Northeast San Antonio Metrocom Edition | June 2023

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 9 JUNE 13JULY 17, 2023

2023 HEALTH CARE EDITION

Natural Bridge Caverns opens a new attraction

Take in the Fourth of July Jubilee in Schertz

SPONSORED BY • Doss Audiology & Hearing Center • South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital and Outpatient Center • University Health HEALTH CARE EDITION 2023

Getting active

Movin’ on Main, a Schertz health and wellness event, brought in more than 2,500 attendees in April. (Courtesy city of Schertz)

Northeast Metrocom cities, groups work to combat sedentary lifestyles

Grab a meat-free lunch at Go Vegan San Antonio

BY JARRETT WHITENER

for area senior centers, and educa- tion. For employees, programs were created to help people make health- ier decisions. Sydney Paredes, recreation coor- dinator for the city of Schertz, said these programs are designed to help residents with their health. “It keeps [people] active and gets them out of the house, and gives them a little bit of time to work on

their tness goals,” she said. In 2021, 25.1% of adults in Texas engaged in no leisure-time physical activity, per a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey. But, it’s recommended that the average adult participate in 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states. CONTINUED ON 18

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

Leaders in Northeast San Anto- nio Metrocom cities are investing money and resources into services and programs that promote more active lifestyles to help residents and employees improve their health. Eorts from Schertz, Cibolo, Live Oak, Selma and Universal City include expanding and building more parks and trails, programming

HELLO OOO Say TO THE NEW WOMEN’S & CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Say hello to University Health’s new Women’s & Children’s Hospital. The only hospital in the region designed exclusively for moms, babies and children – featuring spacious labor & delivery suites, customized nutrition for newborns, and the most advanced maternal and neonatal care in beautiful, warm and welcoming spaces. This is a hospital like no other.

OPENING THIS AUGUST | SayHello.net

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM EDITOR Tricia Schwennesen REPORTER Jarrett Whitener GRAPHIC DESIGNER Brendan Rodriguez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Stephanie Schillaci METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna MANAGING EDITOR Miranda Jaimes MANAGING COPY EDITOR Beth Marshall ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 3522 Paesanos Parkway, Ste. 304, San Antonio, TX 78231 • 866-989-6808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES nemnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING nemads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM TRICIA: Did y’all make it out to Schertz’s Movin’ on Main or maybe the more recent Síclovía in San Antonio? Both of those events are meant to get the public out exercising and considering overall health and wellness. In this month’s Health Care Edition cover story, reporter Jarrett Whitener takes a look at events like these and other initiatives Northeast Metrocom cities are taking on to combat sedentary lifestyles. Also, inside you’ll find hospital listings, updates on some recent health care development projects and a snapshot of what health care means to our communities. In our other upcoming special editions this summer we will look at residential real estate and public education. In July, we will consider how multifamily residential is booming in Metrocom cities with several key developments. We also plan to ask the experts what tips they can offer on buying or selling a home, and upgrades that might bring a better price or value. In August, our public education edition will include coverage of what our school districts are doing to help our children better manage their mental health. For example, the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD had success in the 2022-23 school year with a series aimed at parents to tackle some of those tough subjects. Let us know what you want to read and learn about by emailing me at tschwennesen@communityimpact.com. Tricia Schwennesen, EDITOR

Meet Jaselle Luna

San Antonio Metro Publisher

communityimpact.com

What’s your typical day as a CI Publisher? JL: Most days you’ll find me visiting with leaders and businesses from across San Antonio. I’m involved in several chambers, and also sit on councils and boards that are aligned with our mission and vision. By participating locally, I’m able to have thoughtful and insightful conversations about what our readers and businesses need, and how Community Impact can help fit that need. I also work closely with my local team to discuss feedback we receive, share story ideas, and offer suggestions to continuously improve internally. I’m a big believer in celebrating others, and you’ll typically find confetti on our office floor because of the daily celebrations and the smiles it brings to people’s faces.

Aside from Community Impact, what have you read recently? JL: “The Shark and the Goldfish” and “Extreme Ownership” are two books. I’m also reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” almost every night to my 3-year-old.

Email newsletters are booming for CI; why should readers subscribe? JL: Our newsletters offer a daily update of what’s happening in each community. We include local events and news briefs that are relevant and useful to our readers, highlighting everything from timely election results to unexpected road closures to new business openings. Our readers find the quick and simple format resourceful and to the point!

