University Health

07/30/2026

Strong schools are built through strong community partnerships. 👩‍🏫🌟

Yesterday's Back-to-School Teacher Appreciation & Resource Fair, hosted by Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores, Bexar County Commissioner Pct. 1, brought together educators and community organizations committed to supporting student achievement. The event provided an opportunity to recognize the dedication of our educators, connect them with valuable resources, and strengthen partnerships that support student success.

📚 Thank you to all of the educators who continue to inspire and empower the next generation. We look forward to supporting our schools and community throughout the school year.

07/30/2026

KSAT has been reporting on a transplant pair for years now, and this week marks five years since University Health's Transplant Institute director gave her kidney to a complete stranger. Now, he's a close friend, and the two are spreading awareness about living donors. 👇 Full story at the link in the comments.

07/30/2026

The future of healthcare on the Southside is taking shape. University Health's Palo Alto Hospital opens spring 2027, bringing urgent, chronic, and preventative care right to the community. The hospital will also feature the Institute for Public Health, committed to supporting the health and wellness of residents across Bexar County. Access to care shouldn't require a long drive, and soon, it won't!

07/28/2026

For years, Malea believed her congenital heart disease meant motherhood wasn't an option. But with the support of a specialized team at University Health, she found answers, confidence and a path forward. 🫀👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Her story is a reminder that your diagnosis doesn't have to define your future. Whether you're living with a heart condition or simply putting your own health on the back burner, taking the first step toward specialized care can make all the difference.

No matter where you are in your health journey, you deserve a care team that sees the whole picture.

Want to learn more about Malea's story?

👉 Click to read her story: https://ow.ly/2zHY50Zu24n
🎥 Watch her story here: https://ow.ly/AqoG50Zu22B

07/24/2026

The new school year is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to check off your child’s health checklist. ✅

Dr. Michelle Rodriguez reminds families to:
✔️ Schedule annual wellness visits
✔️ Update vaccinations
✔️ Complete sports physicals
✔️ Review and renew asthma action plans

Don’t wait until the last minute, getting these appointments done now can help your child start the school year healthy, confident and ready to learn. Plus, University Health offers care for all ages at its school-based clinics across San Antonio.

👉 Watch Dr. Rodriguez’s full July Medical Minute for more tips on preparing your family for a healthy school year: https://ow.ly/cZAj50ZrqGT

07/23/2026

Thank you, State Rep. Mark Dorazio, for visiting University Health's future Retama Campus and seeing the progress firsthand. 🏗️🏥

We appreciate your support as we work to expand access to high-quality care and meet the needs of our region's growing community.

07/22/2026

How do you thank the person who saved your life?

Joel Gonzalez did it with flowers and cake, surprising transplant immunologist Kelly Hitchman on the fifth anniversary of her donating one of her kidneys to him. 🫂

As director of the lab that matches donated kidneys with transplant recipients, Hitchman knows that many people in need can't wait for a deceased donor. That's why she made the extraordinary decision to become a living donor and give one of her kidneys to someone she had never met.

That someone was Joel.

At 43, diabetes had already caused him to lose a leg, much of his vision and his kidney function. Today, thanks to Hitchman's gift, Joel works concessions at Spurs games, enjoys barbecuing with his family and looks forward to spending time fishing when he can.

⛰️ In 2024, Hitchman joined a team of living organ donors who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, raising awareness that donors can live full, active lives after giving the gift of life.

🗨️ "I really wish more people would have the opportunity of experiencing it," she said.

Curious about becoming a living organ donor? Learn more on our website: https://ow.ly/Xc4850Zry8u

07/17/2026

📚Back-to-school season is here! While you're checking off school supplies and getting schedules organized, don't forget one of the most important items on the list—your family's health.

Summer is the perfect time to schedule:
✅ Checkups
✅ Immunizations
✅ Sports Physicals
✅ Sick visits
+ Ongoing care before the busy back-to-school season.

At University Health, our seven school-based health centers remain open year-round and serve the entire community—not just students. By taking care of these appointments now, you'll beat the last-minute rush and head into the new school year with one less thing to worry about.

