News – Page 8 – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Receives Re-accreditation from Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists

DW Admin on April 4, 2020

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Apr. 2, 2020)– Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.’s Diabetes Self-Management Education Program received reaccreditation from the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists’ (ADCES) Diabetes Education Accreditation Program (DEAP). This reaccreditation enables the organization to continue providing quality prevention and management education to patients with diabetes and prediabetes.

“Our priority is to ensure that our diabetes education efforts provide our patients and clients with the best opportunities to enhance their levels of learning and comprehension of the disease,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “Our re-accreditation is mission critical and a testament to our team’s tireless work to ensure the least served have access to the best information and treatment for this chronic condition that ails so many in the communities we serve.”

Since its implementation in 2012, Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Diabetes Self-Management Education Program has helped hundreds of individuals take control of their diabetes through prevention and management safety education. Their progress is evidenced by improvements in HA1c, BMI, and blood pressure readings. The Diabetes Self-Management Education Program is available through Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Nutrition & Health Education department and offered at the Wesley and Dixon Health & Wellness Centers.

The ADCES is dedicated to improving prediabetes, diabetes and cardiometabolic care through innovative education, management and support. Through DEAP, the ADCES aims to empower healthcare professionals and organizations with the knowledge and skills to deliver diabetes education, management and support. The official designation was made on Feb. 15, 2020.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating access to health care for the uninsured through direct services, community partnerships and strategic grant-making in 74 counties across South Texas. Guided by its mission of "Serving Humanity to Honor God," Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ vision is to be the leader for improving wellness of the least served. The mission also includes Methodist Healthcare Ministries' one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest healthcare system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. For more information, visit mhmbridgeofblessings.org.

Dixon Health & Wellness Center Suspending On-Site Operations

DW Admin on March 23, 2020

San Antonio (March 22, 2020)– Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. – a private, faith-based not-for-profit that owns and operates two integrated-care clinics in San Antonio is suspending all on-site operations at its Dixon Health & Wellness Center located at 4212 E. Southcross; the building will not be accessible to the public during this closure. All Dixon Health & Wellness Center patient appointments are being rescheduled or transitioned to the Wesley Health & Wellness Center. Some services may be available virtually via telephone or video call. These adjustments will allow for increased risk-mitigation and continuity of care. Patients can call (210) 922-6922 for more information or with questions about virtual appointments.

Hours of operation at Wesley Health & Wellness Center have also been adjusted. Effective Monday, March 23, 2020 services will be offered three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. until further notice. Patients will be seen by appointment only and will be asked to remain in their vehicles upon arrival where a clinic representative will greet them and provide assistance. Other services such as emergeny assistance may be available. Patients should call in advance to discuss options. All community programming at Wesley Health & Wellness Center, which includes youth, adult and senior activities, have also been temporarily suspended until further notice. For clinical and community programming operations updates, visit mhmbridgeofblessings.org.

WHO: Dixon Health & Wellness Center

WHAT: Suspension of services and building closure until further notice

WHERE: 4212 E. Southcross, San Antonio, TX 78222

WHEN: Monday, March 23, 2020 at 7:00 a.m. until further notice

WHY: Consolidating operations at Wesley Health & Wellness Center due to COVID-19 public health concerns

Note: Neither of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ health & wellness centers are COVID-19 screening/testing sites.

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Two Southside Clinics Adjusting Operations to Half-Day to Incorporate COVID-19 Preparedness

DW Admin on March 16, 2020

San Antonio, TX (March 16, 2020)– Methodist HealthcareMinistries of South Texas, Inc.– a private, faith-based not-for-profit that owns and operates two integrated-care clinics in San Antonio and two School Based Health Centers in the surrounding area will adjust its clinical operating hours beginning March 17, 2020.

In San Antonio, both the Wesley Health & Wellness Center and Dixon Health & Wellness Center will adjust operating hours to 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The adjusted hours will ensure proper COVID-19 protocols are in place following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local best practices for social distancing to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus among the vulnerable populations served by Methodist Healthcare Ministries. The organization has already suspended its community programming—including parenting classes and recreation and enrichment activities for youth, adults and seniors—until April 13 in an effort to create the safest environment of care possible. Following district closures, the SCUC and Marion ISD clinics will be closed until further notice.

In addition to the modified hours, both clinics have increased their sanitization schedule to ensure all hard surfaces are disinfected and begun screening all guests through a single entry point for COVID-19 indicators to determine how best to care for them.

