Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai are calling for a new VA hospital, citing growing demand and limited capacity.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio leaders are making a new push for a modern Veterans Affairs hospital, saying the current facility can no longer keep up with demand.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai recently sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs calling for a replacement of the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital.
The hospital, which is more than 50 years old, serves one of the largest veteran populations in the country, but local leaders say it’s falling short.
In their letter, the mayor and judge point to data showing 64% of local VA enrollees are under 64, a higher percentage than the national average. They say that trend signals a growing need for long-term specialty care and chronic disease management.
They also note the hospital operates the second-busiest emergency department in the VA system, despite having just 27 beds, making it one of the smallest facilities of its kind.
Leaders say a new hospital could expand specialty care, mental health services and other critical programs for veterans across the region.
Mayor Jones shared the letter publicly this week, adding she understands the need firsthand as a patient at the facility.
City and county leaders say the push is about preparing for the future, as San Antonio’s veteran population continues to grow.