Leaders in fight against diabetes
YMCA of Greater San Antonio and George B. Hernández Jr. to join list of leaders in fight against diabetes
(SAN ANTONIO, TX – October 22, 2015) With diabetes affecting more than 100,000 people in Bexar County alone — and diabetes rates on the increase — the fight against the disease is more important than ever. The Texas Diabetes Institute honored two of its allies in this fight today. The YMCA of Greater San Antonio has been a key partner since 2013, providing diabetes prevention programs to at-risk communities in San Antonio, and one of the most at-risk communities is on San Antonio’s West Side. And it was through the leadership of George B. Hernández Jr., president and CEO of University Health, that the Texas Diabetes Institute came to be headquartered in the heart of the need.
The Texas Diabetes Institute was established 15 years ago on the site of the former Lutheran General Hospital. It was a community landmark with a long tradition of providing care and service to the residents on San Antonio’s West Side, and many in the community felt strongly that care should continue.
Mr. Hernández worked with political and community leaders to help them understand that a center of excellence was desperately needed to care for people with chronic diseases outside of a hospital setting, with services closer to home. He brought key stakeholders to the table, and through his leadership, this group created the conceptual framework for a comprehensive service delivery plan that resulted in the Texas Diabetes Institute.
For 139 years, the YMCA of Greater San Antonio has responded to our community’s most critical needs by ensuring services for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, regardless of age, income, ability, ethnicity or faith. Now as part of their work in this area of great need, the YMCA’s pre-diabetes prevention programs are helping families break the cycle for the next generation. Their commitment to the health of the communities most in need serves as a testament to the fact that, by working together, communities can make a difference.
The Saul Treviño Wall of Honor was created to identify and honor individuals and organizations of Bexar County who have significantly contributed to the fight against diabetes. Past inductees include Elvira M. Cisneros, Dr. Lawrence B. Harkless, Luis Roberto Vera Jr., Commissioner Paul Elizondo, Dr. Roberto P. Treviño, John A. Guest, Col. Roy W. Burley, Lo Bello de San Antonio Women’s Club, Magda S. Ortiz, the Aguillon family, Dr. Ralph DeFronzo, Dr. Daniel E. Hale and Dr. Roberto Jimenez.