Both the amended operating schedule and adjusted sanitization and patient entrance process allow for increased risk-mitigation while continuing to provide affordable, high quality care for the least-served in the San Antonio area. Patients and clients can call (210) 922-6922 for more information about appointments. For clinical and community programming operations updates, visit mhmbridgeofblessings.org.

WHO: Methodist HealthcareMinistries of South Texas, Inc.

WHAT: Two southside clinics adjusting patient hours to 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m in response to COVID-19 public health concerns.

WHERE: Wesley Health & Wellness Center (1406 Fitch Street, San Antonio, TX 78211) and Dixon Health & Wellness Center (4212 E. Southcross, San Antonio, TX 78222)

WHEN: Tuesday, March 17, 2020 to Friday, March 20, 2020

WHY: Adjusting operations moving forward to best serve patients admidst COVID-19 public health concerns.

Note: Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ health & wellness centers are not COVID-19 screening/testing sites.

Hogg Foundation Partners with Methodist Healthcare Ministries for 2020 Census

DW Admin on February 13, 2020

AUSTIN, Texas (February 13, 2020) – The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health is pleased to announce that as part of its $2.1 million Texas Communities Count initiative, it has partnered with Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. to co-fund four of the 28 organizations that received funds for the initiative. The funds support these organizations’ complete count efforts in Texas for the 2020 U.S. Census.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries generously gifted the Hogg Foundation a $210,000 grant to support the four grantees. Thanks to their gift, the availability of funds for other worthy projects was significantly expanded.

The primary focus of Texas Communities Count is to aid collaborative approaches that will reach traditionally hard-to-count (HTC) populations, communities and geographic areas throughout the state. The goal is to encourage participation in the 2020 Census so that every person in Texas is counted. The four Methodist Healthcare Ministries-supported grantees cover a wide region of South Texas and their activities in the region help ensure that the initiative has the widest possible impact.

The four grantees are:

Rio Grande Valley Equal Voice Network: Nuestra Voz Cuenta: Census 2020. Focusing on Hidalgo and Cameron counties with a three-phase plan targeting immigrants, rural communities and colonias.
Rural Economic Assistance League, Inc. (REAL): Cada Persana Cuenta (Each Person Counts & Matters). Program focuses on 12 counties in the Coastal Bend with a four-phased plan targeting the colonias, raising awareness and providing onboard assistance with completing forms for transportation clients.
Southwest Area Regional Transit (SWART): SWART Sees 2020. Program will servie nine rural counties in the middle Rio Grande Valley area and program will feature outreach to transportation clients, as well as in-community locations such as adult day care centers and job fairs.
Texas Association of Community Development Corporations: Rio Grande Valley Census Complete Count. Program will serve eight counties along the Texas-Mexico border, from Brownsville to Laredo, and feature in-person outreach to low-income and vulnerable populations who typically trust the staff at community development corporations (CDCs).

All told, 28 counties in South Texas will be touched in some way by the work of these grantees. In addition to determining political representation and district boundaries for every level of government, an accurate and complete census is necessary to ensure fair allocation of federal dollars for resources, services and infrastructure that support Texans’ everyday quality of life.

“Making sure that all Texans are counted and that the state receives its fair share of federal funding is a large and complex undertaking and we are proud to join the effort alongside great partners such as the Hogg Foundation.” said Jaime Wesolowski, president & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We know 71 out of the 74 counties we serve in South Texas are medically underserved. A complete count is vital to help families living in these areas access resources that are critically important to their health and wellness, such as healthy foods through the SNAP program, early childhood education opportunities through HEAD Start and other important programs that will help to create resilient families and thriving communities across Texas.

“The Census is a unique opportunity for philanthropy across the state to come together to affirm shared values of equity and inclusiveness.” said Dr. Octavio N. Martinez, Jr., executive director of the Hogg Foundation and senior associate vice president for diversity and community engagement at The University of Texas at Austin. “We are proud to stand with Methodist Healthcare Ministries in this effort.”

“With their presence in South Texas, Methodist Healthcare Ministries understands the stakes for their communities,” said Crystal Viagran, director of finance and operations for the Hogg Foundation and project lead for the Texas Communities Count initiative. “Their participation is a signal to others that an accurate 2020 Census is critical to the well-being of the people of Texas.”

