resource List

Volunteer

See Volunteer Opportunities