Children's Health Programs
Child Life Fund
Illness, hospitalization and painful medical treatments can be very frightening and confusing for a child. The Child Life department at University Hospital focuses on the emotional and developmental needs of children and their families. Donations support the purchase of supplies and equipment that provide relief and preparation for all types of procedures and tests. These items, such as coloring books, teddy bears, stickers, etc. help normalize a child’s day by encouraging play, offering social activities and supporting continued growth and development.
Injury Prevention Fund
As the lead organization of Safe Kids San Antonio, we are raising the bar in child safety throughout the community. Thanks to this fund, thousands of free car seats have been distributed to new parents and underserved families discharged from our Emergency Department after a motor vehicle accident along with instruction on how to safely install and use them. Your generosity enables doctors and nurses to visit schools and talk to children and teens about the consequences of distracted driving. It supports University Health's Viva Swim program through which free swim lessons are provided to thousands of children at area pools and it supports events and campaigns that promote community awareness, including bike and pedestrian safety and burn and heatstroke prevention.
Pediatric Heart Fund
We are proud to say that the University Children’s Health Heart Center is located at University Hospital is the region’s only such dedicated unit. Thanks to the expertise of our cardiothoracic surgeons and medical team the Pediatric Heart Center has the lowest mortality rate (1.9%) in Texas and it’s where families turn to for life-changing hope. Your gift to the Pediatric Heart Fund supports medical and nonmedical expenses for families whose children are diagnosed with congenital heart defects or heart disease, helping to minimize financial and emotional burdens. Funds also are used for department equipment, renovation needs and the continuing education of medical professionals to maintain the level of care families deserve.
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fund
Donations to the University Children’s Health Pediatric Blood & Cancer Center is located at University Hospital helps with medical and nonmedical expenses for families to minimize financial and emotional burdens. This team, led by a group of world-renowned physicians, is dedicated to enhancing children’s quality of life through specialized treatments, research, innovation and compassion.
The Pediatric Blood & Cancer Center is the only nationally recognized hemophilia treatment center in our region and one of only 11 sites in the nation that has partnered with the Pediatric Oncology Experimental Therapeutics Investigators’ Consortium (which promotes early clinical development of promising therapies for children and young adults with cancer and related disorders). Funds also are used for department equipment, renovation needs and the continuing education of medical professionals to maintain the level of care families deserve.
Pediatric Trauma & Burn Fund
University Hospital is home to the highest level pediatric trauma center in South Texas at Level I, the only pediatric trauma center verified by the American College of Surgeons and the only pediatric burn program in our region. Contributions are integral in supporting the special needs of these pediatric patients — to help ease the difficulties throughout their recovery. Donations also provide for equipment, renovation needs, and continuing education of the medical professionals who serve our youngest patients.
Neonatal ICU Fund
Our Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is home to seriously ill infants requiring special care post-delivery. Backed by a multi-disciplinary team of experts, this special department offers moms and families innovative and comforting services to their babies. The fund also supports equipment, renovation needs and medical and profession continuing education so that we can continue to be at the forefront of neonatal care.