Map of the counties impacted by the Hogg Foundation-Methodist Healthcare Ministries partnership

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ABOUT METHODIST HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES

ABOUT THE HOGG FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Established in 1940, the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health envisions a future in which the people of Texas thrive in communities that support mental health and well-being. Using a variety of approaches, including grantmaking, convening, research and public policy, the foundation works collaboratively to transform how communities promote mental health in everyday life.

Statement on Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Decision Regarding the Affordable Care Act

DW Admin on December 23, 2019

On Dec. 18, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling in the Texas v. United States case concerning the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The law, passed in 2010, provides millions of Americans, including more than one million Texans, with access to health care coverage. The court ruled that the individual mandate is unconstitutional and sent the case back to a court in Texas to determine how to move forward.

While the legal case runs its course through the judicial system, it is important that consumers who have recently secured their insurance through the healthcare exchange understand they still have coverage. Methodist Healthcare Ministries will remain committed and engaged in our proactive efforts to increase access to care for the least served across Texas. We are called to do, in the words of John Wesley, all the good we can, by all the means we can, in all the ways we can, in all the places we can, at all the times, to all the people we can, for as long as we can. Whether it is through the direct services provided through our clinical and regional operations, the resources provided to our funded partners in South Texas or the policies and best practices our advocacy agenda supports – Methodist Healthcare Ministries will continue our efforts to ensure we are supporting resilient families and thriving communities.

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Local Families Received Decorated Trees at Annual Christmas Tree Giveaway

DW Admin on December 14, 2019

San Antonio (Dec. 13, 2019)– Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.– a private, faith-based not-for-profit dedicated to creating access to health care for low-income families and the uninsured – partnered with Methodist Healthcare System for the seventh consecutive year to donate about 200 decorated Christmas trees and holiday wreaths to several underserved families in San Antonio. As part of their annual holiday celebrations, several departments of Methodist Hospital, Methodist Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant and Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan participate in a tree decorating or wreath decorating contest. Following the competition, the trees and wreaths were donated to Methodist Healthcare Ministries to give to a family in need. (View footage from the 2018 event.)

This year, staff at Methodist Healthcare Ministries also participated in their own decorating contest to add even more trees to the event.“This annual tradition truly brings our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” to life and it is one of our team members’ favorite events. It is such a blessing to see the joy and holiday cheer on the faces of the children and the families we serve,” said Jaime Weslolowski, President & CEO at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We are grateful for the Methodist Healthcare System for putting so much of their time and energy into decorating these trees with love and helping us spread some holiday cheer.”

The people receiving the trees were identified from existing patients and clients of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ clinics and parenting programs. This population generally makes less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, lacks health insurance and often cannot affort the holiday gifts and niceties many people take for granted.

The Christmas trees decorated by employees from Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital were donated to families at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center. Guests were invited to enjoy some holiday treats and entertainment before selecting their own tree. Trained staff from Methodist Hospital were also on hand to install donated car seats for families who were also in need of a safe car seat to protect their child.

“We are so excited to give these trees to the Methodist Healthcare Ministries and the community we support”, commented Dan Miller, CEO of Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital. “The community gives a lot back to us: they give us purpose, they give us a reason to be here and a reason to come to work every day. In this season of giving, I think it’s most important for the gift we give every day, which is the opportunity to make a difference in our community. When I think about all of the Christmas trees we have here, my hope is that we’re able to put a tree where there wasn’t a tree. These trees are not only a symbol of our mission to serve humanity to honor God but they’re also a symbol of love and Christmas spirit. We’re excited for families to find a tree that means a lot to them and gets to have a special place in their home.”

This year, for the first time, a similar event was planned at Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Dixon Health & Wellness Center. Christmas trees and wreaths were decoarated and donated by the employees of Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant and Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

“It’s a special and memorable way for our employees to give back to the families and the community we care for every day. It’s one more example of how we are committed to supporting resilient families and building a thriving community in our own backyard,” concluded Wesolowski.

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About Methodist HealthcareMinistries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating access to health care for the uninsured through direct services, community partnerships and strategic grant-making in 74 counties across South Texas. The mission of the organization is "Serving Humanity to Honor God" by improving the physical, mental and spiritual health of those least served in the Rio TexasConference area of The United Methodist Church. The mission also includes Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest health care system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. For more information, visit mhmbridgeofblessings.org.

