[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6659685,"mediaKeyId","2449621-f37075ee77fe75b6b3993b363f1558a3","parentId",2449621,"title","University Health and Metro Health outline South Side health-equity center; staff do not recommend separate commission","audioSeconds",653,"startMs",6309000,"endMs",6962000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2449621-f37075ee77fe75b6b3993b363f1558a3&start=6309&end=6962","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2449621-f37075ee77fe75b6b3993b363f1558a3/thumbnail_6309000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6659685/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/University-Health-and-Metro-Health-outline-South-Side-health-equity-center-staff-do-not-recommend-separate-commission","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659685-309d80f15957efc67d9042c3b8fe5035/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184263&Signature=Emab1Ric-x43d331XJLTV0d4wO4K2OavxRe0MYntdLOtjl-Atnl9Vcy3m6XTZ6viP5Ig1mIwioglwnSiPuCXfZkuKnzOda39vOKqZHoc684eyTtE6fTcQCnismuZYSbPjwCcN1FyYaDuODMqTT1Yxy1o1sWpzTnJFVrT0kcxRWQ~kSz-vpqARUXVF0rRKhfLik9rSS8RMJKbV1JjKscabbE-zlcPn6OrcW5xuXwBaQblkqW1jFArmmNnmgkDlYWrYdq5hHrrYFsG4vGm1oV3r-oHUoB2fwM2vMp3IHhXceTEr9kaMIR67aBCb6hU6qamy7mn368nEBHZDfFqGG5bhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Antonio","date","2025-02-28T00:00:00Z","article","University Health and Metro Health presented plans and early work for a South Side health-equity center and related cross-sector initiatives, and committee members debated whether to establish a permanent city commission to oversee coordination.

University Health representatives described multiple clinic and construction projects intended to increase access in the south side, including plans for a full-service hospital (166 beds) and a community clinic called Vida that will include primary care, diagnostics, pharmacy and extended hours. University Health said the South Equity Center will coordinate workforce development, school-linked clinics, community health apprenticeships and partnerships with UTSA and other institutions.

Metro Health staff reviewed a Community Clinical Reference (CCR) list of tasks intended to align city resources, and noted that the council adopted a contract yesterday that provides roughly $600,000 in funding for some CCR activities; the adopted contract was described in commentary as expiring on Nov. 30, 2025. Staff told the committee that, given current departmental capacity and existing reporting structures, they do not recommend creating a separate permanent commission at this time and instead proposed regular reporting to the committee.

Several councilmembers said they supported the South Equity Center and urged continued funding and representation for underserved neighborhoods, particularly the south, east and west sides. Some members asked staff to return with a timeline for convening stakeholders and for the first set of committee meetings if a formal body is later requested.

No formal vote to establish a new commission was recorded; staff recommended continuing the interagency collaboration under Metro Health and University Health while returning periodic updates to the committee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","San Antonio - Community Health Committee Spanish - Feb 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","University Health previewed plans for a South Side health equity center and staff described a cross-sector CCR (Community-Clinical-Reference) initiative that received $600,000 in recently adopted funding; staff recommended not creating a separate commission at this time and proposed continued reporting to the committee.","taxTitle","San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas","taxId",2771,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6659689,"Committee approves public-art precertified list for city projects",1293,5316000,6609000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2449621-f37075ee77fe75b6b3993b363f1558a3&start=5316&end=6609","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2449621-f37075ee77fe75b6b3993b363f1558a3/thumbnail_5316000.jpg","/articles/6659689/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/Committee-approves-public-art-precertified-list-for-city-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659689-b6470a80e6e171b84f226b68e4794752/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184263&Signature=L~clpbX986sYcKMT51iz2lz5SFBecMYqzaHp2ce3SyZ91KDoXGSjfsQnP3~vqhXUCzu-oYm7tBjIUMsjoR-Mw3L~ig6Wn~0XBK87Zcwfcg-Gjwb5cUKToe7NHV8AFG11psOQxVGQTJZMTucbI1HIsnPwIFIU0kor~wumVe9zFaYXmgCEr7CqgQVeqIgPd~iirY9TB7cKbVy8EMHEjaW5I0BQWSOTzIHsIT3o9HBKy2F~84I-GnBMEgGkW4DyUDHKVQaV6gkWnDCxAOkU4W9V7PFk6xpNyrA4wCkW7nGoLnyxt1X~KlB6lOlf4Xw8OoTVSyVZHseD4TSLnx-hPJ9F3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council committee approved a prequalified roster of artists and support vendors intended to streamline selection and contracting for public-art projects across the city.

