Even as some suggest that Central Texas is poised to emerge from the grips of the global recession, the recovery will take time and some will still struggle for basics such as healthcare.
With its latest round of grants, St. David’s Foundation is awarding $7.2 million to area nonprofit organizations that provide access to healthcare for less fortunate Central Texans.
Just under $6 million in grants will go directly toward specialty and primary care – a need in the region, the foundation said.
"By investing over $5.7 million today for primary care, St. David’s Foundation helps many Central Texan families to stay healthy and continue to be productive in their daily lives," said Bobbie Barker, vice president for grants and community programs at St. David’s Foundation.
In addition to the grants for primary care, St. David’s also awarded a number of grants for specialty care and elderly-specific programs.
Specialty groups such as AIDS Services of Austin, Breast Cancer Resource Center and People’s Community Clinic received total grants of a little more than $1 million.
Elderly care – a focus of the foundation every December – received more than $1 million in grants. Some of the services organizations receiving grants will provide for the elderly include intensive therapy for stroke survivors, transportation and support services for seniors, handyman services, and nutrition programs.
Earl Maxwell, CEO of St. David’s Foundation said, "We recognize that so many of our older residents face a daunting array of challenges from maintaining proper nutrition, getting to and from doctor’s appointments and even obtaining needed dental care… the foundation hopes to help address these needs in a significant way."
Since 2005 the foundation has approved more than $31 million to organizations
providing primary and other healthcare services through its semi-annual grant program. 
