Every gift to University Health Foundation (UHF) is an investment in hope, healing and possibility.

This year, UHF has funded more than $615,000 in projects and programs that provide clinical excellence, advance healthcare, support outreach and more.

From assisting with burn garments essential to the recovery of pediatric patients to providing support for community education programs, each distribution reflects the lasting change that happens when we come together to meet today’s needs while creating a healthier future for all.

Guided by strong principles for improving and sustaining healthcare, every donation makes a difference. In the first half of 2026, donors supported:

• The University Health Milk Bank, generously funded by the John R. and Greli N. Less Charitable Trust – Currently under construction and the first of its kind in South Texas, the University Health Milk Bank is a transformative initiative that will address the critical need for donor human milk when a mother’s own milk is unavailable or not enough. This state-of-the-art facility will localize milk collection, pasteurization and distribution to support the growth and nutrition of premature and medically fragile babies who need life-saving care. This vision was further supported by the Myra Stafford Pryor Trust, Frost Bank Charitable Foundation, Charity Ball Association, Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

• The University Health Simulation Center – Modelling real-life emergency situations, the Simulation Center provides valuable training for clinicians and healthcare professionals with the use of medical manikins. The newly attained premature baby Anne manikin allows for the practice of high-risk neonatal procedures.

• Breast cancer screenings – With support from the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Think Pink, breast cancer screenings, diagnostic breast services and mobile mammograms were provided to more than 200 underserved Bexar County residents.

• Continued education through scholarships – With eight different scholarships, donor dollars help support University Health team members in their educational endeavors. In addition, the Our Sons and Daughters Scholarship program provides scholarships to children of University Health team members as they graduate from high school and pursue higher education.

The impact of philanthropy also extended across the communities we serve with the citywide “How I Stay Safe Calendar” contest led by CareLink, University Health’s patient financial assistance and community outreach program.

Children ages 4-12 from elementary schools across Bexar County were empowered to use their talents and imagination to create safety-themed artwork. In May, the winning drawings selected for the 2027 calendar were displayed at University Hospital. The artwork brought crucial lessons to life with messages such as “Kids stay safe, don’t share information,” “Stop bullying” and “Have a family plan.” From fire prevention and traffic safety to stranger danger and bullying prevention, each colorfully illustrated piece delivers an important message that reinforces safety awareness across our region. 

The Foundation was honored to make the contest even more meaningful for the winning artists by providing funding for a special celebration, as well as San Antonio Zoo and Santikos Movie passes in recognition of the positive safety lessons shared through their designs.

At the heart of each area University Health Foundation supports are people who believe that better health starts with helping one another. Thank you to our donors for making this work possible and for uplifting the community we call home.

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