The WellMed Charitable Foundation has contributed over $3 million to the San Antonio community.

The WellMed Charitable Foundation was established in 2006 by Dr. George Rapier III, a noted geriatrician who is also the Chairman of the Board. The Foundation is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization that supports seniors and their caregivers in our community with a special emphasis on wellness, prevention, and living with chronic illness.

Blake Rapier Run Walk Set For Saturday, May 4

Shelly Miles and Leslie Bohl of the San Antonio Living Show and News4 WOAI invite you to join them on Saturday, May 4 for the 5th Annual Blake Rapier Wellness Run/Walk at Woodlawn Lake Park.
The TV news and lifestyle personalities are honorary chairs of this year's family friendly event. The Blake Rapier Wellness Run/Walk is a "walk for seniors." It promotes health and wellness across a lifetime and benefits the WellMed Charitable Foundation, raising funds for seniors and their caregivers.

Support this growing tradition in our community as a sponsor, runner or walker at the run/walk. Choose to do the full 5K or just a half-run (2.5K). Or if you like, sleep in and support the cause as a "sleep walker" and you will receive a blanket in lieu of a Rapier Run/Walk T-shirt.
The park has a paved route to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. Games and face painting will be available to entertain the children and your family dog will enjoy guiding you on your leash during a quick jog around the lake.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the run (and the fun) begins at 8 am Saturday, May 4 at Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati, San Antonio, TX. We'll see you there!
Register Now
Become a Sponsor
Questions? Contact Charlene Lodge at 210-877-7716.

WCF, Adult Protective Services Receive Major Elder Abuse Grant

Nearly $1 million in federal funds will help educate more than 40,000 Texas seniors about reducing their risk for elder abuse, and will train their family doctors on how to identify potential victims.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a $907,000 grant to the Texas Department of Family Protective Services, in partnership with the WellMed Charitable Foundation, the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, and the Elder Justice Coalition. The grant, among the first awarded as part of the Elder Justice Act of 2010, will fund an elder abuse prevention and intervention initiative at WellMed clinics in five Texas markets. READ MORE

2nd Annual Caregiver SOS Symposium Draws More Than 130

In November 2012, Foundation officials held the 2nd annual Caregiver SOS Symposium in Weslaco, TX. More than 130 social workers and caregivers attended the event at the Knapp Medical Center.

The free half-day event was title "Giving Caregivers a Lifeline." Dr. Nestor H. Praderio, geriatric psychiatrist and founder of the Coastal Bend Caregiver Coalition, presented the keynote address on Alzheimer's disease and Behavioral Disturbances. Other speakers included Carol Zernial, MA, a noted gerontologist and Executive Director of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. Mrs. Zernial, co-host of the weekly radio program "Caregiver SOS: On Air," discussed "The Invisible Caregiver," providing insight into ways family caregivers can be better seen and heard by healthcare professionals, family members and the loved ones for whom they care.

The 3rd Annual Caregiver SOS Symposium is expected to be held again in Weslaco in November 2013. Exact date and time will be announced by June.