UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM

Hospital systems throughout San Antonio are planning new facilities to close the distance between residents and acute-care hospitals.

Days after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, fertility specialists across the country are now discussing the future of their own treatment.

The community is looking for blood donations, legal assistance and funds for victims' families.

The community is looking for blood donations, legal assistance and funds for victims' families.

Hospital safety ratings give potential patients a quick way to choose the safest hospital to seek care. No San Antonio hospital ranked below a C.

Although they are never expected, emergencies happen and can take on a life of their own if not managed swiftly.

San Antonio could see a spike in COVID-19 cases due to BA.2, but cases aren't rising as fast as they did during the omicron surge.

Bexar County's new public health division will be funded by $60 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Due to the pandemic, children need extra health care, but many parents have used up their time off caring for kids or getting sick themselves. That's why that's why the Jubilee Academies charter school system in San Antonio is stepping in.

Opinion: Eileen Breslin, dean of UT Health's nursing school, says she's optimistic about the future of health care despite the shortage.

A new hospital is on the way for the Southside.

The Food and Drug Administration has given full approval to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, making it the first coronavirus vaccine to clear that final regulatory hurdle. The...

University Health announced Thursday it will halt all non-urgent surgeries indefinitely, as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise.

Doctors throughout University Health System watched as their patients and community members struggled mentally through the pandemic. It spurred internal conversations throughout the system and beyond.

At their busiest point in March, UT Health clinicians were administering 7,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine a day.

University Health System Pediatrician Dr. Mandie Svatek has answered questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and what it means for children, including how kids have responded to the vaccine so far, her own daughter’s experience in a drug trial and when even younger children may become eligible for the shot.

The Texas Restaurant Association and healthcare partners will hold a two-day vaccination push in San Antonio as part of a multi-city effort to vaccinate tens of...

AdShe said it would help given that some may find it more difficult than others to access the information. Garcia Rocha said she had a similar problem trying to access the translation for University Health’s website on her iPhone. A spokeswoman for University Health said it’s working on a website in both English and Spanish that would not require translation services. AdIn addition to its bilingual operators who assist with vaccine reservations, WellMed also has a Spanish-language website. RELATED: How to register for the COVID-19 vaccine in San Antonio when appointments are available

SAN ANTONIO – A shipment of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines will arrive late, according to city officials who were informed of the delay on Sunday. According to San Antonio Metro Health, staff members either emailed or texted everyone with an appointment about the rescheduling. However, some people who showed up to the Alamodome, like Roger Moreno, say told KSAT they did not get a message. As of right now, hospital officials say they do not believe they will have to reschedule any future appointments. How to register for the COVID-19 vaccine in San Antonio when appointments are available

Edgewood Independent School District is teaming up with University Health System to provide 100 COVID-19 vaccines for their teachers, according to the school district. “I’m grateful for the collaboration between Edgewood ISD and University Health System. “We deeply value our EISD teachers who have had to transition and adjust so frequently to new teaching methods during this pandemic. I’m glad we can start with 100 and hope to bring more vaccines to our staff and community.”The teachers who will be receiving the COVID-19 vaccine fall under the current COVID-19 Phase 1B of vaccine allocation, according to the school district. RELATED: Here’s how you can register for the COVID-19 vaccine in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO – Monday is the day so many people have been waiting for as University Health began the morning administering the Moderna vaccine to the general public. The more vaccines we can provide to people, the more we can protect them from the pandemic,” Dr. Bryan Alsip, Chief Medical Officer of University Health, said. Right now, University Health is administering about 120 shots an hour and it really is the light at the end of the tunnel for so many people. These are the ten doses, the doses of the vile that are ready to be administered,” Elliott Mandell, senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer at University Health said, while explaining the process. University Health issued a statement and said they have had an overwhelming response.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonians braved Saturday morning’s cooler weather to answer the call from health officials to get a flu shot. “Having the flu shot really will help the hospital systems, enable them to continue helping those with COVID and not overwhelm (hospitals) with (cases of) the flu,” Anita Uribe Martin said. Anyone ages six months and older qualify to get a flu shot, according to health officials. University Health System said they have hundreds more vaccines available that will be administered to those who register for the next two events. The next drive-thru flu shot will take place on November 7 at the Dub Farris Athletic Complex.

