San Antonio’s Til Midnight Urgent Care: Battling Burglaries While Serving the Community
In San Antonio, a captivating tale of resilience and community spirit is unfolding at Til Midnight Urgent Care. The mission is clear: improving health care access for the residents of the south side. But what started as a noble venture has recently been marred by an unexpected twist—burglars targeting the clinic not for medical supplies or medication, but for artwork.
A Shock Before Opening
Days before Til Midnight Urgent Care opened its doors in August, thieves smashed the front door, taking off with stunning paintings. These weren’t just any paintings; they were vibrant pieces of art that had a greater purpose beyond mere decoration. The stolen art was meant to help cover medical bills for patients who do not have health insurance. How upsetting is that?
Revisiting the Scene of the Crime
Fast forward to December 2, and the unfortunate trend reared its ugly head again. This time, the thieves pilfered exquisite Spurs-themed art pieces by talented San Antonio artist Mel Cervantes. These pieces not only adorned the clinic walls but were additionally cultivated to generate funds that could go towards helping those in need.
A Location with Heart
Dr. Ray Altamirano, the heart and soul behind Til Midnight Urgent Care, was born and raised right in this neighborhood. He has deep roots that connect him to the community he serves. “I put my life savings into this to open it up here on the south side right in my backyard,” he passionately shared.
Dr. Altamirano understood the immense health care disparities facing the residents after the closure of the Texas Vista Medical Center. This closure significantly limited access to after-hours health care options. “Patients with government plans: Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE— all of the above—have no access after certain hours,” he pointed out.
Providing a Lifeline
When the doors opened in August, Dr. Altamirano emphasized that Til Midnight Urgent Care would be a *game-changer* for the community. “We’re the only urgent care not just in the south side but all of San Antonio that takes Medicaid after 8 p.m.,” he stated proudly. The hours of operation are set intentionally late—offering medical assistance to those who would otherwise have to brave daunting wait times at local hospitals.
The Value of Art and Community
Each piece of art lining the walls has a story to tell. Many are created by Dr. Altamirano himself. But as the burglaries have shown, the value of these pieces extends much further—towards helping pay the medical bills for uninsured patients. After the first incident, where various artworks were stolen, Dr. Altamirano didn’t lose hope. However, when thieves hit again, taking three original Spurs paintings, he felt the sting even more. “That’s the heart of the city when it comes to Spurs and sports,” he lamented.
What Can Be Done?
Dr. Altamirano is reaching out to the community for help. If you spot the stolen paintings while out and about during your Christmas shopping, don’t hesitate to contact him at 210-201-1919. He’s filed a police report and increased security by implementing an ALARM system and extra cameras to act as a deterrent against future incidents.
Standing Strong
Even amidst the uncertainty and loss, Dr. Altamirano remains steadfast in his mission. “Some comments online suggested that if I were in Stone Oak, this wouldn’t happen,” he mentioned. “But I don’t belong in Stone Oak. I belong here—offering vital services to the people who need it the most.” And that, dear friends, is the essence of community spirit.
So, while the burglars attempt to steal away the heart of Til Midnight Urgent Care, the spirit of the community remains unbreakable. Dr. Altamirano and his team are determined to keep serving, ensuring that those who need help after hours can rely on their clinic—a true beacon of hope in San Antonio.
