Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) joined thousands in downtown San Antonio on Monday, Jan. 19 to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. The City of San Antonio hosts one of the largest marches in the country to commemorate the civil rights leader.

MHM team members, friends and families met early on Monday morning and enthusiastically marched with countless others during the popular event. Marchers celebrated past victories for equality and justice, in addition to inspiring hope and love for younger generations. This year's official theme for the 28th annual MLK March was "Marching Together from Past to Present for Our Future."

In addition to participating in the march, MHM hosted a table, distributing bags to attendees. "It was an honor to participate in the MLK March and celebrate the late Rev. King. I really enjoyed serving alongside my MHM family as we shared information about MHM's services with the community," shared Jennifer Correa-Knoulton, director of nursing.

Nurses and volunteers from Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Methodist Healthcare System teamed up to offer HeartCheck^®, a free health clinic, at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center on Saturday, Nov. 15. HeartCheck^® is a service of Methodist Healthcare that offers health screenings, vaccinations, nutrition information and onsite nurses through free events that are open to the public.

"It is important for everyone to be aware of his or her health profile. Knowing your numbers for cholesterol and blood pressure can help protect your heart. That is why I enjoy participating in HeartCheck^®. We are providing the attendees with valuable information to help them reach their healthy living goals." explained Carole Harris, community relations specialist at Methodist Healthcare System.

HeartCheck^® attendees were offered a variety of free health screenings, including a complete lipid profile, glucose check, blood pressure analysis and body mass index assessment. The popular "Ask a Registered Nurse" booth provided participants with an opportunity to receive answers to health-related questions from onsite nurses in a private and safe environment. Walgreens also provided flu vaccines.

"What's most touching is knowing that the clinic reaches many who otherwise couldn't receive such valuable information and dedicated attention," added Carole Harris.

To learn more about HeartCheck^®, visit www.SAHealth.com.

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Check Presentation Marks Official Launch of Collaborative Project

Laredo, Texas—Today U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar ushered in an early Christmas for South Texas healthcare providers and advocates alike during a special ceremonial check presentation at First United Methodist Church. The check delivered by Cuellar to Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.(MHM) marked the official launch of a collaborative project supported by an unprecedented federal investment by The Social Innovation Fund.

The Social Innovation Fund (SIF), a key White House initiative and program of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), awarded $10 million in investments to MHM to support its 'Sí Texas: Social Innovation for a Healthy South Texas' Project. The grant to MHM marks the first time SIF has selected a faith-based organization to receive funding since its inception, and is one of the largest grants made to the seven organizations selected to receive funds in 2014.

The objective of the Sí Texas Project is to stimulate improvements in behavioral health and chronic disease in South Texas, and to highlight integrated behavioral health models that are effectively improving health outcomes in communities with high rates of poverty, depression, diabetes, obesity and associated risk factors.

"Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas worked with my office to secure Texas' first Social Innovation Fund Grant from the Corporation for National Community Service," said Congressman Cuellar. "This federal investment will greatly improve the health of the people of South Texas, especially border communities that are at the forefront of the nation's health challenges. The Texas border region has some of the highest uninsured rates in the country and is disproportionately affected by chronic and communicable diseases. This project will greatly help to improve the health of our citizens."

During the presentation, Kevin C. Moriarty, president and chief executive officer at Methodist Healthcare Ministries explained how the SIF funds complement MHM's previous and ongoing efforts in South Texas. "We have been investing in programs and services that have sought to address the remarkable healthcare needs in Laredo to the tune of $12.6 million for over a decade–not including the programs and services we offer locally through our Wesley Nurse and Church Based Counseling programs," said Moriarty.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries is currently the largest private funding source for community healthcare services in South Texas. The mission of the organization includes one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System based in San Antonio, which provides revenue to MHM for its programs and services that span across 74 counties in South Texas.

During the announcement, Moriarty emphasized how the additional investment from The Social Innovation Fund will strengthen MHM's regional collaborative strategies and allow the organization to leverage critical resources for agencies that are providing services in an area of tremendous need. "The support from Congressman Cuellar as well as our faith-leaders, business community, and local philanthropies will be vital to ensuring the resources are available to support these efforts now, and cast a bright light on the innovations taking place right here in South Texas to address this problem nationwide well into the future," said Moriarty.