About Methodist Healthcare

Methodist Healthcare System – San Antonio is the largest provider of health care in South and Central Texas with 30 facilities, including ten hospitals and four free-standing emergency departments, serving over 608,000 inpatients and outpatients annually. The Methodist Healthcare team is comprised of 11,000, making Methodist Healthcare the second largest private employer in San Antonio. The Texas Quality Foundation selected Methodist Healthcare to receive the 2014 Texas Award for Performance Excellence. Methodist Healthcare is the first and only health care system in South Texas to receive this award, which requires an organization to demonstrate its commitment to the highest quality standards. With more than 2,700 credentialed physicians, Methodist Healthcare provides the largest array of medical services in the region, including neurosurgery, cardiovascular services, oncology and women’s services. Visit www.SAHealth.comto learn more.

Treating physical and mental health together improves chronic conditions

DW Admin on December 12, 2019

San Antonio, TX (Dec. 12, 2019)– A new U.S. – Mexico border study shows that providing physical and mental health care together improves conditions like diabetes and depression in South Texas.

The study focused on improving wellness for low-income, uninsured Hispanic residents who face multiple barriers to accessing health care and are also more likely to have chronic health conditions, like diabetes. And almost 40 percent of Hispanic patients with Type 2 diabetes also have depression, making it even more critical to get the right mix of physical and mental health care.

That care is hard to find: Most counties in the Rio Grande Valley are federally designated as Medically Underserved Areas and Health Professional Shortage Areas. For every 100,000 residents, there are only 15.5 family physicians.

A five-year project called Sí Texas: Social Innovation for a Healthy South Texas, studied the effectiveness of integrating physical and mental health care in a single visit, which enables providers to more effectively coordinate care so that neither physical nor mental health care needs are neglected.

This approach, called Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH), is taking hold in many areas of the country, but until this project, had never been studied in low-income, uninsured, predominantly Hispanic populations.

Connecting communities to care

Sí Texas was developed by San Antonio-based Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. The health care non-profit has focused its services in South Texas for nearly 25 years. Communities near the border and along the coastal bend offered the ideal population and health care access conditions for the study, but an added challenge in that South Texas is often ignored when it comes to grant funding and philanthropy; organizations that might provide individual grants in the region aren’t large enough to fund a project of this scope, and 7 of the 12 counties in the project have no foundations that fund health initiatives.

“We know that physical, mental and spiritual health together are the key to wellness, but for many low-income South Texas residents, realities like lack of transportation, and other social or economic factors get in the way of access to health care, says Jaime Wesolowski, president and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. “Border communities and people living in rural areas are especially impacted. We work to improve health equity in the region, and we want the partners we work with to have the resources to be community health leaders in their own right. Sí Texas was an opportunity to deliver more effective care and to support sustainable operational growth for providers and clinics in South Texas.”

Methodist Healthcare Ministries created a partnership between a federal agency that provides funding for community initiatives, and regional and local funders – together, the resources added up to $60 million to study the effectiveness of IBH in counties where income and access to health care are among the lowest in the nation and conditions like diabetes and depression are among the highest.

8 clinics, 12 counties in the study

The major funding came from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Harlingen-based Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation; several smaller, regional co-investors also contributed. Eight health care organizations in 12 counties were selected to implement IBH programs, study the effectiveness of the approach with patients who had diagnoses for conditions like diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, anxiety and obesity, and evaluate the results and the impact.

“Sí Texas addressed real barriers in South Texas, where working, poor residents face so many obstacles to accessing health care; there’s a tremendous need to find better ways to treat these common chronic conditions,” says Jennifer Knoulton, RN, Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ vice president of regional operations. “We’ve been working in South Texas communities for years and we’re familiar with the unique needs of low-income, uninsured people living in this region. Transforming the type of care people have access to can change lives over generations. This project was important to us from a care delivery standpoint, but also because we believe that the best health care treats the body, mind and spirit. Sí Texas was a way for us to introduce IBH and expand whole-person health care in South Texas.”

The eight clinics selected for the project were a diverse group of local mental health authorities, federally qualified health clinics, primary care charity clinics and academic institutions operating clinics in the communities targeted for the project. Each clinic designed its own IBH program for the unique needs of the people it cares for. Altogether, the project spanned 12 counties, chosen for their federal status on poverty rates, health outcomes and access to providers. During the study, Sí Texas provided IBH health care for 51,937 low-income, uninsured patients and clients.

IBH works in South Texas

The results confirm that IBH is effective in treating chronic health and mental health conditions in low-income, uninsured, predominantly Hispanic populations. The success of the study in South Texas has powerful implications for successful health care delivery outcomes in parts of the country facing similar conditions.

