CHRISTUS Children’s Emergency Department earns prestigious national recognition

CHRISTUS Children’s has earned the 2026 Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award, a national recognition that honors emergency departments demonstrating excellence in leadership, clinical practice, education, advocacy and research.

Only 126 emergency departments nationwide received the designation this year, and CHRISTUS Children’s is one of just 10 pediatric emergency departments recognized.

Located at 333 N. Santa Rosa St., the downtown emergency department provides integrated pediatric emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, connecting children and families to the specialized services and resources available throughout the CHRISTUS Children’s network.

“This recognition reflects the dedication, expertise and compassion of our entire emergency department team,” said Julie Vereen, administrative director of nursing for the emergency department at CHRISTUS Children’s. “Every day, we are committed to providing care that is accessible, reliable and personal for the children and families who trust us during some of their most challenging moments.”

The Lantern Award recognizes emergency departments that foster innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement while maintaining high standards for patient care, patient safety and Associate engagement.

“At CHRISTUS Children’s, our integrated approach to pediatric emergency care brings together physicians, nurses and support teams with a shared focus on delivering exceptional outcomes,” Vereen said. “This award reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care and ensuring families have access to the specialized pediatric services they need, when they need them most.”

CHRISTUS Children’s operates three emergency departments across San Antonio, including downtown, Stone Oak and Westover Hills, expanding access to specialized pediatric emergency care throughout South Texas.