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • JUNE 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

GARDEN RIDGE

2252

482

1103

3009

SELMA

CIBOLO

Erick’s Tacos y Fruteria

1103

COURTESY ERICK’S TACOS Y FRUTERIA

ing reservations can be made online. 210-408-0408. www.cibolowell.com COMING SOON 4 Brew K Cafe will open in Cibolo at 121 Cibolo Commons, Ste. 133. The restaurant oers French-Korean infused coees, teas, desserts and pastries. The locally owned business does not yet have an opening date. 210-371-4633. 5 Universal City Healthy Spot will be bringing smoothies and juices to Univer- sal City. The new business will be located at 1922 Pat Booker Road, in the former location of UC Nutrition. The shakes, smoothies and other beverages will be similar to the former business with a few new drinks for the community to try. An opening date has not been announced. Facebook: Universal City Health Spot. NEW OWNERSHIP 6 Bi Buzby’s Burgers in Live Oak celebrated a grand reopening May 10 following the restaurant being under new ownership. Francis “Hammer” Rogers III is the new owner of the restaurant, and under the new ownership, the restau- rant logo will change. Despite the logo change, the restaurant will keep the traditional burgers, Friday night car shows, sta and other parts the com- munity loved about the restaurant. Bi Buzby’s rst opened in 1999 after Donna Humphreys retired from working as a food broker. The restaurant, located at 12702 Toepperwein Road, Live Oak, oers a selection of burgers, platters, sandwiches and more. 210-590-2040. www.biuzbys.com

SCHERTZ

1604

CIBOLO COMMONS

UNIVERSAL CITY

1518

218

6 7

LIVE OAK

1518

MEEK ST.

SCHOOL ST.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

1518

1976 NOW OPEN 1 On April 20, River City Gutters cele- brated the opening of a new location in Cibolo, located at 850 Schneider Drive, Cibolo. According to the company website, River City Gutters is a fami- ly-owned and -operated business that has been serving San Antonio since 2014. The service area also includes Schertz, Cibolo, Garden Ridge and Universal City. The business specializes in seamless gutters, leaf guard, fascia and sot repair, and more. The company oers free

estimates and nancing. 210-201-6550. www.rivercitygutters.com 2 On May 5, Erick and Maria Onof- re celebrated the grand opening of a new Erick’s Tacos y Fruteria location at 313 Schneider Drive, Cibolo. Er- ick’s rst opened in San Antonio as a food truck along Nacogdoches Road. Specializing in Mexican food, the restaurant grew over six years and opened the rst brick-and-mortar location at 12715 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio. The menu features

a selection of cocktails, smooth- ies, tacos and more. 726-203-4131. www.erickstacosyfruteria.com 3 A new business was added to Cibolo Main Street on May 5. The Cibolo Well , located at 110 Meek St., Cibolo, brings axe throwing, sweepstakes gaming and food courtesy of Mama Mill’s Jamai- can Kitchen. Food items include burgers, chicken tenders, jerk plates and more. The new business is located at the former Mama Mill’s Jamaican Kitchen location, which closed in November. Axe throw-

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER

ager Glen Martel said the trail comes with new benches and watering stations, for people and dogs. With the new addition, residents can walk from the new trail, around Northeast Lakeview College and around Live Oak Lake for nearly 4 miles, Martel said. 9 On May 2, Northeast Lakeview College ocials announced a partnership with Bezos Academy to open a tui- tion-free, Montessori-style preschool on NLC’s campus at 1201 Kitty Hawk Road. The preschool will follow a full-day, year- round schedule, and operating expenses, including meals, will be covered by Bezos Academy. According to a May 2 release, the school is slated to open in late 2024, following renovations Bezos Academy will make to the building. Families earn- ing up to 400% of the federal poverty level with children ages 3-4 are eligible to apply, which includes families of four earning up to $120,000 per year. The release states Bezos Academy provides admissions preference to children expe- riencing homelessness or in foster care. www.bezosacademy.org 10 Judson ISD ocer Michael Grelle was awarded ocer of the year by the ASIS International San Antonio Chapter. Grelle was selected out of six small agencies across Bexar County for his assistance in saving a JISD parent’s life on Dec. 15. A May 26 announcement from JISD ocials stated Grelle’s hard work, diligence and training helped save a life.

