It's hard to believe we're already one month into the new year. The thankfulness of the holiday season has been replaced by excitement for what the new year has in store for us. 2010 has already brought us so much here at the Foundation: a significant increase in grant dollars despite an uncertain economy, an award for our Dental Program, and a day of bonding for staff members. As we settle into this new year and finally get used to writing 2010, we look forward to how we can make this community healthier this year through collaboration, innovation, and stewardship.

Earl Maxwell
CEO, St. David's Foundation

The St. David’s Foundation Board approved $24 million for grant funding in 2010 in December.  When combined with the St. David’s Dental Program, the Foundation's direct community investment in 2010 will total more than $27 million.  That translates into good news for the less fortunate in Central Texas and the Foundation's grant partners, who are trying to meet increased demand for services while facing funding challenges in this tough economy.

In January, St. David’s South Austin Hospital announced a $72 million expansion to its campus, and a name change to St. David's South Austin Medical Center to better reflect its growing role as a full service medical hub.  The expansion will add at least 100 jobs, increase the size of the hospital to over 300 beds, and almost double the capacity in the critical-care unit upon completion in spring 2012.  As the second busiest Emergency Department in Austin and the largest hospital in the South Austin-Hays County area, St. David's South Austin Medical Center serves patients from a region that includes Bastrop, San Marcos, La Grange, and Marble Falls. This expansion will allow the hospital to better accommodate the increasing need in a fast-growing area of Central Texas.

The Texas Association of Partners in Education (TAPE) honored the St. David’s Dental Program with the Crystal Award – the highest award level - in the Community Partnerships in Health category at the TAPE Awards Luncheon in January. The category recognizes a community partner whose partnership has demonstrated positive impact on students’ physical fitness and health awareness. The Dental Program was nominated by Round Rock ISD and chosen from nominations across the state. Round Rock ISD Superintendent Dr. Jesus Chavez and other members of the RRISD team joined Earl Maxwell and Madge Vasquez of the Foundation to accept the award.