Depression and HbA1c (a key diabetes marker) improved for patients who received IBH care across the project, compared to a control group which received regular standard of care services. Also, the effect of Si Texas’ IBH care was stronger among participants with diabetes, depression, or a diagnosis of Severe and Persistent Mental Illness, and among females 49+ years of age.

“What we learned validates that integrating mental, physical and spiritual healthcare improves whole-person wellness,” added Wesolowski of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We are grateful for the courage and perseverance of the patients, providers and organizations who braved this journey.”

For more information and resources, or to read the full Sí Texas Social Innovation for a Health South Texas report, visit mhm.org/sitexas/.

Si Texas facts

Almost 40 percent of Hispanic patients with Type 2 diabetes also have depression.[i]
In the Sí Texas project area, residents are at a higher rate of getting cancer, diabetes and heart disease than those who live in urban areas, according to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
The Rio Grande Valley has a critical health care provider shortage; there are only 15.5 family physicians per 100,000 people.[ii]
Sí Texas was a $60 million health care delivery redesign project, with a unique matching fund structure through the Corporation for National and Community Service, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation and other smaller community co-funders.
Sí Texas marked the first time the Corporation for National and Community Service – a federal agency – provided funds to a faith-based organization like Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.
The eight participating clinics: Hope Family Health Center; Nuestra Clinica del Valle; Texas A&M International University; Tropical Texas Behavioral Health; University of Texas School of Public Health – Brownsville; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; REAL, Inc.; Mercy Ministries of Laredo.
In communities near the U.S. – Mexico border, a health care delivery project of this scale – with an integrated behavioral health approach – had never been studied before.
The results show that IBH is effective in treating chronic health and mental health conditions in low-income, uninsured, predominantly Hispanic populations, with implications for successful outcomes in similar conditions.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

[i]Mier, Nelda, et al. “Health-related quality of life among Mexican Americans living in colonias at the Texas–Mexico border” Social Science & Medicine Volume 8, Issue 66 (2008): Page 1760 – 1771.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027795360700665X

Parenting Program Receives National Recognition as a Blue Ribbon Affiliate

DW Admin on December 12, 2019

San Antonio, TX (Dec. 12, 2019)– Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.’s Parents as Teachers program has earned a prestigious endorsement from the Parents as Teachers National Center, Inc., (PATNC) as a Blue Ribbon Affiliate, making it one of the top-performing home visiting affiliates within the PATNC’s international network. The official designation was made on Oct. 1, 2019.

Being named a Blue Ribbon Affiliate affirms that Methodist Healthcare Ministries is a high-quality member of the home visiting field, implementing the evidence-based Parents as Teachers model with fidelity. The program includes home visits, group connections, child screening and connections to community resources. It equips parents with knowledge and resources to prepare their children for a stronger start in life and greater success in school.

“To earn the Blue Ribbon Affiliate status, we underwent a rigorous self-study and review process from the National Center. The process confirms that we are meeting Parents as Teachers’ standards of fidelity and quality,” said Shannon Pointon, L.M.S.W., Parenting Program Manager at Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. “Blue Ribbon Affiliates are exemplary programs, delivering the highest quality services to the children and families we serve.”

Implementation with quality and fidelity is vital in home-visiting programs as it determines a program’s effectiveness in accomplishing its original goals and intended outcomes, according to Pointon. It also verifies that a program is being implemented as designed. Parents as Teachers’ rigorous endorsement process demonstrates Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ accountability and credibility to the community and the partner organizations with which they work.

“All of us at Methodist Healthcare Ministres are incredibly proud of the work our Parenting program puts into helping us build reslilient families and thriving communities in the places we serve” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Parents as Teacher program provides bimonthly personal home visits to families and monthly group connection events focused on parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting and family well-being. The program supports parents throughout pregnancy until their children enter school full-time providing health, hearing, vision and developmental screenings for eligible children using approved screening tools and methods. The program also connects families to resources and help them overcome any barriers to accessing those resources. For more information, visit mhmbridgeofblessings.org/services/parenting-programs

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About Methodist HealthcareMinistries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating access to health care for the uninsured through direct services, community partnerships and strategic grant-making in 74 counties across South Texas. Guided by its mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God,” Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ vision is to be the leader for improving wellness of the least served. The mission also includes Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest healthcare system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. For more information, visit mhmbridgeofblessings.org.

