Central Health to lose its head

Central Health’s first and only president and CEO will step down at the end of the year. The hospital district announced on Wednesday that Patricia Young Brown is calling it quits after 12 years on the job. She took the position in 2005, just after Travis County voters originally approved the creation of the district, whose primary aim is providing health care for indigent residents. “In 2005, we embarked upon a journey to transform health care for the entire community, but particularly our uninsured and underinsured residents,” Young Brown said. “While the journey continues, it is time for me to start a new life chapter and fully pursue the places where my heart is leading me.” The Central Health board of directors will begin what its chair, Katrina Daniel, said will be an “extensive national search” to find Young Brown’s replacement at its next meeting on Oct. 26. Young Brown’s retirement will become official on Dec. 31.