The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District announced Nov. 30 it received a $25.5 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention covering a five-year period through 2027.
According to a news release, the Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce and Data Systems Grant is supported by the American Rescue Plan Act and will affect Metro Health’s strategic objectives in the city’s SA Forward Plan.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg expressed gratitude toward Xavier Becerra, U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, as well as HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm for their support and confidence in the SA Forward plan.
“Additionally, we are grateful to [District 20 U.S. Rep.] Joaquin Castro for his instrumental support of San Antonio’s bid to obtain this public health funding,” Nirenberg said.
The CDC announced it will be awarding a $3.9 billion grant over the next five years to help state, local and territorial jurisdictions across the United States with a purpose of strengthening their public health workforce and infrastructure.
“These federal funds will help Metro Health modernize its services and hire more personnel to improve our city’s access to health care over the next five years. I look forward to continuing to work with the city of San Antonio to ensure we keep moving forward and that San Antonio families receive the federal support they deserve,” Castro said.
As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, $3 billion will be used to recruit, retain and train public health workers, including contact tracers, community health workers, epidemiologists and data analysts, the release said.
Funds will also be used for stronger infrastructure and resources to enable public health across communities, especially in marginalized areas. Through this grant, Metro Health will strengthen their public health workforce and infrastructure, the release said.
“Public health is one of the top priorities in the city’s federal agenda. We’ve been very strategic and intentional in our pursuit of federal funding on behalf of our community, and I’m thrilled to see millions of San Antonians’ federal tax dollars are coming home,” said Danny Peláez, District 8 City Council member.
The release said San Antonio continues to thrive in public health services. Based on a 2022 Community Survey, public health received a 25% increase in satisfaction since 2018, city officials said.
“Our grant application requested funding to accelerate the implementation of the SA Forward Plan, and modernize the functions and capabilities of our Metro Health Department,” City Manager Erik Walsh said.
Metro Health Director Claude Jacob said he is honored Metro Health was awarded with a first-of-its-kind grant that will transform the way the city operates and builds resilience.
“This grant will allow us to fully implement our SA Forward Plan, a critical one for building the workplace, enhancing infrastructure to combat future threats to public health and providing equal resources throughout Bexar County,” Jacob said.