SAN ANTONIO – Mammograms catch breast cancer early --- don’t skip screenings, advises KSAT Community partner University Health. If your mother, sister, or daughter had breast cancer or if you have a genetic mutation, that predisposes you to cancer. Clinics she oversees for University Health System require masks for everyone, extra PPE for technicians and deep cleanings between mammograms. If you are a University Health System patient you can quickly make an appointment through your online MyChart account. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.

SAN ANTONIO – A specialty mental health court in Bexar County that handles only felony cases is getting a boost through a grant from University Health System, according to 379th District Court Judge Ron Rangel. The grant funds will be able to supply additional staff and resources, Rangel says. She also has mental health issues that qualified her to participate in the pilot program. Campos was granted a pre-trial diversion during the hearing, which was a first for the court. “Before (the participants) actually plea, they enter into a contract with the court, with myself and with the state, where they’re going to go through a very rigorous program,” Rangel said.

SAN ANTONIO – Do you need to get your flu shot? Bexar County Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez is partnering with KSAT Community partner University Health System to host a drive-thru flu shot drive on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nelson Wolff Stadium. Medical professionals from University Health System will set up in the Nelson Wolff Stadium parking lot to administer flu shots, with participants receiving their shot in their own vehicle. This event is possible through additional support from the City of San Antonio, the San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Public Works, the Bexar County Office of Emergency Management and University Health System. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.

click to enlarge Facebook / University Health SystemSan Antonians looking for a free flu shot before the fall season can get theirs Saturday, September 26 in the Freeman Coliseum parking lot.Thanks to a donation from Bexar County, H-E-B and University Health System are uniting to offer n0-cost flu shots at the drive-thru event, according to KENS 5 The vaccination drive is intended to reduce strain on local medical facilities, which want to reduce flu rates this fall as the COVID-19 pandemic taxes their resources.H-E-B pharmacists will administer the shots following CDC guidelines and it won't be necessary for people to leave their vehicles. The injections are available to those with or without medical insurance.Participants will need to register and schedule an appointment online , however.The drive-thru clinic will run 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Are you considering getting the flu shot? This year, it’s more important than ever to get a flu shot, according to medical experts. As we get deeper into flu season, why is it more important than ever to receive the flu shot this year? The flu vaccine is really important help prevent the flu virus from circulating.”How is COVID-19 different from the flu? University Health System explained that the flu shot does not directly protect you from COVID-19, but it does protect you from the flu.

Northside ISD encourages parents to have their children immunized prior to the first day of school. Immunization Requirements for 2020-2021DTP/DTaP/DT/TD/Tdap Five doses are required for entry of kindergarten students unless the fourth dose was received on or after the 4th birthday. Polio: Four doses of Polio vaccine are required for students in grades K-12 unless the third dose was received after the 4th birthday. Menactra (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine): This vaccine protects students 11 years of age and older from Meningitis. One dose is required for students in grades 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

SAN ANTONIO – Update:The flu shot drive-thru event is currently underway at the Freeman Coliseum, as of Saturday afternoon.. With the donations from Bexar County, University Health System and H-E-B, there will be no charge to receive flu shots for those without insurance. KSAT Community partner University Health System is teaming up with H-E-B Pharmacy, Bexar County and the Freeman Coliseum to help the community get their annual flu shots. With the donations from Bexar County, University Health System and H-E-B, there will be no charge to receive flu shots for those without insurance. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.

