San Antonio, TX – The Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio (BHFSA) announced $750,000 in year-end gifts, continuing its mission of fostering health initiatives and education in the community. These significant contributions include a $250,000 gift in memory of Dr. William Henrich to support the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio Distinguished Chair in Alzheimer and Neurodegenerative Diseases and $500,000 to advance youth mental health and education through UT Teen Health and Project Y.E.S. Additionally, $310,000 was awarded mid-year for student scholarships.
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. William Henrich
The $250,000 gift to the Distinguished Chair in Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, presented to Mary Henrich in honor of her late husband, will further the critical work of Margaret Flanagan. MD. Flanagan serves as the Neuropathology Core co-leader for the National Institute on Aging-designated Alzheimer Disease Research Center (one of only 33 centers nationwide and the only one in Texas) and co-director of the UT Health San Antonio Brain Bank housed at the Biggs Institute. This endowed chair supports groundbreaking research into Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, strengthening Texas’s position at the forefront of innovative healthcare solutions.
“These gifts reflect our unwavering dedication to honoring God and our Baptist heritage by fostering and funding health initiatives that create lasting impacts in our community,” said Cody Knowlton, president and CEO of BHFSA. “From advancing Alzheimer’s research to supporting youth mental health and advancing future healthcare leaders, we are proud to partner with UT Health San Antonio to make a difference.”
Empowering Youth Mental Health
A $500,000 contribution from BHFSA will enhance UT Teen Health and Project Y.E.S., a collaborative initiative with the San Antonio Metro Health Department and Stony Brook University. Project Y.E.S. leverages evidence-based online modules to support adolescents experiencing anxiety and stress, reducing these symptoms by 50% for up to nine months. This transformative program addresses the pressing need for youth mental health resources, equipping young people with tools for resilience and emotional well-being.
Investing in the Future of Healthcare
In addition to these targeted initiatives, BHFSA awarded $310,000 in student scholarships earlier in the year, reinforcing its commitment to educating tomorrow’s healthcare professionals. These scholarships enable students to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, and public health, ensuring the community continues to benefit from a well-trained, compassionate healthcare workforce.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), a primary driver of San Antonio’s $44.1 billion health care and biosciences sector, is the largest academic research institution in South Texas with an annual research portfolio of $413 million. Driving substantial economic impact with its six professional schools, a diverse workforce of more than 8,500, an annual expense budget of $1.46 billion and clinical practices that provide 2.6 million patient visits each year, UT Health San Antonio plans to add more than 1,500 higher-wage jobs over the next five years to serve San Antonio, Bexar County and South Texas. To learn about the many ways “We make lives better®,” visit UTHealthSA.org.