San Antonio, Texas (November 14, 2019)… The Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio continues to fund area nonprofits that support the underserved population of Bexar and surrounding counties. Committed to quality health care for community residents, the foundation will be giving over $6 million in grants to worthy recipients on Dec. 10, at 4:30 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of San Antonio, 515 McCullough Ave. This year the two largest grants were awarded to CentroMed ($500,000) and Meals on Wheels San Antonio ($600,000). In addition, the Tenet Healthcare Foundation has matched the Meals on Wheels grant, giving an additional $250,000.
CentroMed plans to use the financial support to establish a new program called PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), which will provide care for eligible seniors in Bexar County. PACE is a managed care model focused on providing services based on an individual’s needs instead of health care reimbursement. CentroMed anticipates this service will reach people who are otherwise deterred from seeking treatment, while at the same time decreasing costly hospital utilization, re-admissions and ultimately preventing or delaying permanent nursing facility placement. PACE will offer services including: primary medical care, social services, restorative therapies, ADL training and home assessment and modification, personal care services and nutritional counseling, education and meal planning services.
Meals on Wheels, in conjunction with Grace Place Program (which helps individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia) plans to expand its program to reach more people through the construction of a new 40,000 square foot facility off Nacogdoches Road. The new facility will have an optimized production kitchen with plenty of both cold and dry storage; an efficient food preparation space; a dedicated volunteer training and waiting area; a safe, easy-to-navigate loading dock; and an expanded Grace Place Center. Grace Place Alzheimer’s Centers provide daily care and activities for those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases, as well as respite and support for caregivers.
“These grants will enable these organizations to have an even greater impact on San Antonio area residents, helping those who need it most,” said Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio President and CEO Cody Knowlton. “By investing in these organizations, we are able to share Jesus’ message of hope, love and support.”