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New Hospitals Coming To Far West Side
By Alissa Reinhard
S oon, the far west side of San Antonio, one of the fastest-growing parts of the city will be home to two
new healthcare facilities.
In Westover Hills, a South Texas Veterans
Health Care System outpatient clinic is currently under construction, providing a range of health care services for veterans. The clinic is expected to be completed in November 2021 and sits on 24 acres along State Highway 151 and Rogers Road.
The clinic, named the San Antonio Northwest Health Care Center, will help consolidate existing services, bringing healthcare to veterans instead of making them seek out care in multiple locations. The 190,800 square-foot facility with over 1,500 parking spaces is expected to provide care for over 100,000 veterans. Services will include primary care, mental health, ophthalmology, dental, pharmacy,
prosthetics, and imaging. Plans for two additional area VA clinics – one in New Braunfels and one inside Loop 410 – are also in the works with San Antonio Northwest Health Care Center being the largest of the three.
Just a few miles north, on Loop 1604, University Health System is also laying the groundwork for a new hospital, located on a mostly vacant 80-acre tract of land between Culebra and Shaenfield roads. Officials are still in the early planning stages and there is no timeline for design work or for construction. On October 6, the city’s zoning commission recommended approval to rezone the land which would clear University Health System to build an acute care hospital with a helicopter landing pad.
A new veterans outpatient healthcare facility is currently under construction on 151 at Rogers Road. (Rendering courtesy of Hoefer Wysocki).
Ways To Help Your Community
During the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s tradition for many families to find ways to give back to their local community. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, volunteering may look a little different, but there are still safe opportunities available and other ways to help those in need. People across the world, our nation and in our neighborhoods are hurting more now than ever. Here are a few
By Alissa Reinhard
• Donate to your local food pantry.
COVID-19 has brought a new season of need for many, and the San Antonio Food Bank is ramping up additional service to meet that additional need. There are several ways you can donate. The 12 top most wanted items are peanut butter, cereal, tuna, beans, rice, macaroni and cheese, chili and soups, baby food and diapers, canned lunch meats, pet food, full meals (can/box), and pop top food items. If you don’t live close to the Food Bank, all San Antonio Goodwill stores and donation centers have a San Antonio Food Bank red barrel for your non-perishable food donations. You can also donate money online, by mail or by phone. And in-person volunteer opportunities are still available (temperature checks, social distancing and masks are required). Visit safoodbank.org for more information.
• Hygiene kits for the homeless population are desperately needed. Hygiene kits will include, but are not limited to, the following: hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, soap, bottles of water, socks, and snacks. Items may be packaged in plastic
things you can do locally to help.
grocery bags. Hygiene kits can be delivered to your nearest SAPD SAFFE substation (7000 Culebra) and will be distributed to those in need by the CoSA Homeless Street Outreach volunteers.
• Many seniors in our community depend on home food delivery while self- quarantining. Volunteers are needed to deliver perishable and non-perishable food items to their homes. Meals on Wheels San Antonio needs volunteers this Thanksgiving to deliver holiday meals and a sweet smile to your senior neighbors. COVID-safe, fun, and family-friendly, Meals on Wheels limits physical interactions between staff and volunteers, provides pre-packaged meals, and masks and hand sanitizer are available. Visit mowsatx.org/volunteer for more information.
• Plasma donation is needed from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. If you fall into this category, the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center is asking you to donate in an effort to possibly help others recover. If you are interested or would like to learn more, email COVID19@
southtexasblood.org or call 210-731-2719.
• Our four-legged friends need help, too. Animal Care Services is currently suspending on site volunteer activity, but you can still donate dog and cat treats, pet toys, collars, leashes, harnesses, paper towels, newspapers, Dawn dishwashing liquid soap, bleach and laundry detergent. You can also support the Helotes Humane Society by donating food, cat litter, blankets, sheets, potty pads, and cleaning supplies (more items are listed on the HHS website hhsanimals.org) Gift cards and cash donations are always appreciated. Foster
When you’ve found the one – you know it. It’s a feeling that’s indescribable, like the whole world is at your feet. We can’t wait to hear how you won over your sweetheart – or how he or she swept you off your feet! We will share as many of your stories we can! Email your love story to contest@highlightspub.com by January 6, 2021 for your chance to win!
volunteers are also always needed! Animal Care Services will provide free pet supplies, food and veterinary care. You just open your heart and your home. Visit sanantonio.gov/ Animal-Care to learn more.
Share Your Love Story Contest!
BS hare your love story with us! Highlights Publications is celebrating love this February with a special contest. Share with us the special story of how you met your sweetheart and you could win a $50!
Was it love at first sight or did you
y Alissa Reinhard
date long distance for years before tying the knot? Did you meet by chance, at a dancehall one night? On an airplane? In line at the grocery store? Was it a blind date? Or maybe you were set up by mutual friends. Highlights wants to know – and share – your love story!
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www.alamoranchhighlights.com
November 2020