About Parents as Teachers

Parents as Teachers (PAT) builds strong communities, thriving families and children that are healthy, safe and ready to learn. The internationally-recognized evidence-based home visiting model is backed by 35 years of research-proven outcomes for children and families. PAT currently serves nearly 200,000 families in all 50 U.S. states, 115 Tribal organizations, six other countries and one U.S. territory. Parents As Teachers National Center, Inc., is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Parents as Teachers affiliates operate in various settings, including health departments, hospitals and schools, faith-based and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit parentsasteachers.org or Twitter @NatlPAT.

The BUILD Health Challenge Announces 18 New, Cross-Sector Partnerships

DW Admin on November 19, 2019

San Antonio (Nov. 19, 2019)–Today, the BUILD Health Challenge^®welcomed its Third Cohort of awardees — including 18 new communities throughout the U.S. — that will receive a total of $8 million in funding and resources to transform health at the local level over the next two years. The Hope for Health Collaborative out of Kerrville, TX is among those 18 communities, representing the first BUILD Health Challenge community in the Texas Hill Country.

Launched in 2015, the BUILD Health Challenge addresses the intersectional factors that impact health and well-being at the community level. BUILD recognizes that direct medical care, while critical, is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to lifting up the standards of living for people in the U.S. and works across sectors with local community organizations to affect positive, sustainable improvements to community health.

“Expenditures in health account for nearly 18 percent of the American economy, and yet as a nation we still struggle with creating conditions that allow for everyone to have the opportunity to reach their greatest health potential,” said Emily Yu, Executive Director of the BUILD Health Challenge. “Changing this narrative means two things: approaching health as a holistic issue that involves social, economic and physical variables; and supporting those who know best how to care for their communities by supporting their work with the tools to drive change.”

“Methodist Healthcare Ministries is proud to support The BUILD Health Challenge and bring much needed attention and investment to Central Texas,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. “We congratulate the Hope for Health Collaborative and all the contributing partners in Kerrville for creating a strong program that helps the community thrive and strengthens families in the Doyle neighborhood of Kerrville and across the Texas Hill Country.”

The Hope For Health Collaborative was formed by New Hope Counseling Center, Peterson Health, the Texas Department of State Health Services-Region 8, Barnett Chapel and Glory Community Garden, Light on the Hill at Mt. Wesley, the City of Kerrville and The Doyle School Community Center in a joint application for the BUILD Health challenge. These organizations, as well as many others, committed to work together to address the revitalization of the Doyle neighborhood of Kerrville, with a focus on social connection, navigation and resident participation to address their individual and community resources and healthcare needs.

“The Hope for Health Collaborative is very proud to bring home this award for our Kerrville community!” Brenda Fudge, executive director of New Hope shares, “Blessed with abundant resources and the willingness of many to share their gifts and talents, this BUILD Health Challenge award is a wonderful opportunity to all work together, creating and laying the groundwork for sustainable improvements that will translate into overall well-being for the residents of the Doyle neighborhood.”

The BUILD Health Challenge is excited to fund dynamic collaboratives that are addressing critical issues such as food security, maternal and child health, transportation planning, and housing through a health equity lens. The $8 million in awards and resources will support community-driven partnerships in each of the 18 new communities aimed at addressing these issues. In addition, each collaborative includes a local hospital partner that is also contributing monetary and/or in-kind support to the project, collectively adding more than $5 million to the overall award total.

“Since our first cohort started four years ago, we’ve seen positive health outcomes in communities across the country through the collaboration of local organizations, residents and community leaders,” said Yu. “Now more than ever we are seeing that the future of health lies in supporting local collaborations that include cross-sector and community driven involvement. Together, these partners are rewriting the playbook for better health and finding new and sustainable ways to tackle our country’s most pressing health issues.”

The first two cohorts of BUILD Health Challenge, launched in 2015 and 2017, included 37 unique community partnerships across 24 states. To date, the awardees’ efforts have yielded promising policy changes and community health solutions such updating regulations that prevent people from having to live in substandard housing that jeopardizes their health; leveraging data to identify hidden health trends in neighborhoods; and reimagining food supply and distribution channels in communities to address food insecurity. The BUILD Health Challenge is proud to welcome 18 communities to our ever-growing network of health disruptors and champions.