Bi Buzby's Burgers

JARRETT WHITENERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

CLOSINGS 7 Live Oak Nutrition closed its

The Hidden Wonders tour oers expanded public accessways and updated lighting.

doors June 3. The business opened at 12702 Toepperwein Road, Ste. 105, Live Oak, in April 2020, oering a variety of nutritional shakes, snacks and other beverages. Despite closing, the owners will continue to provide beverage recipes and a workout program through social media pages. IN THE NEWS 8 A new $200,000 trail at Main City Park, 18001 Park Dr.,in Live Oak opened May 22. City ocials and partners met at the new trail for a ribbon-cutting dedica- tion. The trail connects Main City Park to the Live Oak Swimming Pool, located at 7901 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak. City Man-

COURTESY NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS

FEATURED IMPACT EXPANSIONS A new tour called Hidden Wonders and an expansion at 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road opened May 12. The tour features new lighting as well as a 1,100-foot-long expansion of the public passageways through the cave that includes a new 5,700-square-foot dome chamber called The Ballroom that will be used as an event space. The project was started in 2017, and millions of dollars were invested in the design, technology, construction and

guest experience for the expansion, according to a May 3 news release. Hours and prices vary. 210-651-6101. www.naturalbridgecaverns.com

NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS RD.

3009

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • JUNE 2023

TODO LIST

June & July events

COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER

JUNE 22 SUPPORT CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY The Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center will be hosting a Casino Night fundraiser at the Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road, Selma. The organization’s mission is to provide services to children and families when there are allegations of abuse and neglect. The night will feature gaming tables, a live auction and prizes. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Admission is $65, and additional chips can be purchased during the event. 830-303-4760. www.gccac.net 24 LEARN ABOUT HOAS Homeowners association board and committee members, homeowners, volunteers, and residents of Cibolo are invited to take part in a workshop to learn more about HOAs. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Wiederstein Elementary School Cafeteria, 171 West Borgfeld Road, Cibolo. 210-658-9900. www.cibolotx.gov 24 THROUGH NOV. 25 SHOP AT THE DOWNTOWN MARKET Enjoy food trucks, crafts and the wares of vendors along a closed Main Street from Pfeil Road to Loop 539. Market Days occur every fourth Saturday of the month

from March through November. Check the city’s website or social media in the event of rain. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free (admission). Main Street, Cibolo. 210-658-9900. www.facebook.com/CityOfCibolo/events JULY 04 RUN A PATRIOTIC 5K The Let Freedom Run 5K will take place prior to the Fourth of July parade—the kicko to the Schertz Jubilee. The race is open to all participants and includes a kids run/fun run and a walk. The race begins at 9:15 a.m. Registration will be $20 through June 20, $25 from June 21-July 3 and $40 on race day. Schertz Dog Park, 940 Community Circle, Schertz. 210-619-1635. www.schertz.com/466 15 THROUGH AUG. 5 WATCH A MOVIE IN THE PARK Universal City will host Movies in the Park beginning with “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,” followed by “Minions Rise of Gru” on Aug. 5. Guests may bring chairs, blankets and coolers. Concessions will be available. Activities will begin at 7 p.m., and movies around 8:30 p.m. or sunset. Free (admission). Universal City Park, 305 North Blvd., Universal City. 210-659-0333. www.universalcitytexas.com/679

ENJOY SUMMER WITH SPLASHFEST UNIVERSAL CITY PARK

JUNE 17

JULY 04

CELEBRATE THE FOURTH SCHERTZ

Universal City will bring back Splashfest with family-friendly water rides. Splashfest will feature waterslides, games and more activities. Guests can bring their own food and drinks, and concessions will be available. Wristbands will allow children age 3 and older to enjoy unlimited activities. Waivers must be signed with the purchase of a wristband. 2-7 p.m. $10. Universal City Park, 305 North Blvd., Universal City. 210-659-0333. www.universalcitytexas.com/995 (Courtesy city of Universal City)

The city of Schertz will host the 47th annual Jubilee, which begins with a parade at 9:30 a.m. Guests can enjoy evening events from 6-10 p.m. including the reworks show from the pool at Pickrell Park, 701 Oak Street, Schertz. Tickets for the pool must be purchased online in advance for $3. Ages 2 and younger are free. The jubilee will also include live music and a kids carnival. Parade applications will be accepted through June 21 and vendor applications through June 23. 210-619-1635. www.schertz.com/466. (Courtesy city of Schertz)

Find more or submit Northeast San Antonio Metrocom events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Expansion of FM 2252 to be complete in summer Will Lockett, New Braunfels-area engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation, said the first phase of construction on FM 2252 at Evans Road and Cibolo Creek is nearing completion. The project, which began in 2020, includes the expansion of the road from a two to four lanes, bicycle lanes, sidewalk improvements and drainage improvements to Cibolo Creek. Lockett said the first phase is expected to open in July. Following the completion of the first phase, the remain- ing portion of the project from Cibolo Creek to FM 3009 is

COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER

ONGOING PROJECTS

EVANS RD.

