SAN ANTONIO — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded a $25.5 million grant to the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District that will cover a five-year period and be used to upgrade the city's health care infrastructure. With support from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce and Data Systems grant, this will aid in the city's progress of the SA Forward Plan.
“I am excited and honored that Metro Health was awarded with a first-of-its-kind grant that will transform the way we operate and build resilience,” said Metro Health Director Claude A. Jacob. “This grant will allow us to fully implement our SA Forward Plan, a critical one for building the workplace, enhancing infrastructure to combat future threats to public health, and providing equal resources throughout Bexar County.”
The City of San Antonio’s SA Forward Plan is a strategic effort to make a healthier community for all. The focus will be on the following over the next five years:
- Access to Care
- Data and Technology Infrastructure
- Food Insecurity and Nutrition
- Health Equity and Social Justice
- Mental Health and Community Resilience
- Violence Prevention
“We deeply appreciate this significant assistance, and I want to specifically thank Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm for their support and confidence in the SA Forward plan,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “Additionally, we are grateful to Congressman Joaquin Castro for his instrumental support of San Antonio’s bid to obtain this public health funding.”
As a national public health initiative, the CDC announced that $3.9 billion will be offered to state, local and territorial jurisdictions across the U.S. through the course of five years. This is to strengthen their public health workforce and infrastructure.
A City of San Antonio news release states, “As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, $3 billion will be used to recruit, retain, and train public health workers in jurisdictions, including contact tracers, community health workers, epidemiologists, and data analysts. Funds will also be used for stronger infrastructure and resources to enable public health across communities, especially in marginalized areas. Through this grant, Metro Health will strengthen their public health workforce and infrastructure.”
According to a 2022 Community Survey, San Antonio’s public health has received a 25% increase in satisfaction since 2018. The city has proven to be a major force in public health services.
“San Antonio Metropolitan Health District is a critical resource for both San Antonio’s community and environmental health,” Rep. Castro said. “These federal funds will help Metro Health modernize its services and hire more personnel to improve our city’s access to health care over the next five years. I look forward to continuing to work with the City of San Antonio to ensure we keep moving forward and that San Antonio families receive the federal support they deserve.”