👉 Click here to schedule your appointment today: https://www.universityhealth.com/BacktoSchool?utm_campaign=back_to_school_2026&hgcrm_trackingsetid=68076

07/16/2026

CEO: $750M Selma project addresses critical demand >> See the full article below ⬇️

07/15/2026

Hot summer weather is expected to return later this week, bringing added health risks for people taking certain medications.☀️💊

Erica Torres, a University Health pharmacist, says some antidepressants as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure medications can make it harder for your body to stay cool in extreme heat.

🗨️ In an interview with KSAT's Meteorologist Shelby Ebertowski, Torres shares tips for staying safe, including the importance of staying hydrated and recognizing the warning signs of a heat-related medical emergency.

See the full story at: https://ow.ly/Y8SQ50Zo116

KSAT 12 & KSAT.com

07/14/2026

We’re growing before we even open! 🏥🙌

University Health is expanding both of our new community hospitals before welcoming a single patient—a move that will bring even more access to care for our rapidly growing region.

Patients are excited, too! Gilbert Diaz Sr. recently told KSAT Courtney Friedman how thrilled he is that Retama Hospital will open just minutes from his Live Oak home in February 2027. And in April 2027 on the South Side, Palo Alto Hospital will help address a long-standing need for greater access to healthcare close to home.

Thanks to strong financial stewardship, a projected $60 million construction budget surplus, combined with $30 million in reserve funds, is allowing us to add more inpatient beds, outpatient exam rooms and expanded medical office building capacity at both campuses while construction is still underway.

🏗️ “Doing this work now while the buildings are still under construction reduces costs and avoids disruptive work in patient care areas after the hospitals and medical office buildings open,” said Brian Freeman, Vice President of Capital Improvement Projects.

When the expansions are completed in 2028, Retama will grow to 167 beds and Palo Alto to 227 beds, helping ensure our community has the care it needs for years to come.

💙 It’s all about investing today for a healthier tomorrow.

Read the full story at: https://ow.ly/IMMZ50Znx40

KSAT 12 & KSAT.com Courtney Friedman

07/13/2026

In partnership with Tommy Calvert, Bexar County Commissioner, Pct. 4 we gathered for a Back-to-School Fair this weekend, supporting a healthy start to the school year for children in our community! 📚🎒

Our team provided back-to-school immunizations, while our CareLink team and the Blood Donation Bus, powered by the University Health Foundation and Toyota Texas, were on site connecting families with valuable health resources and services.

Missed us at the event? 👀
University Health is your one-stop resource for back-to-school health needs, including:
✅ Well-child visits
✅ Required immunizations
✅ Sports physicals
✅ And more!

Click here to explore our Back-to-School resources and schedule the care your child needs before the first day of school.
👉 https://ow.ly/v5ZH50Zn5cE

07/10/2026

Imagine stepping into a hospital that feels welcoming, easy to navigate and connected to the community from the moment you arrive. That’s exactly what’s taking shape at our future Palo Alto and Retama hospitals. 💙

Designed as vibrant community hubs, these entry spaces will connect visitors to a coffee shop, pharmacy, patient care areas and more—all within a warm, inviting environment. Opening in 2027, Palo Alto and Retama hospitals are being built to meet the needs of some of the fastest-growing areas in our region.

Join Brian Freeman, University Health vice president of capital improvement projects, as he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the vision for Palo Alto Hospital, created in partnership with Marmon Mok Architecture.

🏥 Built for today.
🌟 Designed for the future.

Take a sneak peek at the hospitals that will serve South Bexar County for generations to come. 👀

07/07/2026

At University Health, our mission is to improve the health of the entire community. We are beyond excited to bring this transformative expansion to the Northeast and Southside of San Antonio.

Want to know more? 👀 Read the full article from San Antonio Business Journal: bit.ly/4grwEIV

Expansion set for $1.5B multi-hospital development >> See the full article below ⬇️

07/07/2026

🏥 As the region’s only Level I adult and pediatric trauma center, you can count on us for quality and compassionate healthcare.