2252

Phase 2

3009

1604

Phase 1

CIBOLO CREEK

expected to get underway in September. The second phase will also expand the roadway from two to four lanes, and include bicycle lanes and sidewalk improvements. Lockett said phase two is expected to take 36-42 months to complete and will cost an estimated $49 million.

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MAY 22. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT NEMNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. The project is expected to be com- pleted by mid-summer, according to a May 15 announcement by Selma city staff. Timeline: May-mid-summer Cost: $950,000 Funding source: city of Selma During construction, portions of Look- out Road extending from both sides of the intersection will be reduced to two lanes until the project is com- plete. Lookout Road at Mt. Crest Drive intersection improvements Work to improve the intersection at Lookout Road and Mt. Crest Drive in Selma began May 15.

Schertz Main Street project agreement gets underway

The city of Schertz is investing in infrastructure to improve Main Street that will include sidewalk improve- ments, street lighting, landscaping and architectural elements, such as decorative lighting and signage. On Sept. 6, Schertz City Council approved a $2.17 million agreement

with Kimley-Horn Associates Inc. for work and design services on Main Street. As of May, the city was coordi- nating utility efforts and drafting a relocation agreement with Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative. Construc- tion is to be completed in 2024.

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • JUNE 2023

EDUCATION

Milton Fields III conrmed new superintendent for Judson ISD

FINDING A SUPERINTENDENT The Judson ISD superintendent search process began in November following the resignation of Jeanette Ball.

2022

November Jeanette Ball resigns, receiving $140,000 payout

BY JARRETT WHITENER

all the qualities identied on the leadership prole that was made by our community.” Fields was named interim superintendent on Dec. 1 following the resignation of Jeanette Ball.

The superintendent search for Judson ISD concluded with the Board of Trustees’ appointment of Milton “Rob” Fields III on May 11 following a required 21-day waiting period. Fields had been named the lone nalist for the position on April 20, following the interview process, which included more than 40 nation- wide applicants. Fields is a JISD alumnus and has been in education for over 21 years, serving the last 16 years in JISD, most recently as deputy superintendent of student services and administration. “The board interviewed very talented and exceptional public school leaders,” JISD Board President Jennifer Rodriguez said in an April 20 release. “We were so pleased to see that Dr. Fields, both a product of the district and a current leader in the district, rose to the top. He possessed

Dec. 1 Milton “Rob” Fields III appointed as interim superintendent

2023

February Surveys sent to stakeholders for feedback on what is expected in a leader January District enters agreement with Hazard Young Attea and Associates to serve as the superintendent search rm March Board of trustees approves a search prole for a superintendent then holds eight interviews with candidates over three weeks April 20 Milton "Rob" Fields III named lone nalist

Milton “Rob” Fields III

“He has consistently demonstrated tremendous dedication to our stu- dents and sta,” Rodriguez said. “We are condent in his ability to continue to lead with passion, integrity and knowledge as he has shown during his time as the interim.” Fields has also served as the assistant superintendent of operations and principal of Karen Wagner High School, states the release. “It is an honor and a blessing to be given the opportunity to continue my educational journey working with the

May 11* Trustees voted to ocially appoint Fields superintendent

SOURCE: JUDSON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT *TRUSTEES MUST WAIT A STATEMANDATED 21 DAYS BEFORE FIELDS IS GIVEN FINAL APPROVAL.

incredible students, sta and com- munity of Judson ISD,” Fields said in the release. “I rst learned about the deep-rooted tradition of excellence in our district as a student here, and I

am so proud, as an educator, to have been a part of how it has evolved. I am so grateful and excited to continue giving back to the community that has helped shape me as a leader.”

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News from Cibolo, Schertz, Universal City & Judson ISD Council adopts parks master plan for Universal City CITY & SCHOOLS

COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER

HIGHLIGHTS JUDSON ISD Ocials broke ground May 3 on the

Sunday School: 9:00 A.M. Sunday Worship: 10:30 A.M. River Women’s Day: Every 5th Sunday Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. via Zoom Personal ID# (943 373 7269) Join us Holy Communion: Every 1st Sunday Universal City City Council will meet July 5 at 6:30 p.m. 2150 Universal City Blvd., Universal City. 210-659-0333. www.universalcitytexas.com Live Oak City Council will meet June 27 at 7 p.m. 8001 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak. 210-653-9140 • www.liveoaktx.net Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD will meet July 25 at 6 p.m. 1060 Elbel Road, Schertz. 210-945-6200. www.scuc.txed.net/scucisd Judson ISD will meet July 20 at 6 p.m. 8205 Palisades Drive, Live Oak. 210-945-5100. www.judsonisd.org Comal ISD Schertz City Council will meet July 18 at 6 p.m. 1400 Schertz Parkway, Bldg. 4, Schertz. 210-619-1030. www.schertz.com Cibolo City Council will meet June 28 at 6:30 p.m. 200 S. Main St., Cibolo. 210-658-9900 • www.cibolotx.gov Selma City Council will meet July 13 at 6:30 p.m. 9375 Corporate Drive, Selma. 210-651-6661 • www.ci.selma.tx.us MEETINGS WE COVER will meet July 19 at 6 p.m. 1404 N. I-35, New Braunfels. 830-221-2000 • www.comalisd.org sixth middle school for Judson ISD to be located adjacent to Wortham Oaks Elementary, according to a May 2 release. Puger Architects designed the 192,000-square-foot campus. It will be constructed by SpawGlass. The project is expected to be completed in July 2025. Trustees allocated $106.85 million in bond funds for the project. A new middle school is expected to be bid out in 2024.

UNIVERSAL CITY Every 10 years, the city of Universal City updates the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, which serves as a guideline for city parks and recreation projects. City Council in a 4-1 vote approved a resolution to adopt the plan for 2023-33 on May 2. The top priorities for outdoor recreational facilities are trails, playscapes and playgrounds, natural areas, and open space. The backstory: In September, city sta developed the Open Space and Trails Plan Survey 2022-2032 to gather resident input. • According to the plan, 457 survey responses were completed. • Alongside the survey, Luck Design completed an inven- tory of the city’s park system, which ranked the quality of amenities at each park. Meeting highlights: Council Member Phil Vaughan asked about the rankings and whether they would aect the city when applying for grants or additional funding. • Luck Design Team President Brent Luck said the priorities help the city appear competitive when

CITIZEN SATISFACTION RESULTS A select group of residents were surveyed regarding the state of parks and recreation activities in Universal City.

Overall, how would you rate the parks and recreation

opportunities in Universal City?

SURVEY RESULTS

Excellent (24.88%) Good (49.51%)

Fair (18.47%) Poor (4.19%)

Don't Know... (2.96%)

SOURCE: CITY OF UNIVERSAL CITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

applying for funding. The plan can also be updated to reorder priorities. • Vaughan also had concerns regarding the lack of listed costs for projects. What’s next: With the adoption of the plan, the commis- sion will use it as a guideline for upcoming city projects.

Main Street rezoning gets second hearing CIBOLO Main Street residents expressed frustration to City Coun- cil on May 23 over increased trac and noise due to the newly opened Cibolo HEB grocery store. Some residents have applied to rezone their homes from single family to neighborhood commer- cial, which allows for storefront retail, service, nancial and some oce activities, according to the city code of ordinances. Residents said rezoning will enable them to

City names economic development director SCHERTZ On May 16 Scott Wayman was named the new executive director of economic development. Wayman was rst a Live Oak police ocer beginning in 1987 before serv- ing as the city’s assistant city manager and city manager, according to a news release. Wayman retired and his last day with Live Oak was Jan. 14, 2022. Scott Wayman

REZONING HOMES Residents say rezoning will help them sell their homes.

1103

H-E-B

12 properties

MAIN ST.

BUFFALO TRL.

SOURCE: CITY OF CIBOLOCOMMUNITY IMPACT

sell their homes for a higher value. Residents who oppose the rezoning said they don’t want commercial businesses behind their properties. The nal decision is expected to be made on June 13.

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • JUNE 2023

COMMUNITY IMPACT IS PROUD TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS HEALTH CARE EDITION 2023

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It’s time to say hello to history in the making and to the birth of a new generation. It’s time to say hello to University Health’s new Women’s & Children’s Hospital opening in August. It’s the rst hospital in the region designed exclusively for women, babies and children, oering the most advanced maternal, pediatric and neonatal care in warm and welcoming spaces. The new hospital features individualized birth plans; precision nutrition for your baby’s optimal development; spacious labor & delivery suites; expert breastfeeding support and customized postpartum care; a NICU with private rooms for family bonding; and Child Life Center to help children cope with medical challenges. It’s also the new home for the children’s ER and women’s center for OB/GYN emergencies. Designed for the incredible women and children who are shaping the future of South Texas, this will be a hospital like no other. Learn more at SayHello.net

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HEALTH CARE SNAPSHOT

Local health care data and information

COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER

WORKFORCE BY COUNTY

PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS, 2022 Profession count

Per 100,000 residents

County rank statewide

Between Bexar, Guadalupe and Comal counties, Bexar County ranks the highest when comparing workforce data for primary care physicians and licensed psychologists.