SAN ANTONIO In our KSAT Community spotlight this month, Safe Kids San Antonio led by University Health System helps prevent injuries and death in kids 18 years of age and younger. Each year serious burns are a top reason children are rushed to the University Health System Trauma Center for medical treatment. Dr. Chris Crane, a University Health trauma doctor who specializes in treating pediatric burn patients discusses where in the home children are most at risk of being burned. Test the bathwater before placing a child in the water and dont allow small children to turn on the faucets themselves. Shown below are helpful handouts to keep at home for safety reminders:KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.

KSAT Community to livestream Mental Health Virtual Town HallPublished: August 26, 2020, 8:48 amTo help individuals with mental health concerns, KSAT Community will be holding a virtual Mental Health Town Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 2-3 p.m. livestreamed on KSAT.com. A panel of experts will answer questions live and viewers can learn the signs of mental illness, how to report it and where to seek help.

KSAT Community to host Child Abuse Awareness Town Hall WednesdayPublished: July 28, 2020, 9:12 amTo help prevent child abuse during COVID-19, KSAT12 will be airing a KSAT Community Child Abuse Awareness Town Hall on Wednesday, July 29 from 2 to 3 p.m. along with a resource phone bank with The Children’s Shelter. A panel of experts (names are shown below in the graphic) will answer questions live and viewers can learn the signs of abuse, how to report it and where to seek help.

KSAT Community to hold Child Abuse Awareness Town HallPublished: July 22, 2020, 11:23 amTo help prevent child abuse in our city, KSAT12 will be airing a KSAT Community Child Abuse Awareness Town Hall on Wednesday, July 29, from 2 to 3 p.m., along with a resource phone bank with the Children’s Shelter. Click here to learn more.

SAN ANTONIO – Measles, rubella, pertussis, mumps -- decades ago, these childhood diseases would strike fear because of their long-term scarring and the potential for death. Rob Sanders, a pediatrician and the associate medical director for PediExpress: Pediatric Urgent Care Clinic that is part of University Health System, said vaccinations are running about 50% behind. “We vaccinate against diseases that historically have really hurt, if not unfortunately killed, a lot of people and a lot of children,” Sanders said. That causes worry that childhood diseases could find a foothold again among children once they begin to mingle in classrooms and playgrounds. “Of course, our staff will be wearing the appropriate protective equipment while they’re working, and they will have very limited interaction with anybody else other than their family and the staff,” Sanders said.

If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Copyright © 2020 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

University Health System nurse voluntarily gets put on ventilator to show importance of face masksIf you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.

“We’ve had to learn a lot in a very short time about this deadly new virus,” said Elizabeth Allen, public relations manager at University Health System. University Health System suggests wearing a face mask when in public or any time six feet of physical distance is hard to maintain. There is also a gallery listed below where you can upload selfies with your face mask on. Click the hashtag #WhyIWearAMaskSA to learn why others in San Antonio wear a mask. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.

But now, health care providers are seeing something called a multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C.Dr. Roberts Sanders, medical director of University Health System’s downtown Pedi Express urgent care clinic, helped get to the bottom of some questions associated with the newly discovered inflammatory syndrome. Some children who have tested positive for the virus can develop an inflammatory syndrome that affects the vascular system and potentially the heart. University Health System stated that many children with MIS-C had the virus that causes COVID-19, or had been around someone with COVID-19. MIS-C can be serious, and even deadly, but most children who were diagnosed have gotten better with medical care. What should parents do if a child has MIS-C symptoms?

University Hospital, UT Health San Antonio begin second phase of patient testing for promising COVID-19 drugPublished: May 12, 2020, 6:13 pmThe COVID-19 Infectious Disease team at University Health System and UT Health San Antonio has launched the second stage of a clinical trial involving a coronavirus drug that has delivered promising results.

SAN ANTONIO – It’s a question many people in San Antonio want to know — have we flattened the curve? “Well, the data would show that we actually have flattened the curve,” Alsip said. Alsip said about two weeks after San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff issued the “Stay Home, Work Safe” order, San Antonio started seeing a decline in the number of new cases and in the number of patients in the hospital. Question: “How and why do you think we’ve been successful (at flattening the curve)?”Alsip said one of the things that helped San Antonio be successful at flattening the curve is that we had early experience with COVID-19 due to the evacuees from Wuhan and two cruise ships who were sent to quarantine at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. KSAT12 is working hard to get answers to the most important questions you have about the new coronavirus and COVID-19.