The projects and communities selected are:

· Advancing Community Partnerships to Increase Food Access in Southern Dallas – Food distribution[Dallas, TX]

· BUILD Fourth Plain – Healthy housing[Vancouver, WA]

· BUILD Sherman Park – Healthy housing and safe communities[Milwaukee, WI]

· Caring About Reno’s Elderly (CARE) – Geriatric and elderly care[Reno, NV]

· Collaborative Cottage Grove – Healthy housing[Greensboro, NC]

· Crecer La Confianza, Crecer La Salud – Children’s health[Greenville, SC]

· Empowering a Self-Healing Community: Safety, Self-sufficiency and Well-being in North Omaha – Community revitalization[Omaha, NE]

· Healthy Babies, Empowered Moms, Flourishing Families – Maternal and child health[Sunflower County, MS]

· Health Havenscourt Collaborative – Healthy housing[Oakland, CA]

· Healthy Highland – Community revitalization[Gastonia, NC]

· Healthy Together Medical-Legal Partnership to Improve Health in DC by Enhancing Community Resilience – Children’s health[Washington, DC]

· Marion County CHFE (Creating Health Food Environments) Project – Food justice[Marion County, SC]

· Maternal and Child Health at Columbia Parc – Maternal and child health[New Orleans, LA]

· Maternal Upstream Management (MUM) – Maternal and child health[Houston, TX]

· New Brunswick Healthy Housing Collaborative – Healthy housing[New Brunswick, NJ]

· Roots to Prevention – Food justice[Camden, NJ]

· Strong Immigrant Communities Through Collective Action for Housing Affordability and Ownership – Community revitalization[Vallejo, CA]

· The Hope for Health Collaborative – Community revitalization[Kerrville, TX]

Partnerships in Oakland, Greensboro, Washington, and New Brunswick, return for the Third Cohort building on momentum from a past award they received from the BUILD Health Challenge.

The BUILD Health Challenge is also honored to have leading grantmaking organizations partnering in this effort. This collaboration blends national perspective with issue-specific and regional expertise, and aims to inspire similar teamwork among organizations at the local level that will help to uncover tomorrow’s best practices for community health. The Third Cohort is made possible with support from the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, Blue Shield of California Foundation, Communities Foundation of Texas, de Beaumont Foundation, Episcopal Health Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., New Jersey Health Initiatives, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Learn more about the BUILD Health Challenge communities at https://buildhealthchallenge.org/.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

About The Build Health Challenge

The BUILD Health Challenge® is a national award that strengthens partnerships between local nonprofit organizations, hospitals and health systems, and local health departments to drive sustainable improvements in community health. Created by the de Beaumont Foundation, the Colorado Health Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in 2015, it has grown to now also include support from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation; BlueCross and BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation; Blue Shield of California; Communities Foundation of Texas; Episcopal Health Foundation; Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.; New Jersey Health Initiatives; and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. Celebrates National Night Out 2019 at its Wesley Health & Wellness Center

DW Admin on October 2, 2019

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. celebrated National Night Out at its Wesley Health & Wellness Center on Tuesday, Oct. 1 . Nearly 400 community members gathered together with Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ staff and members of local law enforcement for a night of camaraderie, fun festivities, education and information on locally available resources that promote community awareness and crime prevention.

“Methodist Healthcare Ministries is proud to once again host a National Night Out event at our Wesley Health & Wellness Center for the friends and neighbors we serve in the community. We believe in reaching people directly where they live, work, play, and pray and this event helps us celebrate all that we can do to make our Southside Community a safer, better place to live,” said Oanh Maroney-Omitade, vice president of clinical operations for Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We are excited to host a free, fun event for the whole family, including games, fitness classes, informational booths, music and more."

The Wesley Health & Wellness Center offers a variety of health and wellness programs and services such as medical, dental, counseling, exercise, classes, parenting programs, and nutrition and health education to San Antonio’s Southside and the surrounding community.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries donates $500,000 to American Cancer Society HPV Initiative, “Mission: HPV Cancer Free Texas”

DW Admin on August 12, 2019

San Antonio, Texas, August 12, 2019– – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. announced a second round of funding for the American Cancer Society’s campaign, “Mission: HPV Cancer Free Texas,” formally “Cancer Prevention: It's worth a shot.” Methodist Healthcare Ministries will donate $500,000 to the American Cancer Society (ACS) for a second comprehensive, two-year cancer prevention initiative focused on increasing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations among medically underserved children in South Texas. Specifically, this gift will target communities served by local and regional Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) by improving systematic clinical practices and providing HPV vaccination education for parents and families.

"This campaign by the American Cancer Society to promote HPV prevention aligns perfectly with our vision which calls us to be a leader for improving the wellness of the least served," stated Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “Through this effort, we can improve HPV vaccination rates and save lives, minimize the risk of future infection and protect thousands from a disease that is linked to 33,000 cancer diagnoses each year.”