City staff described the list as an initial step to support more than 50 public-art projects already funded by the council. Staff said they received 227 eligible submissions and recommended 216 applicants for the roster; 58 of those applicants were highlighted for the current round of project recommendations. The prequalification process includes review panels and equity metrics that consider local representation, disability and veteran status, and collaboration capacity.

Staff outlined the timeline for project delivery—about 18 months for design, community review, fabrication and installation—and said the roster will be used for future calls for projects. The program includes a community engagement component and opportunities for students and community volunteers to participate in installations, but anyone who signs city contracts must be 18 or older.

Councilmembers asked for breakdowns by council district and urged staff to consider weighting scores for local artists in future rounds. Staff said they would re-open solicitation and provide district-level applicant lists. The committee approved the list and staff said they would bring the roster to the full City Council on March 20 for final approval and notify applicants of their status.

The motion to advance the prequalified list passed by voice vote.","The committee approved a prequalified list of public-artists and support vendors intended to speed selection and contracting for city public-art projects; the list includes more than 50 projects and 58 recommended applicants from 227 eligible submissions.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6659693,"Metro Health briefs council committee on varicella exposures and vaccine outreach",1921,1135000,3056000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2449621-f37075ee77fe75b6b3993b363f1558a3&start=1135&end=3056","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2449621-f37075ee77fe75b6b3993b363f1558a3/thumbnail_1135000.jpg","/articles/6659693/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/Metro-Health-briefs-council-committee-on-varicella-exposures-and-vaccine-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659693-83ee705a918c37ed78b5d35d7f9e7df0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184263&Signature=GBrdES2Ep8UbK02Y6zKblMZaxc84qqjJ00bQDNyW9oQI309UvOG0Q6uh-08JdhCBJb6DetuNFyw5Rkn~TqPLR8Q6Rdxst1xqM8pcx5cIsof-tNk40EaPhT6XeqIwAY2JGSuVIPFF61CiN~MIgTjo5CS0U2SdFVjF2FkbrpAla3ZTLV3wQP3fvIlG8f8XTaVjSBvLCidSvc3wtKmkdthY5aOeV53desEOn3zvW0hTaIDq31CHxtWRYj343y-~zqaaRQNlU4-m618PgRf2z6op7eYY1HClScwi7D5mpe5mvhcvNbwND9k5TLaDgIhdunVnC4F7vf-F3iAE~BgZ4RAt9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Metro Health officials told the City Council committee they are investigating a varicella (chickenpox) exposure in San Antonio that involved visits to several public locations and have launched contact-tracing, vaccination outreach and communications to reduce spread.

At the committee meeting, Metro Health epidemiology staff said the exposure timeline began Feb. 14–15 and included visits to the University of Texas at San Antonio campus, the San Antonio River Walk and a restaurant. ‘‘It’s very contagious; 90% of unvaccinated people who had contact can become infected,’’ a Metro Health official said. Staff noted that symptoms can appear up to 21 days after exposure and that the agency identified multiple close contacts and has been notifying them daily.

Officials said the first fatality associated with the local exposure was reported on Feb. 26 and involved an unvaccinated child. Metro Health outlined its response steps: active surveillance and investigation of exposures, guidance and communication with partner institutions (including UTSA and school districts), vaccine events coordinated with libraries and community partners, and guidance distributed to schools and first responders.

Metro Health staff said existing vaccine coverage for children up to age 12 remains high in many places but that coverage has fallen in some neighborhoods since the COVID-19 pandemic. They described targeted outreach to neighborhoods with lower coverage and said school nurses and district officials are being notified; students not vaccinated and with a confirmed school case would be excluded for 21 days per public-health reporting rules.

Committee members asked when the public should expect updates and how long monitoring will continue; staff said cases linked to the identified exposure could appear through March 8 given the incubation period and pledged to issue updates if new confirmed cases arise. Staff reiterated standard recommendations: vaccination, staying home when ill and reporting suspect cases to Metro Health.