Published: April 24, 2020, 10:19 am Updated: April 24, 2020, 10:35 amSAN ANTONIO – Our lives have changed dramatically over the last few weeks. Make a commitment to stay home for the people who are working tirelessly to keep us all safe. Stay home and save a healthcare worker. Related:KSAT Community is looking for nonprofits to be featured on Wishlist WednesdayFor more KSAT Community coverage over COVID-19, click here. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.

Employees from Natura, an interior horticultural design company, handed out plants to doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers in the University Health System.

Earlier this month, the FDA modified some restrictions in an effort to increase the blood supply during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following changes were implemented on April 2:For those with recent tattoos and piercings: the agency is changing the recommended deferral period from 12 months to 3 months. For those who have traveled to malaria-endemic areas (and are residents of malaria non-endemic countries): the agency is changing the recommended deferral period from 12 months to 3 months. In addition, the guidance provides notice of an alternate procedure that permits the collection of blood and blood components from such donors without a deferral period, provided the blood components are pathogen-reduced using an FDA-approved pathogen reduction device. For male donors who would have been deferred for having sex with another man: the agency is changing the recommended deferral period from 12 months to 3 months.

"Once we learned that the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) had given us the ability to create masks, rather than using a bandana or a handkerchief, we decided to look at creating our own N-95," Austin told KSAT.Naturally, she went to Lowes for supplies. Using an AC filter material, the mask Austin designed fits and seals across face similarly to a N-95.An important difference was discovered when she had the masks tested by the Southwest Research Institute, though. "The mask has a filtration rate of 99.5% with one material and has a 97.8% filtration efficiency with another material we are using," Austin said. So far they've produced 600, and plan on making 6,500 more.Austin is sharing the design with anyone that needs it in the San Antonio area. "The masks will be available on the UHS website soon, but for now a pattern is available on Scribd:TM 2020 pattern for making ... by Cody King on Scribd

click image Twititer / UnivHealthSysIn the midst of mask shortages for medical employees, one nurse's invention may be more effective than the widely used N-95 mask. Using an AC filter material, the mask Austin designed fits and seals across face similarly to a N-95. "The mask has a filtration rate of 99.5% with one material and has a 97.8% filtration efficiency with another material we are using," Austin said. That's an approximately 3% increase in efficiency compared to the 95% filtration efficiency of the N-95 mask. Austin is working with the Southwest Research Institute to manufacture the masks, which can be used at least twice with proper sanitation procedures.

click to enlarge Courtesy Bexar CountySix more inmates at the Bexar County Jail have tested positive for COVID-19, raising the number there who have been diagnosed with the disease to eight, according to a KSAT news report Officials with the sheriff's office are tracing how each contracted the ailment, and University Health System staff are screening all inmates via daily temperature checks, according to the station. All inmates who test positive are removed from the general population.In addition to the inmates, a UHS nurse working at the jail as well as city employees including 14 deputies, two civilian employees and one county maintenance worker have also tested positive for COVID-19, KSAT also reports.In an interview with the Current on Monday , Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff called the initial jail diagnoses a "troubling sign. ""We have about 1,000 people working there as guards, and they go in and out of there every day," Wolff said. "The danger is that if those people pick up an infection there, they go home and spread it to the community. "The new cases come as Texas halts the intake of county jail inmates into its prison system to limit contagion.

SAN ANTONIO – As more people in San Antonio require breathing treatments due to COVID-19, fears for another medically-fragile condition is emerging. Dr. Margie Tiddall Svatek, a UHS associate professor and hospitalist and the medical director of the Kids Breath Program at the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, has a warning about the possibility of an inhaler shortage. Still, it’s important to the asthma community to be forewarned that there may be a shortage. It’s an ironic twist since the COVID-19 safety orders could, in some cases, cause asthma attacks that the medications are needed for. COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019.

