How The Prosthetic Foundation impacts San Antonio's shared Community Vision
The Prosthetic Foundation supports amputees in obtaining quality prosthetics, comprehensive aftercare, and to generate public awareness about the effects of limb loss. The Prosthetic Foundation specifically provides funding to amputees who have limited ability to obtain prosthetic care otherwise. Mobility support from a prosthesis dramatically increases a person's quality of life. The independence and confidence that can come from increased mobility can lead to greater social connectedness and improved mental health, as well as an improved ability to succeed in educational and professional settings. Having a prosthesis is also important in preventing additional health complications that arise from being sedentary. This is especially important as the leading causes of limb loss includes vascular diseases, such as diabetes. In 2016, the Bexar County Community Health Needs Assessment reported that 14.2% of Bexar County residents have diabetes. The City of San Antonio has also projected that the prevalence of diabetes is expected to double or triple by 2050. In addition to funding prosthetic limbs, the Prosthetic Foundation seeks to raise awareness about the debilitating health conditions that require an amputation.