LSA 48 Health and Wellness Day
“Living for Myself, My People, and My Community” – LSA 48 Health and Wellness Day
Health and Wellness Day at LSA 48 was a comprehensive exploration of the theme “Living for Myself, My People, My Community.” The event began with an inspiring welcome from Gordon Hartman of Morgan’s Wonderland. Hartman presented eye-opening statistics on the gaps in services available for the special needs population, highlighting the incredible efforts by his team to close these gaps not just in San Antonio, but for all communities in need.
The morning session featured a dynamic panel discussion on Social Determinants of Health. Representatives from Close to Home, Family Services, Morgan’s Multi-Assistance Center, Thrive Youth Center, and SAVE Clinic shared their insights. The session helped the class understand the non-medical issues impacting health and the reality that life expectancy can be 20 years shorter just based on the zip code you are born into in San Antonio. The panel emphasized many a calls-to-action, including the initiative “Billy Bundles,” which promotes treating our unhoused neighbors with dignity and compassion. Attendees received Billy Bundles, symbolizing the importance of community support.
San Antonio’s rich cultural heritage was celebrated through an exhilarating drum circle led by Nina Rodriguez and friends. The unifying rhythm of the drums resonated through the venue, energizing participants and setting a vibrant tone for the rest of the day.
The event then transitioned to the San Antonio Fire Training facility, where attendees were greeted by representatives from the Joint Base San Antonio Fire Department and the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD). They introduced innovative programs like Mobile Integrated Healthcare and virtual clinical care. The session concluded with Stop the Bleed training, equipping participants with essential lifesaving skills.
Following the high-energy morning, participants were treated to a nourishing lunch at Rosario’s Restaurant in Southtown. They were welcomed by the lively tunes of Mariachi Las Alteñas. During lunch, attendees crafted heartfelt messages for patients and staff at University Health, adding a meaningful service component to the day.
The afternoon session was hosted at University Women’s and Children’s Hospital, highlighting the strong partnership between military and civilian healthcare institutions in San Antonio. The collaboration between BAMC, UT Health, and STRAC was showcased as a model of integrated healthcare delivery. A panel discussion underscored the critical importance of having a Level 1 trauma center in San Antonio, enhancing the city’s capacity to respond to emergencies and save lives.
Our Heart-to-Heart panel featured members of the Sweat Equity team sharing their personal stories and motivations. They spoke candidly about their mental health journeys and how these experiences have driven their commitment to health and wellness advocacy. Their heartfelt narratives provided a personal connection to the day’s events, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness.
LSA 48 Health and Wellness Day encapsulated the essence of health and wellness through education, cultural expression, and community engagement. The insights shared by the panel and the personal stories from the Sweat Equity team highlighted the critical role of leadership, innovation, and community partnerships in advancing health and wellness for all. The event left a lasting impact on all who participated, reinforcing the importance of coming together to support the well-being of individuals and communities alike.
Special thanks to all of the panelists who participated in LSA 48 Health and Wellness: Gordon Hartman (Morgans), Dr. Lyssa Ochoa (SAVE Clinic), Sandy Ethridge (Morgan’s Multi-Assistance Center), Eboni Jett (Close to Home), Justin Holley (Thrive Youth Center), Mary Garr (Family Services), Christopher Monestier (SAFD), Reynaldo Gaza (SAFD), Bryan Norris (SAFD), Eric Epley (STRAC), Ronald Stewart (UT Health), Timothy Nunez (Brooke Army Medical Center), and Dr. Nora Doyle (UT Health).
Special thanks to all of the LSA 48 Health and Wellness Sponsors: Morgan’s, University Health, Rosarios, LALO, Design Co-op, Haus, The Bubble Bath, Family Services, LSA Class 45, IRun, Gilda Alexander, Pepsi, Dos Equis, USAF Band of the West, CPA Guy, Black and Veatch, M&S Engineering, Jordan Foster Construction, UAV Recon, isi Elite Training, MTR, TRC, Irys, Thompson print and mailing solutions, CPS Energy, 1898 co, Burns McDonnell.