Metro Health also said it maintains appointed staff on weekends and is coordinating with community vaccination partners to offer clinics this week. Officials said MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccines and related pediatric immunizations are available at Metro Health clinics, and that uninsured residents can obtain vaccinations with a nominal administrative fee waived where necessary.","Metro Health described a recent varicella exposure involving multiple public locations, urged vaccination, and outlined surveillance, contact-tracing and community outreach plans, including school notifications and upcoming vaccine events.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":79,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6659698,"Council committee approves $100,000 Reproductive Justice Fund after heated public comment",5255,61000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2449621-f37075ee77fe75b6b3993b363f1558a3&start=61&end=5316","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2449621-f37075ee77fe75b6b3993b363f1558a3/thumbnail_61000.jpg","/articles/6659698/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/Council-committee-approves-100000-Reproductive-Justice-Fund-after-heated-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659698-feb3f6a05fa6ef0eda5e0135849f5d95/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184263&Signature=L5PUKQ8bgkBXV9Oxo6UV-AZy3EQmndMjAtQ05T8~jJm40u9LpgTEvo603RUf36QKROB7b6kDebX3hz5nGH3wLY1XSnlPYdF0pMFz874N9MLhyiepnjFG-Rg5MjaJg8ni8JQ5xSpbw3tHNPvbtikkboSgaYMnN0H0XjxCXc0b-t2M1Oje-b1HPftwllFge7K9pH8vRjSAQ0yzfxL5kt5U7NeHNF5vDP0Dzr1blRO2ExYeM05f6Y7bW~hzZ0LbsLxLeie7bYip0e4u6eyt3j5enpIhJZkUADX3pd2cpnkD8~4gln8hKJjPnY~QcqcxE2ol-kJbBrhQg3AXrbnOO53c5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Antonio City Council committee approved a $100,000 allocation for a Reproductive Justice Fund after a long public-comment period that included advocates who called the money lifesaving and opponents who said it violated state law.

Supporters, several of them community organizers and health advocates, urged the committee to fund travel, navigation and other supports for residents seeking reproductive health care outside Texas. ‘‘Cien mil dólares is only a drop in the bucket,’’ said Erika Galindo, who identified herself as an organizer administering funds for travel and reproductive services, arguing that the payments would make care accessible to people who otherwise cannot afford to travel. Councilmember Cabello Jábrida said the city must ‘‘help and support our residents’’ and asked colleagues to back the allocation: ‘‘What is the price of human life?’’

Opponents also addressed the committee. A public speaker who identified himself as Paul Kommo said, ‘‘The abortion harms women and kills babies,’’ and urged the committee to focus on infrastructure instead of the fund. Other commenters referenced past meetings and litigation on the topic and warned of legal exposure.

During the committee discussion, Metro Health staff said the funds for the request would be identified within the department’s current operating budget for the coming fiscal year and described operational constraints if federal or state funding shifts. Committee members asked about legal exposure from proposed state legislation (identified in discussion as SB 730, newly introduced) and were told staff would monitor developments and ensure compliance with applicable law.

The motion to approve the $100,000 allocation passed by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the committee transcript.

Clarifying details from the public record and testimony: several proponents described practical barriers to care: one speaker noted the nearest clinic for some residents would require an approximately five‑hour drive and said many residents lack insurance or access to contraception. Metro Health staff and councilmembers emphasized that any program would be administered by qualifying nonprofit partners and that detailed applicant capacity and local-preference criteria were under discussion.

Councilmembers also discussed prior council action on reproductive-justice issues, noting a 2022 resolution on reproductive justice and referencing community organizations that have previously administered related services. Several councilmembers said they hoped the $100,000 would become a recurring budget item rather than a one-time appropriation.

The committee did not record a separate, detailed implementation plan at the meeting; staff committed to return with budget-language details and compliance review in the normal budget process.","The committee approved a $100,000 allocation to a Reproductive Justice Fund following extensive public testimony both supporting and opposing the proposal; staff said funds would come from Metro Health’s current operating budget if the measure proceeds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

University Health and Metro Health outline South Side health-equity center; staff do not recommend separate commission

Committee approves public-art precertified list for city projects

Metro Health briefs council committee on varicella exposures and vaccine outreach

Council committee approves $100,000 Reproductive Justice Fund after heated public comment