1,774

81.6

127

42.9

BEXAR COUNTY

104

66.2

GUADALUPE COUNTY COMAL COUNTY

LICENSED PSYCHOLOGISTS, 2022 Profession count

Per 100,000 residents

County rank statewide

22.4

487

3.3

1604

12.7

SOURCES: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES, HEALTH PROFESSIONS RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNITY IMPACT

HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR COUNTY?

These rankings of all counties statewide are updated annually but include data from previous years. The factors listed are not comprehensive.

HEALTH OUTCOMES INCLUDE: HEALTH FACTORS INCLUDE: Length of life

2023 STATEWIDE HEALTH CARE RANKINGS OUT OF 244 RANKED COUNTIES

Quality of life • Poor mental and physical health days reported

HEALTH OUTCOMES

38 51 92

18 17 35

19 11 12

Length of life Overall Quality of life

Health behaviors

Socioeconomic factors

• Smoking and excessive drinking • Obesity • Physical activity • Alcohol-impaired driving deaths • Sexually transmitted infections • Teen births

• Educational attainment levels • Children in poverty • Income inequality • Violent crimes

HEALTH FACTORS

28 43 20 80

33 25 49

8 9

Overall

Health behaviors

10 10

Socioeconomic Physical environment Clinical care

Clinical care

Physical environment factors

• Health insurance coverage • Number of physicians, dentists, mental health providers • Preventable hospital stays • Flu vaccinations

• Air pollution • Drinking water violations • Housing problems • Long commutes

183

113

189

SOURCES: ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN POPULATION HEALTH INSTITUTE, COUNTYHEALTHRANKINGS.ORG COMMUNITY IMPACT

EMPLOYMENT TRENDS Since September 2020, Bexar and Comal counties have had an increase in health care employment, while Guadalupe County has had a decrease.

HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT

SAN ANTONIONEW BRAUNFELS METRO MAY 2022 OCCUPATION ESTIMATES

Sept. 2020 Sept. 2021

Sept. 2022

Annual mean wage

Employment

2-year change +3.86%

$130,610 $158,420 $271,480 $239,980 $121,730 $48,030 $79,890 $397,180

270

Pharmacists Psychiatrists Optometrists

2,150

+9.58% 2-year change

-2.35% 2-year change

350 600

Obstetricians and gynecologists

SOURCE: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS COMMUNITY IMPACT

Paramedics

1,810

Nurse practitioners

120

Radiologists

1,010

Dental hygienists

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • JUNE 2023

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HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

Information on hospitals, ERs & urgent cares

2023 HEALTH CARE EDITION

HOSPITALS 1 Methodist Hospital/Methodist Children’s Hospital Trauma level: III NICU level: IV Number of beds: 996 Number of physicians: 1,321 One unique program or procedure: Meth- odist Hospital has the only heart transplant program in South Texas supported by high volumes of mechanical circulatory support devices and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO, a form of life support. Methodist Children’s Hospital is home to the region’s largest—and one of the busiest—pe- diatric bone marrow and stem cell transplant programs in the country. 7700 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio 2105754000 www.sahealth.com/locations/ methodist-hospital 2 Methodist Hospital Northeast Number of physicians: Data not provided One unique program or procedure: The hos- pital specializes in advanced cardiovascular care and is recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association as a Certied Primary Stroke Center, and the American College of Cardiology as an Accredit- ed Chest Pain Center with Primary Percutane- ous Coronary Intervention, PCI. 12412 Judson Road, Live Oak 2107577000 Trauma level: IV NICU level: N/A Number of beds: 237

COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER

This is a noncomprehensive list.

KEY

Hospitals

Urgent care center: can treat basic illnesses in addition to some broken bones and other ailments U Free-standing emergency room: capable of treating most symptoms and ailments—similar capabilities to a hospital’s ER E

Methodist Hospital Northeast

MedPost Urgent Care of Cibolo

JARRETT WHITENERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY MEDPOST URGENT CARE

4 University Hospital Trauma level: I NICU level: Level IV Number of beds: 700

8 MedPost Urgent Care of Cibolo 513 Cibolo Valley Drive, Ste. 101, Cibolo 2107145600 www.carespot.com/medpost-urgent-care/ cibolo-tx Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 9 NextCare Urgent Care Cibolo 791 FM 1103, Ste. 125, Cibolo 8302402615 www.nextcare.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 10 Physicians Premier Emergency Room 580 Cibolo Valley Drive, Ste. 137, Cibolo 2102513545 www.mdpremier.com/cibolo-emergency-room Hours: 24/7 11 Quality Urgent Care-Schertz 6032 FM 3009, Ste. 120, Schertz 2108784033 www.qualityurgentcareofamerica.com Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily 12 Schertz Cibolo Emergency Clinic 4825 FM 3009, Ste. 200, Schertz 2102021123 www.schertzhealth.com Hours: 24/7 13 Texas MedClinic Selma 8341 Agora Parkway, Selma 2106595533 www.texasmedclinic.com Hours: 24/7

