The Bexar County Commissioners Court Work Session on September 8, 2025, focused on significant health initiatives aimed at improving children's health in local schools. A physician with dual specialties in internal medicine and critical care presented a compelling case for early intervention programs to combat rising healthcare costs associated with chronic conditions like diabetes and kidney disease.

The physician highlighted alarming statistics, noting that the annual cost of treating a dialysis patient is approximately $80,000, while treating a patient with uncomplicated diabetes costs around $13,000. He emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures, stating that without early interventions, healthcare facilities may struggle to manage future medical expenses.

To address these concerns, the physician shared that his center has received $18 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over the past two decades to conduct randomized controlled trials in schools. These studies have successfully demonstrated improvements in children's health metrics, including reduced glucose levels, lower insulin levels, decreased body fat, and enhanced cardio-respiratory fitness.

The proposed initiative involves implementing an evidence-based curriculum across 12 school districts, targeting 750 children at a cost of just $4 per child. This program has received recognition from the NIH, USDA, and CDC for its effectiveness.

The discussion also included a commitment from the court to consider funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations, with a million-dollar contingency set aside from the previous year. The court plans to issue a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to facilitate applications for such programs.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of investing in preventive health measures for children, aiming to alleviate future healthcare burdens and improve community health outcomes. The court's next steps will involve reviewing the proposed initiatives and determining the best course of action to support these vital programs.