SAN ANTONIO – Now that Mayor Ron Nirenberg has asked residents to wear fabric masks in places where social distancing may be a challenge, people have been asking what makes a good mask. The folks at University Health System have released some instructions and patterns that were designed and tested by a team of UHS surgeons, nurses and engineers. University Healthy System run drills, prepares for potential flood of COVID-19 patientsUHS officials are also urging residents to practice social distancing during Easter and Passover. COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019. The disease first appeared in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, but spread around the world in early 2020, causing the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic in March.

SeaWorld donates hundreds of face masks to San Antonio hospitalsIn an effort to help with the coronavirus pandemic, SeaWorld San Antonio donated hundreds of face masks to the University Health System. In an effort to help with the coronavirus pandemic, SeaWorld San Antonio donated hundreds of face masks to the University Health System. Photo: SeaWorld San Antonio/Facebook Photo: SeaWorld San Antonio/Facebook Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close SeaWorld donates hundreds of face masks to San Antonio hospitals 1 / 1 Back to GalleryIn an effort to provide assistance to the community during the coronavirus pandemic, SeaWorld San Antonio donated hundreds of face masks to the University Health System. Because its emergency medical technicians, veterinary staff members, and employees working with chemicals use the face masks on a daily basis, SeaWorld has a large supply of N95 masks on hand, the amusement park said. We are so appreciative of this donation for our nurses and healthcare workers, said Tommye Austin, Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at University Health System.

A detention officer who oversaw inmates at the Bexar County jail has tested positive for COVID-19, the Bexar County Sheriffs Office said on Thursday. The deputy is on administrative leave until any symptoms are gone, the sheriffs office said Thursday. If an inmate tests positive for coronavirus, the Bexar County jail also has four negative-pressure cells that keep contaminated air from flowing into the rest of the jail. Currently, 700 deputies work in the detention center and 562 serve on the law enforcement side, according to the sheriffs office. Outside the jail, Bexar County Sheriffs deputies also are being more discerning about the calls they respond to, such as medical calls, Salazar said.

SAN ANTONIO – University Health System on Friday erected a large tent near the Emergency Department entrance at University Hospital in the event of a surge in COVID-19 patients. University Hospital to ‘severely’ limit visitorsCurrently, patients with COVID-19 symptoms who report to the emergency department are taken to an isolated space where they are evaluated for testing and possible treatment. The tent will also allow UHS to separate patients with symptoms of the virus from other hospital patients at the emergency department entrance. Those without COVID-19 symptoms would proceed into the emergency treatment area. Patients with symptoms would be evaluated in the tent area, moved to an isolated area for care, or tested and discharged if they are stable.

Dr. Robert Sanders, medical director at University Health System Pedi Express Urgent Care Center, has some tips on how parents can shed some light on explaining the COVID-19 crisis to kids. How do you talk to your kids about COVID-19? How can parents get kids settled into “new normal”? It’s important to stay informed, but nonstop news consumption will increase anxiety, particularly on social media, where most kids spend their time. Stressed parents might equal stressed kids.

In San Antonio as is the case across much of Texas its currently impossible to know how many people have been tested for coronavirus, according to interviews with local health officials. On Monday, Texas MedClinic announced its offering coronavirus testing at its 19 urgent care clinics in the San Antonio area. University Health System and UT Health San Antonio also are offering testing for their patients through the University Health System lab, public relations manager Elizabeth Allen said. But when Metro Health officials met with representatives of multiple private labs on Monday, they found the message had not gotten through, Metro Health Director Dawn Emerick said. Metro Health has approximately 500 employees, with 75 percent of them currently focused on responding to coronavirus.

