The integration of healthcare into educational settings
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May 2024 — Mental health concerns and self-care have been top of mind for organizations throughout South-Central Texas as leaders grapple with creating healthier communities.
During the second panel of the Invest: San Antonio 2023-2024 Launch Conference, titled Beyond Innovation: The evolving roles of healthcare and education in improving care delivery and incentivizing better health, healthcare and education executives from across the region delved into the dynamic changes and opportunities within these two key sectors.
“The integration of healthcare into educational settings isn’t just about offering courses; it’s about creating a continuous operation that builds upon initial efforts to educate and inform,” said Dr. Rodgers Wilson, national medical executive for behavioral health at Evernorth. During the panel discussion at the Estancia del Norte in April, Wilson highlighted that they are only beginning to see more integration of healthcare into educational backdrops. “Such collaboration could lead to a more informed, health-conscious generation, prepared to make better decisions for their well-being and the community at large,” he pointed out.
The education and health services sector has the third-largest concentration of employment in the San Antonio area, according to data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a year-over-year increase of 2.7% in February, it’s experiencing solid growth and accounts for more than 15% of total nonfarm employment.
Another important aspect is the relationship between medical and education institutions and the communities they serve.
“A key strength of our community is our capacity and willingness to collaborate. This collaborative spirit is not only a hallmark of our city but also a crucial driver of our success in the healthcare and bioscience sectors,” said Biobridge Global CEO Marty Landon.
Wilson noted the community component also stands to benefit those dealing with mental health challenges. “There has been a notable increase in mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, highlighted by recent studies. This underscores the importance of considering community and social factors that impact health,” he said during the panel.
As the panel was closing, Dr. Robert Garza, president of Alamo Colleges District-Palo Alto College, put out a call to action for those listening in the audience.
“I challenge each of you to prioritize your health and that of your family and community. We cannot support our loved ones if we are not around,” said Garza.
“The hard truth I’ve had to face is the importance of self-care and community engagement in promoting healthy behaviors.”
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