Sister Maria Luisa Vera of Mercy Ministries of Laredo, who emphasized the great need the funds would help to address in Webb County, elaborated on the opportunity the investment will provide local providers. "This is truly an investment and not a handout; Laredo is growing into a vibrant community where people are engaged; are creating partnerships for better delivery of services; and want to increasingly participate in building a healthier and stronger place to live."

Bishop James E. Dorff of the Southwest Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church was also on hand to celebrate the role MHM will play as the first-ever faith-based organization to receive funds from SIF. "I am so pleased to welcome all the partners involved in this effort, in this particular setting—a place of spiritual healing—to celebrate and launch such a critical initiative. This is a pivotal moment for those who provide care and those who are in need; it represents access—something that is easy to take for granted if you are blessed to have insurance and live in an area where providers are plentiful. We know however, that is not the case in this community and especially in the areas this initiative will take shape. More importantly however, is that it is being led by an organization that leads by their faith and is present in the communities it serves. It is no surprise MHM was chosen as the first ever faith-based organization to receive this federal grant."

The SIF investment will be matched by Methodist Healthcare Ministries to support the five-year project intended to stimulate improvements In behavioral health and chronic disease in South Texas, and to highlight integrated behavioral health models that are effectively improving health outcomes in communities with high rates of poverty, depression, obesity and associated risk factors. The Sí Texas Project will target 12 counties that span the U.S.-Mexico border in South Texas—to include Webb County—and involves grants made available to local agencies ranging from $250,000 to $2 million through an open, competitive application process.

According to the 2001-2003 National Comorbidity Survey Replication, 68 percent of adults with mental disorders also had at least one general medical disorder, and 29 percent of adults with medical disorders had a comorbid mental health condition. Similarly, in 2008 an article published in The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine reported the depression rate in South Texas among Hispanic patients with Type 2 diabetes was at 39 percent. The overarching goal of MHM's Sí Texas Project is to improve rates of depression and diabetes over five years, including reductions in the proportion of adults who experience major depressive episodes and in the proportion of persons with diabetes with HbA1c levels greater than nine percent.

Using a Collective Impact framework, the Sí Texas Project will attempt to build an intricate network of cross-sector partnerships that will lead region-wide improvements in behavioral health and chronic disease. "We are proud to join this innovative new partnership and confident that Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) will bring the Sí Texas Project additional culturally-specific research and teaching strengths and experiences. We are eager to be a part of this collective and a catalyst for improved and sustainable health outcomes for our city and region," says Dr. Ray M. Keck III, President, TAMIU.

Rebecca D. Brune, vice president of strategic planning and growth at MHM described the funding opportunity, and the community that has taken shape to support the initiative using the Collective Impact framework, as transformational. "There has traditionally been a minimal investment made in South Texas both by state and national foundations. However, we know from our work with our funded partners that there are innovative models that can effectively address these chronic illnesses and behavioral health needs. This project will allow us to evaluate these models and showcase those that are effectively meeting those needs, and ultimately, help to sustain and scale those efforts by attracting additional investments in this region."

Methodist Healthcare Ministries is accepting applications for funding from organizations that provide services in the Project's 12-county area to improve and expand the delivery of integrated behavioral health services through the funding of tested, replicable IBH models that address physical and behavioral co-morbidities and transform treatment. Selected projects will build collaborative, cross-sector partnerships, ensuring community ownership and sustainability.

Agencies interested in applying for funds must submit a letter of interest by Friday, December 19, 2014. For more information about Methodist Healthcare Ministries' Sí Texas Project visit mhmbridgeofblessings.org/sitexas.

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Check Presentation Marks Official Launch of Collaborative Project

San Antonio, Texas—Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) the largest private, faith-based funding source for healthcare services in South Texas, will be presented with a ceremonial check for an unprecedented federal investment from The Social Innovation Fund by U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar during a special press conference in Laredo, Texas at First United Methodist Church.

The $10 million investment by The Social Innovation Fund (SIF), a key White House initiative and program of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) will support MHM's 'Sí Texas: Social Innovation for a Healthy South Texas' Project. The grant to MHM marks the first time SIF has selected a faith-based organization to receive funding since its inception, and is one of the largest grants made to the seven organizations selected to receive funding in 2014.