SAN ANTONIO – Two more health care workers from University Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19, according to University Health System (UHS). The hospital said a nurse and a resident physician have tested positive for coronavirus following travel exposure. Earlier this week, the hospital announced a resident physician had tested positive and was quarantined. These tracers and calls are currently underway,” University Health System said in the statement. COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019.

University Health System says San Antonio doctor has contracted coronavirusThis is the new Sky Tower building at University Hospital is one of the projects chronicled in Nelson Wolffs book This is the new Sky Tower building at University Hospital is one of the projects chronicled in Nelson Wolffs book Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT /SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT /SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS Image 1 of / 69 Caption Close University Health System says San Antonio doctor has contracted coronavirus 1 / 69 Back to GalleryA University Health System doctor has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, a spokeswoman said Monday. The case is travel-related but its unclear whether the doctor is one of the three San Antonio cases that already have been announced. Allen said the hospital system just received the test result last night. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inboxWe are currently tracing potential contacts and putting staff who have been in contact on 14-day quarantine, Allen said. At this point, we have about a dozen hospital staff members quarantined after contact with this physician.News of the doctors illness came after San Antonio health officials announced Sunday that a third San Antonio resident had tested positive for COVID-19.

SAN ANTONIO – University Health System officials say they have been inundated with calls from concerned citizens after news that a coronavirus patient was released into the community for 12 hours over the weekend. The woman visited North Star Mall on Saturday and checked into the Holiday Inn Express near the San Antonio International Airport. Timeline released of coronavirus patient’s activities in San Antonio over 12-hour periodOfficials believe the risk of exposure to the public is low, but recommended a deep cleaning of both sites. On Monday, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg declared a state of emergency and public health emergency in light of the situation. Local testing for COVID-19 is currently available only by sending samples to the CDC with approval by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and the CDC.

SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County now has an additional $7.1 million for mental health programs. Bexar County Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez and University Health System CEO George Hernandez made the announcement Friday at a news conference. These funds will be used in coordination with existing initiatives, such as pre-trial diversion, specialty courts and will target critical needs in providing much needed services for children with special needs, expand access for pre-crisis adult services, address domestic violence, provide for the homeless, and our veterans in need. Funds will also provide respite care, urgent care, and increased medical access.

The penalties will cost the hospitals 1 percent of Medicare payments for admitted patients in the next fiscal year, causing some hospitals to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars of revenue. Since the program began, 1,865 of the nations 5,276 hospitals have been penalized for at least one year, according to a Kaiser Health News analysis. In Texas, 132 hospitals were evaluated for potential financial penalties, which have been controversial since their inception. The reductions represent a decrease of 910,000 hospital-acquired infections, $7.7 billion in costs saved, and an estimated 20,500 fewer deaths in 2015, 2016, and 2017, according to the AHRQ report. The scores used to determine Medicare penalties are designed for professional staff to use them to manage their infection control practices, she said.

A University Health System insurance plan has joined a lawsuit alleging that Texas officials violated state law when they said they would award a multibillion-dollar series of health insurance contracts to for-profit providers, leaving out nonprofit health plans. Houstons Community Health Choice, owned and operated by the local hospital district, also was excluded in the contract announcement and filed suit last week against the commission, alleging it improperly failed to award it and Community First Health Plans contracts. Currently, more than 150,000 Bexar County residents have Community First health plans. Those with Medicaid STAR+PLUS plans will have to sign up for insurance through one of the three providers awarded contracts in Bexar County. If they dont get a contract, nonprofit providers including Community First cannot stay in business, she said.

Jack Ule was discriminated to death, Sachanowicz wrote in the lawsuit. Dotson-Stephens, who also was homeless and mentally ill at the time of her arrest, died in December 2018 while in custody of Bexar County Adult Detention Center. The Bexar County Adult Detention Centers deficient monitoring processes came to light during an annual inspection earlier this year. The Bexar County Sheriffs Office said Monday that the department cannot comment on the Ule case due to ongoing litigation. Bexar County Judge Wolff declined to comment.

