SAN ANTONIO — U.S. Representatives Lloyd Doggett and Joaquin Castro are urging the federal government to Brooke Army Medical center to treat local coronavirus patients as San Antonio-area hospitals near capacity.
In a joint statement released Thursday, the congressmen cited BAMC personnel were called in to assist COVID efforts in New York City when the pandemic surged in March and that "right now the need is here" in San Antonio. According to Metro Health officials, San Antonio's hospital capacity has dipped to 11%, with just 482 of the 4,505 staffed beds available
As of Wednesday evening, there are 399 COVID-19-positive patients in ICU and 232 patients on ventilators. 1,205 patients are currently hospitalized in area hospitals.
Read the full statement from Reps. Doggett and Castro below:
“Military City U.S.A. has always stepped up to assist fellow Americans. Now the frontlines are right here. We are urging the Pentagon to permit San Antonians in uniform to serve their own neighbors. We join our local and regional leaders in strongly urging the Department of Defense to swiftly allow Brooke Army Medical Center to treat COVID-19 patients, as our other hospitals dangerously approach capacity.
In March, BAMC personnel were dispatched to New York City to aid COVID efforts there, and right now the need is here. BAMC is a world-class care center, yet their hands are tied from performing live-saving work. Defense Secretary Esper should promptly approve our request to save San Antonian lives.”