The objective of the Sí Texas Project is to stimulate improvements in behavioral health and chronic disease in South Texas, and to highlight integrated behavioral health models that are effectively improving health outcomes in communities with high rates of poverty, depression, diabetes, obesity and associated risk factors. The Sí Texas Project wuill target 12 counties that span the U.S.-Mexico border in South Texas—to include Webb County—and involves grants made available to local agencies ranging from $250,000 to $2 million through an open, competitive application process.

WHO:

• Bishop James E. Dorff, Southwest Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church
• Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-28), U.S. House of Representatives
• Ray M. Keck III, President, Texas A&M International University
• Kevin C. Moriarty, President & CEO, Methodist Healthcare Ministries
• Sister Maria Luisa Vera, Mercy Ministries of Laredo

WHEN:

• Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 11:30 a.m.

WHERE:

• First United Methodist Church (1220 McClelland Avenue, 78040)

All speakers will be available for interviews immediately following the announcement. To schedule an interview with MHM please contact MHM Communications Director, Jessica Munoz-Sherfey at jsherfey@mhm.org or (210) 776-4525.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ (MHM) Family Wellness seminar took place Friday, Nov. 7 at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center (WHWC). The daylong seminar was free for parents, caregivers and families and included workshops in English and Spanish.

The event provided resources for attendees wanting to learn more about timely and relevant issues facing families. Some of the workshop topics included bullying, social media, building a budget, nutrition, healthy relationships and the Affordable Care Act. MHM’s Family Wellness team, dental, behavioral health, and parenting programs also shared information about their services. In addition, The Autism Community Network and The Down Syndrome Association of South Texas were onsite between workshops for families with special needs. A continental breakfast, nutritious lunch and childcare were also provided during the day-long seminar.

The theme of the event centered on the importance of building a strong foundation for you and your family. The seminar focused on how defining personal goals, values and virtues can carry you and your family a long way even through extreme adversity and stress.
 
“Even when challenges seem too big, you can achieve your goals if you stick to your plan and accept help from others when you need it,” shared Jae K., nurse practitioner with MHM, during her keynote address.

Attendees were treated to an inspirational speech from Jae about her personal struggles and triumphs. The audience laughed, they cried, they were all inspired by her strength and determination. Jae proved that no matter what the issue or challenge, with grace and support strong families do help build strong communities.

'Children of Children' illustrates impact of teen pregnancy

Santa Rosa, Texas – The Santa Rosa community will have an unique opportunity to get a glimpse at Texas photographer Michael Nye's striking 'Children of Children: Portraits and Stories of Teenage Parents' exhibit beginning December 4th at Santa Rosa United Methodist Church in the fellowship hall. This free, multimedia exhibit is a collection of stunning black and white portraits, accompanied by audio stories as told by the individuals featured in the portraits, about how teen pregnancy affected their lives. The community is invited and welcome to view this exhibit Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; the exhibit is also viewable by appointment. There is no fee to enjoy the exhibit that will be on display at Santa Rosa United Methodist Church through December 11th.

The exhibit is a special initiative of Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM), and is intended to enrich the goals of its Parenting Programs which are to impart child development information and parenting skills to individuals seeking to become more confident and competent leaders within their families. Many of the parents in the Parenting Programs, are or were teen parents; the exhibit serves as a tool to foster a greater understanding for the various ways that families and communities are impacted by teen pregnancy.

When possible, the exhibit is offered to churches and community centers within the MHM service area, which encompasses South Texas, at no cost.

The 'Children of Children' exhibit will be on display from December 4 to December 11, and is available for viewing Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For more information about the exhibit, call (956) 797-5436 or email info@mhm.org.

Wesley Nurse to offer community health care services

Karnes City, Texas — Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is excited to offer the Wesley Nurse program in Karnes City at the United Methodist Church. The signature program is MHM's largest program geographically with more than 80 sites accross South Texas. The health and wellness program is committed to serving the least served through education, health promotion and collaboration with the individual and community in achieving improved wellness through self-empowerment.

Since 2009, Karnes City United Methodist Church has partnered with MHM to offer area residents direct access to the Wesley Nurse program in their neighborhood. This unique model of faith community nursing is committed to education, health promotion and collaboration. Anyone looking to improve their physical, mental or spiritual health can find support and assistance through this local program.