As part of this effort, the American Cancer Society will partner with six Federally Qualified Health Centers (Amistad Community Health Center, Atascosa Health Center, CentroMed, CommuniCare, Gateway Community Health Center, Inc.and Community Action Corporation of South Texas). Methodist Healthcare Ministries has a long-standing relationship with most of these FQHC partners. In 2017, Methodist Healthcare Ministries funded the first round of ACS’s “Cancer Prevention: It's worth a shot,” now named “Mission: HPV Cancer Free Texas,” with a $500,000 giftthat enabled ACS to partner with three FQHC partners in the initial phase of the campaign.

The HPV vaccine has been proven safe and effective in protecting children from six different types of cancer later in life, including cervical and throat cancers. Currently, the vaccination rate in Texas is woefully low as the state ranks 44^thout of 50 states for HPV vaccine rates among children ages 13-17, with only 39 percent of kids receiving the vaccine. Approximately 3,070 Texans are diagnosed each year with a cancer caused by HPV. Although preventive care like vaccinations is covered by Medicaid and many private insurance plans, thousands of children, especially in clinics that serve those in greatest need, go without vaccinations that could protect them.

“We are excited to continue this vital partnership with Methodist Healthcare Ministries to raise HPV vaccination rates in South Texas and help prevent 6 types of cancer,” said Lindsay Maggio McElwee, Executive Director for the American Cancer Society. “Together, we are building a movement and working towards the first generation free from HPV-related cancers. With this generous gift from Methodist Healthcare Ministries we could have the chance to make not just one, but multiple cancers history and save countless lives in our community.”

This second round of the campaign builds on the best practices and assessments from the initial phase. The American Cancer Society works with each FQHC to build a customized program that will include provider education, patient outreach, education, and follow-up, as well as other quality improvement efforts. Each FQHC partner will receive capacity building funding to support their comprehensive program. The project aims to identify and employ approaches to increase provider recommendation and vaccination coverage levels that will be sustained beyond this additional funding period.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

About American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of nearly 2 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, free lodging near treatment, a 24/7 live cancer helpline, to free rides for patients, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the American Cancer Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information about cancer and/or other ways you may become involved, call the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour helpline at (800) 227-2345 or visitwww.cancer.org.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Partners with H-E-B Pharmacy and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District to Provide Vaccines

DW Admin on May 23, 2019

San Antonio, Texas, May 21, 2019– Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., partnered with Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District and H-E-B Pharmacy to conduct an immunization drive at Laura Ingalls Wilder Intermediate School to provide sixth-grade students with an opportunity to receive the required and recommended immunizations needed before entering the seventh grade.

“Methodist Healthcare Ministries is committed to increasing access to care for the least served and this opportunity to give back to the community aligns directly with our mission and vision as an organization,” said Jaime Wesolowski, president & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “Immunizations are critically important to safeguard our community against harmful diseases and we are proud to partner with H-E-B Pharmacy and the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City I.S.D. to offer these students and families a chance to be protected.

The vaccines were administered by Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ School Based Health Center and H-E-B Pharmacy personnel. The following immunizations were made available: Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis), MCV4 (Meningococcal) and HPV (Human Papillomavirus). The Tdap and MCV4 are required immunizations for all students and the HPV Vaccine is recommended to protect against HPV cancers.

45 students received vaccinations during the immunizations drive and nearly 87 percent received the HPV Vaccine. The HPV vaccination protects against the Human Papillomavirus and the cancers it can cause. More than 33,000 men and women get HPV cancers in the United States each year and the vaccine prevents up to 90 percent of HPV cancers. Wesolowski added, “The HPV vaccines are an important tool in our toolkit to help prevent the spread of cancer and, as a survivor of an HPV cancer myself, I know the dangers posed by this disease. The time to act is now.”

These immunizations were provided at no cost and were available whether or not the student had health insurance coverage. Methodist Healthcare Ministries offered to pay any costs not covered by a student’s insurance plan and for any children who do not have health insurance coverage.

"We are thankful for this longstanding partnership with Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD,” said Dr. Greg Gibson, superintendent of SCUC ISD. “This collaboration allows us to help our students fulfill their lifelong potential, including their health and social-emotional well-being."

“We are proud to partner with Methodist Healthcare Ministries to provide this vital service as part of our commitment to health and wellness in the communities we serve,” said Craig Norman, senior vice president, H-E-B Pharmacy.

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