CHRISTUS Children’s Emergency Department Earns National Lantern Award for Excellence in Pediatric Emergency Care
SAN ANTONIO – CHRISTUS Children’s has received one of the nation’s highest honors for emergency nursing, earning the 2026 Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award in recognition of excellence in pediatric emergency care.
The prestigious designation is awarded to emergency departments that demonstrate exceptional performance in leadership, clinical practice, education, advocacy and research. This year, only 126 emergency departments nationwide received the Lantern Award, including just 10 pediatric emergency departments, placing CHRISTUS Children’s among an elite group of hospitals recognized for delivering outstanding emergency care.
Located at 333 N. Santa Rosa St. in downtown San Antonio, the CHRISTUS Children’s Emergency Department provides specialized pediatric emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The facility serves as a gateway to the hospital’s broader network of pediatric specialists and services, ensuring children receive comprehensive care whenever emergencies arise.
“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 ENA Lantern Award recognizes emergency departments that foster innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement while maintaining high standards for patient care, patient safety and employee 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.”
In addition to its downtown campus, CHRISTUS Children’s operates pediatric emergency departments in Stone Oak and Westover Hills, expanding access to specialized emergency care for children throughout San Antonio and South Texas.
The Lantern Award underscores the hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality pediatric emergency services while continually advancing patient care, safety and clinical excellence.