Local school districts are turning to University Health System for help complying with a new state law that requires school districts to have bleeding control kits on each of their campuses. UHS is working with area school districts to implement the law by training students and staff to learn how to stop traumatic bleeding. Greg Abbot signed the bill into law on June 15, UHS has met with local school districts to offer aid in complying with the law. In addition to medical training, school districts also are required to form threat assessment and safety committees to oversee emergency operations plans. After-school training opportunities for interested students and staff members at secondary campuses will be offered in the future, he added.

The Bexar County Hospital Districts budget for fiscal year 2020 includes more operating expenditures than revenue as the hospital system prepares for facility upgrades and a major overhaul of its electronic medical records system. The $2.02 billion in operating expenses for 2020 is up from $1.9 billion in 2019, University Health System President and CEO George Hernndez told Commissioners Court on Tuesday. The reason why there are more expenses than operating revenue this year is mainly due to the implementation of EPIC, the new electronic medical records system that will cost the hospital system $170 million, Hernndez said. The hospital system also recently acquired a clinic from the City of San Antonio that needs a major roof repair, he said. 2), who said the commissioners have been working with UHS to secure additional funding for mental health treatment programs for adults and children.

This article is sponsored by University Health System. When an emergency involving open wounds occurs, knowing how to stop heavy bleeding can be the difference between life and death. "Stop the Bleed" is a nationwide effort aimed at teaching everyone how to stop bleeding and save lives in an emergency. If you don't have a tourniquet, you can use a belt or shirt to help stop bleeding. University Health System is working with local school districts to set up training for teachers and staff under a new state law (HB 496) passed this year.

In an effort to reduce injuries and deaths related to firearms, University Health System will distribute more than 17,000 gun locks to San Antonio residents starting in November. The Sheriffs Department is providing up to $25,000 for an education campaign utilizing the Be Smart campaigns five steps to prevent shootings by children. From 2006 to 2016, 6,885 people died from accidental shootings nationwide, and of those, 2,589 were children, Wolff said. Wolff also noted that 3,881 guns were stolen from cars in Bexar County over a recent two-year time span. Whats important is that we get people to understand that they have got to secure their guns, Wolff said.

University Health System is teaming up with other groups in the community to raise awareness about the dangers of unsecured weapons. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

SAN ANTONIO - University Health System is teaming up with other groups in the community to raise awareness about the dangers of unsecured weapons. "We'll have both trigger locks available to those who may want them, or our cable locks," Northway said. You see that I have this BB gun that has a trigger lock attached to it, and this is just to show you how a trigger lock would work. Now, one of the challenges with a trigger lock is that if there if it is loaded, that could still go off and hurt someone. The gun locks will be distributed in November.

SAN ANTONIO - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5% to 20% of the United States population gets the flu every year. RELATED: What you need to know about the upcoming flu season in South TexasThere are always misconceptions about the virus, and director of hospital epidemiology at University Health System Dr. Jason Bowling is setting the record straight. This live stream will take place Monday morning around 11 a.m.RELATED: 10 Flu Myths and MisconceptionsSome of the questions that many had were:"Does the flu shot give you the flu or make you sick after getting it?" "What should I do if I get the flu?" "What can we expect from this year's flu season?"

Dr. Jason Bowling, director of hospital epidemiology at University Health System, answers questions about the flu and the flu vaccine. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it's the perfect time to find out if you're at risk. According to breastcancer.org, about 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetimes. For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer besides lung cancer. University Health System offers a free online assessment that takes five minutes. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and San Antonio Area Chevy Dealers.

SAN ANTONIO - September is Baby Safety Month and one way to keep your baby safe is to keep your baby healthy. There are benefits for both babies and mothers when it comes to breastfeeding, but sometimes it can take a little practice to have it go smoothly. University Health System offers lactation services in breastfeeding classes taught in English and Spanish and individual consultations before and after birth. Breastfeeding benefits for momsBurns on average 600 calories a dayLowers risk of breast cancerLowers risk of ovarian cancer and diabetesFor more information, visit universityhealthsystem.com or call 210-358-8715. Sponsored article by University Health System.