MOST ADVANCED TRAUMA VS. NICU LEVELS

Number of physicians: 1,167 Number of nurses: 2,784 One unique program or procedure: The award-winning Hospital at Home allows new mothers and noncritical patients to receive care through telemedicine and home visits. 4502 Medical Drive, San Antonio 2103584000 www.universityhealth.com ERS, URGENT CARES & RETAIL CLINICS 5 Access Med Clinic Schertz 1264 FM 78, Ste. 115, Schertz 2103525966 Hospital-Schertz 16977 I35 N., Schertz 2105728400 www.baptisthealthsystem.com/locations Hours: 24/7 7 Concentra Urgent Care 12702 Toepperwein Road, Ste. 120, Live Oak 2106534420 www.concentra.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. Closed www.accesstotalcare.com/ access-medclinic-schertz Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily 6 Baptist Neighborhood

Highest level of care, more specialist physicians available, can treat more serious conditions

Trauma level

NICU level

LEVEL I

LEVEL IV

LEVEL II

LEVEL III

www.sahealth.com/locations/ methodist-hospital-northeast 3 Northeast Baptist Hospital Trauma level: IV NICU level: N/A Number of beds: 347 licensed Number of physicians: 370 Number of nurses: 318

LEVEL III

LEVEL II

LEVEL IV

LEVEL I

One unique program or procedure: Northeast Baptist Hospital is the only hospital in San An- tonio and one of two in Texas designated an Advanced (Level II) Primary Plus Stroke Center with neurothrombectomy capabilities. 8811 Village Drive, San Antonio 2102972000 www.baptisthealthsystem.com/locations/ detail/northeast-baptist-hospital

LEAST ADVANCED

Lowest level of care, more likely to have to transfer to higher level for serious conditions

SOURCES: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES, TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • JUNE 2023

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AT THE CAPITOL

2023 HEALTH CARE EDITION

Lawmakers’ bill could implicate drug dealers in overdoses deaths

BY HANNAH NORTON

For and against House Bill 6 could have overdoses listed as homicides if lethal amount discovered following autopsy, toxicology report. For “On behalf of all our family members who have died innocently by taking medication laced with fentanyl, on behalf of all of our friends, we’re here today to tell the people who deal that drug: We’re going to pass a piece of legislation. We’re coming after you.” Rep. Craig Goldman, R-Fort Worth, a sponsor of the bill Against “I know that everyone’s decided how they’re going to vote on this bill, and that’s ne. But what I’m here to do today is speak against the continuation of the drug war and the continuing incarceration of people for drug addiction, instead of providing them the care and help they need to not be addicts.” Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, who voted against the bill.

Bills that would increase the criminal penalties for people who manufacture or distribute fentanyl is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. If he signs it, people could be charged with murder if the drug leads to someone’s death. House Bill 6, by Rep. Craig Gold- man, RFort Worth, would classify fentanyl overdoses as poisonings on death certicates. After a toxicology report and autopsy, if a medical examiner nds a lethal amount of fentanyl in someone’s system and determines drugs caused their death, they would be required to list “homi- cide” as the manner of death. Prosecutors could then charge drug dealers with murder for providing the deadly opioid. Texas Harm Reduction Alliance protesters chanted, “No more drug war!” in opposition to the bill.

Members of the American Principles Project create a prayer circle on May 2 in Austin when a gender-arming ban was discussed. (Hannah Norton/Community Impact)

Bill banning transition-related treatment for minors sent to Governor Abbott’s desk

BY HANNAH NORTON

of 18. Doctors who continue to provide these treatments could be stripped of their medical licenses. Children who are currently receiving nonsurgical treatments and attended at least six months of therapy before beginning care will be allowed to continue. Children must be safely weaned o the medications and cannot begin new treatment plans.

