$10 Million from Bexar County to Help Expand School of Public Health | UTSA today | UTSA

“A self-sustaining, independent school of public health in South Texas has been a shared vision of UT Health San Antonio and UTSA leadership for some time,” said the president of UT Health San Antonio. dr. William L. Henrich said. “The formation of the University of Texas San Antonio School of Public Health is the result of a close collaboration between two universities in the UT system united around a common mission to create a research-intensive, science-focused school. the community to improve health outcomes, reduce morbidity and mortality, and educate the next generation of public health professionals for our city and region.

“We are extremely grateful to our Bexar County Commissioners for their support and significant investment of $10 million in this collaborative effort to meet the demand for public health education in San Antonio, as well as the needs growing public health needs of South Texas’ diverse population. President of UTSA Taylor Eightmy said. “Both institutions are deeply committed to building on our areas of expertise to ensure that the new School of Public Health becomes a regional leader in preparing the next generation of public health leaders while creating healthier communities.

San Antonio is a predominantly minority city that, with its large and growing Hispanic population, reflects the demographic future of the nation. Many areas of the city and the South Texas region are identified as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) by the United States Health Resources and Services Administration. San Antonio is the largest city in the United States without a school of public health.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has produced a strong demand and need for public health education regarding vaccination, mask wearing, social distancing, and hand washing. The new school will allow local residents to train in public health professions in order to meet the increasingly emerging health challenges.

“Bexar County is ready for a school of public health, and we are thrilled that ARPA’s support is helping to create it,” the Bexar County judge said. Nelson Wolff said. “The pandemic we have overcome has demonstrated more clearly than ever the need for public health solutions for our population.

Total start-up costs for the School of Public Health are budgeted at approximately $40 million, including renovations to existing buildings, program development, and the recruitment of a nationally recognized dean.