KSAT 12 is partnering with University Health System to host a livestream to answer questions about vaccinations.

SAN ANTONIO - Mayor Ron Nirenberg admits it won't be easy, but said the city will do whatever it can to get pharmaceutical companies to pay up for causing the opioid epidemic in San Antonio. Earlier this month, the San Antonio City Council unanimously voted to join thousands of other jurisdictions across the country in a national opioid lawsuit. Bexar County filed a similar lawsuit, seeking $1 billion, but right now it's still unclear how much money the city is seeking. More opioid lawsuit news from KSAT.com:How will opioid ruling in Oklahoma affect similar lawsuit in Bexar County? San Antonio takes step toward joining national opioid lawsuitBexar County to seek $1 billion in first opioid trial in TexasIn the meantime, attorneys are working under a contingency agreement, meaning they only get paid if money is awarded.

SAN ANTONIO - Vaccines are needed throughout your child's life to protect against serious diseases. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, when children are vaccinated according to the recommended timetables, it helps keep people within the community healthy. KSAT 12 is partnering with University Health System to host a Vaccination Q&A Phone Bank from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. There will also be a livestream on KSAT.com and the KSAT streaming apps with University Health System from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday. If you would like to schedule appointments for vaccinations, call 210-358-KIDS (5437) or visit universityhealthsystem.com/shots.

KSAT 12 is partnering with University Health System to host a livestream to answer questions about vaccinations. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

Dr. Allison Grimes, a pediatric oncologist with the University Health System, said the HPV vaccine is among few vaccines that can prevent cancer. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

SAN ANTONIO - A previously unpublicized suicide attempt at the Bexar County Jail on Monday brings the total of suicides and suicide attempts at the jail to at least three in the past nine days, sheriff's officials said. The Sheriff's Office said Zamora had been transferred to the main jail after getting into a fight in the jail annex and had been placed on Emergency Management Intensive Supervision. The same day of that inmate's attempted suicide, Perez, who was charged with his common-law wife's murder after leading investigators to her body in Lampasas County last week, was found hanging in his cell. Despite this, jail officials said she was not on suicide watch when she was found. The Sheriff's Office declined to say whether it planned on changing any of its policies due to the rash of suicides and attempted suicides at the jail in recent days.

SAN ANTONIO - Summer is coming to an end, but the transition doesn't have to be tough for kids going back to school. Taking a few steps earlier for the back-to-school season can make the transition much easier on families, and Dr. Marisol Mendez, a pediatrician at University Health System, has some helpful tips. "It's time for our back-to-school vaccines," said Mendez. "If your child is 4,11, or 16, those are the age groups when a child will need their vaccines." Sponsored article by University Health System.

SAN ANTONIO - University Health System's Paws Up Pet Therapy Program is bringing smiles to hospital patients faces. "It just helps them throughout their stay," said Monica Gibson, child life specialist for University Health System. It just makes them more comforted.Its very important because it just makes them feel at home," said Hortencia Castano-Urbanowiez, director of volunteer services for University Health System. Zane was left at Animal Care Services at 8 days old, until San Antonio Pets Alive saved him. At 8 weeks old, Beverly Oakes, with Therapy Animals of San Antonio, adopted him.

The last day of the KSAT COMMUNITY Blood Drive hosted by University Health System is Thursday, January 25. The drive takes place at University Hospital, 4502 Medical Drive. Don't worry Dr. John Daniels from University Hospital said, "there is always a need for every particular blood type." Blood Drive LocationUniversity Hospital (4502 Medical Drive)8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.​​​​KSAT COMMUNITY events include a Healthy Heart online test, the San Antonio Book Festival, a school supply drive, a Shred Day and many other activities throughout 2018. Thank you to all of our KSAT COMMUNITY partners-- Energy Transfer, San Antonio Area Chevy Dealers and University Health System for making a difference and making these community outreach events possible.