Read the full article from Trauma Research and Combat Casualty Care Collaborative - TRC4 to learn more about how we are driving real-world impact and strengthening trauma care across Texas: https://f.mtr.cool/tittwlcjpb

Continuing our series highlighting The University of Texas System-affiliated Level 1 Trauma Centers, we turn our focus to University Health University Hospital in San Antonio.

As South Texas’ premier Level I trauma center and one of the nation’s leading teaching hospitals, University Hospital has spent over a century delivering patient-centered, high-quality care to Bexar County and beyond. In partnership with UT Health San Antonio, this facility is consistently recognized as a leader in advanced treatment options, new technologies, and clinical research.

By continually pursuing outcomes-based research and the highest level of collaboration, University Hospital ensures that patients have access to the most technically advanced, life-saving care when they need it most.

Learn more about how our clinical partners are driving real-world impact and strengthening trauma care across the state: https://f.mtr.cool/tittwlcjpb

07/07/2026

🏗️🏥 Coming soon to San Antonio, two new hospitals! Have you heard that University Health is moving into the Northeast and Southside neighborhoods?

Quality and compassionate healthcare may be coming closer to you. Want to know more?

👉 Click to read the full story from San Antonio Report: https://sanantonioreport.org/university-health-community-hospitals-expansion/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawS6NeRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeJr0-0uyoJIdasyFZ0AKczayioB3Vi1VtqGhNFgvBpjq6tAeDCkTTfBZaBWE_aem_68oAWGjASAHCok29wZKKqA =1783018926

07/04/2026

🏗️🏥 Coming soon to San Antonio, two new hospitals! Have you heard that University Health is moving into the Northeast and Southside neighborhoods?

Quality and compassionate healthcare may be coming closer to you. Want to know more?

👉 Click to read the full story from San Antonio Report: https://sanantonioreport.org/university-health-community-hospitals-expansion/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawS6NeRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeJr0-0uyoJIdasyFZ0AKczayioB3Vi1VtqGhNFgvBpjq6tAeDCkTTfBZaBWE_aem_68oAWGjASAHCok29wZKKqA =1783018926

University Health's new community hospitals will open with more capacity than originally planned — 80 additional beds.

07/03/2026

🎆 Celebrate the Fourth with us at the FREE Stars & Stripes Spectacular at Retama Park in Selma!

Retama Park Race Trackk
📆 Saturday, July 4
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Enjoy family fun, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks show—plus get a sneak peek at the healthcare services coming to the new University Health Retama Hospital in 2027.

🩸 Visit our Blood Donor Bus, powered by University Health Foundation and Toyota Texas, and help support our community’s blood supply.

Show your red, white, and blue spirit while helping to build a healthier community! Schedule your blood donation at: https://ow.ly/OyxG50ZjQnq

07/02/2026

🎆 Let’s make this a holiday filled with great memories not a trip to the emergency room.

Fireworks and fire pits can cause life-changing burn injuries in seconds. Dr. Christopher Crane, chief of pediatric burns at University Health, reminds families that burns can leave permanent scars and require painful treatment.

The ashes inside fire pits can stay dangerously hot long after a fire appears to be out. Children who step into a fire pit can suffer severe burns from hidden hot coals beneath the surface.

👉 As you enjoy time with family and friends:
- Keep a close eye on children
- Follow fireworks safety guidelines
- Make sure fire pits are completely cool before anyone goes near them

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July! 💙

07/01/2026

Want to see Fireworks this Saturday? 🎆 Join us at Retama Park for a FREE entry, family friendly community event! No entry ticket purchase required. All ages are welcome.

📆 Saturday, July 4

⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

RetamaPark
📍 Retama Park
One Retama Pkwy
Selma, TX 78154

This exciting event will include:
• Community Blood Drive
• Vendors
• Horse Rides
• Car Show
• Bounce Houses
• Food and Drinks
• Live Music
• Firework Show

The University Health Blood Donor Bus, powered by University Health Foundation and Toyota Texas will be accepting donations, schedule your appointment to donate and receive free gifts.

👉 Click the link to Schedule your Blood Donation Appointment. https://www.universityhealth.com/ways-to-give/give-blood

Mark your calendar, invite your friends and family, we’ll see you there! University Health Retama Hospital, opening in early 2027, is the sponsor for the fireworks.