Katy Gonzales, RN, is a seasoned healthcare professional with over 10 years of experience serving as a home health field nurse and a nursing administrator prior to joining MHM. She looks forward to empowering her clients by sharing information with them about the various resources available within their local community.

Katy's programming as a Wesley Nurse will include blood pressure and glucose screenings, group and individual health education programs, physical activity and nutritional support and referral services. Her goal is to provide holistic health (body, mind and spirit) services and resources to those those in need.

"I want to educate, empower and give each client the tools they need to live a healthy lifestyle," explains Gonzales.

Ms. Gonzales' office is located at the United Methodist Church (201 N. Esplanade St.). Normal office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours are subject to change due to Wesley Nurse program responsibilities and community outreach. For additional information, call (830) 780-3307 or visit mhmbridgeofblessings.org.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries' (MHM) team members, leadership, community partners and special guests gathered at the organization's corporate office on Tuesday, Oct. 21 for a photography exhibit of twelve portraits showcasing clients who have excelled in the Family Wellness programs offered at MHM's Wesley Health & Wellness Center (WHWC).

The clients represented the variety of recreation and enrichment activities and parenting programs available as part of the Family Wellness programs such as basketball, line dancing, ballet folklorico, jewelry making, quilting, knitting, Meld Young Moms and Meld Young Dads and Los Mariachitos de Wesley – a Mariachi and Cultural Arts program operated at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center. Many of the clients featured in the photographs regularly volunteer to lead these popular classes. The evening was complemented by an elegant array of hors d'oeuvres prepared by the Wesley Café. The Café's involvement with the open house was especially significant given its importance to the Family Wellness programs. The Wesley Café prepares healthy and nutritious meals for the children and guests of WHWC, and serves as an emergency food pantry and bread line to those in need.

"The Open House was truly a celebration. We honored the service and dedication of our clients and celebrated the success of the Family Wellness programs. We are also proud of these beautiful pieces of art, which will make their way to their final home at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center for all to enjoy." shared Jessica Muñoz-Sherfey, director of communications.

For more information about the MHM's Family Wellness program, visit mhm.org.

September 17, 2014

Key Obama Administration Initiative Makes Investments in Seven Organizations Focused on Innovative Solutions, Expanding Economic Opportunity for Youth, and Leveraging Collective Impact Approaches

On Sep. 18, MHM was recognized as a finalist for the San Antonio Business Journal’s 2014 Healthiest Employer’s Awards. This honor applauds the organization’s commitment to creating and maintaining a healthy workplace.

Several team members represented MHM at an awards breakfast held at the Pearl Stables to help celebrate corporate wellness programs. The second annual awards event began with a one mile walk along the San Antonio River Walk and included free health screenings. Team members met with local finalists and award winners who are dedicated to leading the way in creating the best workplace wellness programs in San Antonio.

“We have access to many helpful benefits through MHM’s employee wellness program, MHM Be Well. It reminds me of how much MHM cares about the team’s wellbeing. That also makes me proud to work at MHM,” shared Regina Garcia, benefits administrator. For more information about MHM’s benefits package, visit mhmbridgeofblessings.org/contact/careers.

What is your favorite part of the MHM Be Well program? Please share your comments below.

By Bonnita Bale, RN

There is a new addition to the First United Methodist Church family in Robert Lee and Bronte. My name is Bonnita Bale, and I am a Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Wesley Nurse. What is a Wesley Nurse you ask? I am a Registered Nurse, but instead of working in a hospital or clinic setting, I work in the community in partnership with the church to offer holistic health education and services, while practicing the values of the faith community.

I can provide blood pressure and glucose screenings and education on various conditions and diseases at no cost. Likewise, I may also be a resource to those who are uninsured and in need of supplies to manage their health, such as glucose testing supplies or referring to other agencies for additional programs or services. I focus on caring for the whole person—body, mind and spirit. Everyone is welcome and all classes are free. Our ministry is to help prevent illness and disease by educating the public, while helping the underserved in our community.

The Wesley Nurse office is located behind the Methodist Church in Bronte and Robert Lee.  I’m in Bronte on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings; and, in Robert Lee I am in the office on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoon.  Please stop by  my office anytime with any questions you might have, or call 325-473-2069.