District 3 Supports Health Equity to Address Disparities
Published on February 28, 2025
District 3 Supports Health Equity with New Collaboration to Address Disparities in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO (February 28, 2025) — This week, District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran expressed her strong support for the Center for Health Equity in South Texas (CHEST), an initiative aimed at addressing the longstanding health disparities in South San Antonio and surrounding communities. The new collaboration will invest in improving access to healthcare, education, and support services for residents in the medically underserved southern sector of the city.
"I want to thank Dr. Lyssa Ochoa, an endovascular surgeon, and District 4 Councilmember Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia for their leadership in advancing the vision of CHEST, which is dedicated to closing the life expectancy gap and achieving health equity in South San Antonio, including the near-East and near-West communities of South Texas," said the District 3 Councilmember.
The goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their economic background, has access to the healthcare and support services they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives regardless of their economic background.
Recent data from the 2018-2022 American Community Survey and the 2024 San Antonio Status of Poverty Report paints a grim picture of the ongoing challenges in the southern sector, where higher poverty rates, lower educational attainment, and limited access to essential services are prevalent. These conditions contribute to the disproportionate rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, cancer, and liver and kidney disease.
The advocacy continued today in the Community Health Committee Meeting (CHC) where Dr. Ochoa gave a presentation sharing the data, research and importance of this initiative.
“The finalization of this City agreement marks a significant milestone in our mission to advance health equity in South Texas,” said Dr. Ochoa. “With this seed funding, the Center for Health Equity in South Texas can begin addressing the root causes of health disparities and building sustainable solutions for our communities. This investment reinforces the City’s commitment to ensuring that every resident, regardless of zip code, has access to quality healthcare and the resources needed to thrive.”
By supporting education, access, investment, and collaboration, CHEST aims to provide essential resources to residents and ensure they receive the care and support they deserve.
The collaboration with CHEST marks a significant step in demonstrating the City's ongoing commitment to health equity.
To listen to a Texas Public Radio interview about CHEST, please visit Fronteras: ‘We have to do something’ — The ongoing push to advance health outcomes in San Antonio’s South Side.