VA hospital planning, colon cancer outreach, and record heat in San Antonio
San Antonio, TX – March 2, 2026 – VA planners advance a new Medical Center hospital, colon cancer outreach ramps up, and record heat raises risks.
San Antonio’s health headlines over the last several days ranged from major hospital planning to prevention-focused outreach and an unusual burst of late-winter heat.
VA hospital planning takes a step forward in the Medical Center
Federal planning is moving ahead on a proposed new Veterans Affairs hospital campus intended to replace the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans’ Hospital. The San Antonio Report described a recently published Army Corps of Engineers solicitation seeking input for architectural and engineering services as early market research, not a final contract award.
According to the report, the concept under review calls for a 1.6 million-square-foot hospital and related facilities, with administration space, a utility plant, and garages totaling about 3,000 parking spaces. The notice described the site as more than 50 acres of vacant land near the northeast corner of Hamilton Wolf Road and Floyd Curl Drive, within about two miles of the current hospital. The VA also is evaluating an alternative that would rebuild on the existing site.
Colon Cancer Awareness Month campaign launches with University Health partnership
As March begins, a local colon cancer awareness campaign is set to roll out in Bexar County with events tied to screening and education. KSAT reported that Precinct 1 Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores, who said she was diagnosed with colon cancer in late 2024, is partnering with University Health on activities throughout March.
The report noted national experts lowered the recommended starting age for routine colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45 in 2021. The local campaign described by KSAT includes sporting events, health clinics and other activities intended to highlight risk factors, symptoms and screening options.
Record February heat brings a red flag warning for wildfire conditions
San Antonio’s weather also entered the public-safety conversation late last week. The San Antonio Express-News reported the city hit 95 degrees on Feb. 26, breaking a daily record that had stood since 1954. The report also cited low humidity and gusty winds, with a National Weather Service red flag warning issued for parts of the Hill Country during conditions favorable for fast-spreading wildfires.
Sources
https://sanantonioreport.org/plans-are-firming-up-for-a-new-va-hospital-in-the-medical-center/
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2026/02/28/colon-cancer-rates-are-on-the-rise-for-younger-adults-bexar-county-commissioner-leads-push-for-early-screening/
https://www.expressnews.com/san-antonio-weather/forecast/article/san-antonio-heat-record-weather-hot-texas-21941259.php
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