July 4th Fireworks Show at Retama Park! 🎆

Celebrate 250 years of Independence at Retama Park for a FREE entry, family friendly community event! No entry ticket purchase required. All ages are welcome.

📆 Saturday, July 4

⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

📍 Retama Park
One Retama Pkwy
Selma, TX 78154

This exciting event will include:
• Community Blood Drive
• Vendors
• Horse Rides
• Car Show
• Bounce Houses
• Food and Drinks
• Live Music
• Firework Show

The University Health Blood Donor Bus, powered by University Health Foundation and Toyota Texas will be accepting donations, schedule your appointment to donate and receive free gifts.
👉 Click the link to Schedule your Blood Donation Appointment. https://www.universityhealth.com/ways-to-give/give-blood

Mark your calendar, invite your friends and family, we’ll see you there! University Health Retama Hospital, opening in early 2027, is the sponsor for the fireworks.

06/30/2026

Great health care starts with great people—and even stronger community connections. 🩺💙

We’re excited to share that University Health was ranked No. 3 in the nation for social responsibility by the Lown Institute, out of nearly 2,700 hospitals! 🙌

While we're honored by the ranking, what matters most is what it represents: caring for every patient, supporting our team, and partnering with our community to make South Texas healthier—together.

“I am so proud of how our employees bring this to their work,” our CEO Ed Banos said. “Happy employees are often happier people, and patients and families notice the positive energy and care.”

🌟 Huge shoutout to our physicians, nurses, staff, and volunteers—you’re the heart of this achievement, and we couldn’t do it without you!

06/29/2026

Pride, Bigger than Texas style! 🌈

The energy was electric, the colors were everywhere, and the sense of community was unstoppable at the San Antonio Pride Parade! ✨ Thank you to everyone who came out to support, connect, and uplift one another.

Moments like these reflect our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and safe.

#

06/26/2026

🎇 Ready to light up the sky? Celebrate smart so the only thing that lights up the night is your joy.

Fireworks are fun, but they’re not risk-free. And yes… those sparklers can burn at 3,000°F 🔥

Keep the good times going (safely):
👀 Watch kids closely
🚫 No alcohol when handling fireworks
💧 Keep water nearby
🌳 Use fireworks outdoors, away from homes
🏃 Light one, then step back

Family-friendly alternatives: glow sticks, bubbles, or silly string are just as fun and way safer!
👉 Find more quick tips on our blog Firework Safety Tips: https://ow.ly/pHVk50ZhEEa

Safe Kids San Antonio

06/25/2026

July 4th Fireworks Show at Retama Park! 🎆

Celebrate 250 years of Independence at Retama Park for a FREE entry, family friendly community event! No entry ticket purchase required. All ages are welcome.

📆 Saturday, July 4

⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

📍 Retama Park
One Retama Pkwy
Selma, TX 78154

This exciting event will include:
• Community Blood Drive
• Vendors
• Horse Rides
• Car Show
• Bounce Houses
• Food and Drinks
• Live Music
• Firework Show

The University Health Blood Donor Bus, powered by University Health Foundation and Toyota Texas will be accepting donations, schedule your appointment to donate and receive free gifts.
👉 Click the link to Schedule your Blood Donation Appointment. https://www.universityhealth.com/ways-to-give/give-blood

Mark your calendar, invite your friends and family, we’ll see you there! University Health Retama Hospital, opening in early 2027, is the sponsor for the fireworks.

06/24/2026

Big things are happening in Northeast Bexar County!

🏗️ Our new Retama Hospital is taking shape, and CEO Jeremy Riney recently gave Northeast Partnership officials an exclusive hard hat tour. We got a sneak peek at the progress and the advanced care this facility will bring to our growing community.

Mayor Mary Dennis of Live Oak shared, “Investments like the new University Health Retama Hospital ensure our residents have access to the healthcare they need”.

🏥 We look forward to celebrating the hospital’s opening in early 2027 and the lasting impact it will have on patients, families, and communities across Northeast Bexar County.