A bill that would ban tran- sition-related treatments for

transgender youth has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature. Senate Bill 14 would prohibit doctors from providing gender-af- rming care—including puber- ty-blocking medication, hormone therapy and gender conrmation surgery—to anyone under the age

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • JUNE 2023

DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS

Developments underway in the community

COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER

2023 HEALTH CARE EDITION

University Health plans to begin construction on new Retama Hospital by the end of 2023

Methodist Plaza II construction to be complete in July Methodist Hospital Northeast broke ground on Methodist Plaza II in June 2022 and continues to make progress on the project. The facility is three oors spanning 73,000 square feet and includes a hospital-based outpatient surgery center with ve operating rooms, robotic surgery capabilities and a cardiology imaging center. The new facility will also be home to partners of the hospital, including the Alamo City Surgeons, the Cardiol- ogy Clinic of San Antonio, Northeast Pulmonary and Sleep Associates, Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio, and Virtuosa. Over the past three years, Meth- odist Hospital Northeast has taken on projects such as a new hybrid operating room, a 30-bed progressive critical care unit, a 30-bed orthopedic

MARCH 2021: University Health spends $11.6 million for 42.5 acres in Selma. 2021: University Hospital has 30,134 inpatient discharges, a 51% increase from 2010. EARLY 2023: Hospital is being designed by Marmon Mok and ESA. LATE 2023: University Hospital Retama Hospital is expected to break ground. LATE 2026: The new hospital is expected to nish construction. DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE The Selma hospital will be located at Lookout Road and Retama Parkway, and is expected to break ground in 2023 and nish by 2026.

Kellum Medical Center

In 2021, University Health purchased 42.5 acres in Selma for $11.6 million to be used for a new hospital that will be located at the corner of Lookout Road and Retama Parkway. The new hospital is one of three new hospitals in the San Antonio area being developed and built by the system. University Health ocials said the goal for the system is to create a wagon wheel-type system in which University Hospital, located in the South Texas Medical Center, will be the hub while the three new hospitals will serve as “supports or spokes” on the outskirts of the city. While the new Selma hospital is not expected to break ground until the end of 2023, University Health named it University Health Retama Hospital. The hospital will feature an emergency depart- ment, operating rooms and imaging—including X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, mammography and ultrasounds. Laboratory services and inpatient facilities will be provided for all major hospital-related treat- ments for adults and children, such as labor and delivery, the neonatal intensive care unit, general

medicine and surgery, orthopedics, heart care, vascular services, neurology, and gastroenterology. Marmon Mok Architecture and ESA Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Inc. are working to design and engineer the hospital and a medical oce that will be adjacent to the building. Layton Construction will be the construction manager for the project. The anticipated completion date for the hospital and medical oce building is late 2026. Hospital ocials said the expansion is due to the increased population and patient capacity at University Hospital—which is the system’s only hospital—and the new hospital will reduce the travel time for patients near the Selma area. The new hospitals will also help alleviate patient intake at University Hospital as it will give commu- nities around San Antonio more local options for health care. The Selma hospital will be one of the nal pieces of development for the city as it approaches build- out over the next 10-15 years, and alongside the hospital, ancillary oces will be developed to oer additional medical services in the area.

The new Methodist Plaza II is expected to be completed in July.

Kellum Schertz Medical Center’s rst building was completed in 2022.

JARRETT WHITENERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Buildings to be added to area medical center

Methodist Plaza II

Medicine, which was formerly located in a building next door to the new center. The former location will house a new health care provider. Led by Dr. Daniel Kellum Jr., the new medical oce oers a range of medical, health and wellness services that include behavioral health care, treatment for minor illnesses and chronic conditions, routine health exams, weight management and more. The cost of the medical center is estimated at up to $40 million, funded through a public-private partnership.

Five new buildings are planned for the Kellum-Schertz Medical Center project, which opened its rst building in August 2022. The project team, DK2 Develop- ment LLC, is led by Darrell Keller, senior vice president of DH Realty Partners Inc. The project is a mix of oces, a surgery center/medical oce and an ER. Other buildings are expected to break ground in 2023. Once complete, oces will be leased to health care providers. Building A is the largest building in the roughly 90,000-square-foot space and houses Kellum Family

TOEPPERWEIN RD.

GUNN RD.

NOTE: DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. SOURCE: UNIVERSITY HEALTHCOMMUNITY IMPACT

neurosurgical unit and a parking garage expansion. Methodist has also opened ER locations in Nacogdoches, Converse and New Braunfels. Methodist Plaza II is expected to be complete in July. Following its completion, a third building will be built on the Northeast campus.

University Health Retama Hospital

LIVE OAK 14623 IH-35 N (210) 651-1911

RECTOR 819 E Rector Dr (210) 340-2244

LEGACY 2003 N Loop 1604 E (210) 494-8600

STONE OAK 23026 US Hwy 281 N (210) 497-1322

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