Tag: Blog

Interview with Maria H., Administrative Assistant at MHM and MHvsMS team member

Editor's note: Recently, we asked Maria H. to share some insights into what inspired her to ride with the MHvsMS team in Bike MS: Valero Ride to the River. We've seen Maria's dedication to the ride and passion for raising funds to support the cause, but through Maria's own words, we learned more. She is determined, faithful and very funny as she explains her passion to see an end to Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Question: Why do you ride with MHvsMS?

Answer: I ride so I can spread the word about MS. I want to promote awareness of this disease and raise funds for a cure. My first MS experience was in 2009. I participated in the MS Walk and had the opportunity to meet the late Amy Dorsett. She was an inspiration! She taught me about perseverance and having a positive attitude no matter how sick you might be. Through the National MS Society, I volunteered at Bike MS: Valero Ride to the River in 2009 and 2010. The cyclists amazed me. Shortly after, I purchased a bike and began riding as recommended by my physical therapist.

Question: How long have you been cycling? When did you join the MHvsMS team?

Answer: I have been riding for nearly five years now and I have been a member of the MHvsMS team since 2012.

Question: What are some of your favorite memories from the Bike MS: Valero Ride to the River?

Answer: One of my favorite memories was from my first ride in 2012. I remember trying to climb the last hill, just before the finish line. It is not very steep, but after riding for 50+ miles, it looks gigantic. A New Braunfels police officer was cheering on the riders and he kept yelling to me, "You can do it, stand on your bike and pedal!" This scenario made me think of Adam Sandler's movie Waterboy, "You can do it" and I just burst out laughing. I told the officer, "No, I can't." I got off my bike and walked the rest of the hill until I reached flat road again.

Question: Do you have any tips for new riders?

Answers: I recommend riding as much as you can, even if it is only 10, 20 or 50 miles. Our team captain, Mr. Barry, is very experienced too. He provides a lot of information for first time riders. He keeps the team informed of training rides, cancellations and anything else we may need to know. Oh, and have fun! That is most important.

Question: Do you have any additional comments?

Answer: Please join us or donate online! Consider what you can do to help people living with MS right now and protect those who may be diagnosed in the future. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Learn more about the MHvsMS team or follow Maria's progress on her participant page.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) joined local organizations in friendly-competition at the San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup presented by H-E-B on Saturday, May 30. MHM's inaugural year of participation was challenging, inspirational and, most of all, fun!

MHMer's competed in events, such as basketball, tug of war, corn toss, sack races and a 2K wellness walk. "It was fun witnessing the eagerness of everyone prior to the event and their excitement about competing. On event day, the competitive spirit of our team member's and their families was high," shared Regina Garcia, benefits administrator and corporate cup team co-captain at MHM.

MHM is no stranger to healthy living. In fact, MHM was recognized as a finalist for the San Antonio Business Journal's 2014 Healthiest Employer's Awards. "Now we know what to expect next year. We look forward to participating again and bringing a Corporate Cup trophy back to MHM," explained Alicia Rodriguez, human resources representative and corporate cup team co-captain at MHM.

By Rev. Mickey McCandless, Director of Church Connections & Spiritual Care

The Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church was created January 1, 2015 through the unification of the Rio Grande Annual Conference and the Southwest Texas Annual Conference. The newly formed Rio Texas Conference now encompasses 74 counties of South Texas and marks the geographic area served by Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM).

A church conference is the primary organizational unit of The United Methodist Church and has been the basic structure of the Methodist Episcopal Church since beginning in North America in 1784. A conference is equivalent to a diocese in the Roman Catholic and Episcopal Churches or presbytery in the Presbyterian Church. The Rio Texas Conference is one of 57 conferences in the U.S. and 79 additional in Africa, Europe and the Philippines and administratively guided by Bishop James Dorff.

The unification of the two conferences developed from two reports issued by a committee of The United Methodist Church's Council of Bishops. These two FACT (Financial Advisory Consulting Team) reports concluded that neither of the conferences was sustainable into the future. It did indicate that the Rio Grande Annual Conference had missional strength in the growing Hispanic population of South Texas and the Southwest Texas Annual Conference had financial strength for a sustained future. By unifying, the two conferences provide a powerful witness to the work of God for the people in South Texas.

MHM is striving to grow our impact on the population of South Texas for improved physical, mental and spiritual health. At the same time and in the same area of South Texas, the newly-formed Rio Texas Conference is striving to "make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." (The Rio Texas Unification Plan Uniting the Rio Texas Annual Conference & the Southwest Texas Annual Conference, February 8, 2014). Our journeys are joined today and into the future by a shared history and collaborative mission.

By Andy Hernandez, Community Development Manager

Health starts in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, schools and churches. Health happens where we live, work, play and pray. It happens in the material and social conditions in which we live. These elements combined shape—for better or worse—our well-being and health outcomes.

Social Determinants of Health

How much money do we make? Do we have health insurance or not? What is our level of education? Do we live in a low-income or high-income neighborhood? How safe is our home and workplace? The answers to these questions help explain the health of a community by determining connectedness. These factors determine what opportunities we have to be healthy. This is generally referred to as the, "social determinants of health." They account for over 40 percent of all health outcomes, twice as much as access to medical care (20 percent). Social, environmental and economic factors contribute more heavily to the health and well-being of individuals than anything else.

Where We Live

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.'s (MHM) mission is "Serving Humanity to Honor God" by improving the physical, mental and spiritual health of those least served in the Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Overwhelmingly the underserved are the working poor. Simply put, poverty adversely affects your health as does being underemployed, undereducated and uninsured. If we want to create conditions that nurture healthy people, we have to change the social and material conditions that make people and communities unhealthy. This means helping those in need gain access to health care services, obtaining insurance coverage through the health insurance marketplace, help raise education and income levels, and help make their communities safer. Ultimately, it means helping people lift themselves out of poverty.

Healthy Communities

Community engagement and development strategies found in asset-based community development initiatives, youth sports leagues, family-strengthening programs, strengths-based nursing practices, and "upstream" clinical care protocols are linked to improving the social determinants of health. To create healthy environments, you have to develop healthy communities. We all play a part in this process. We are where health happens. We have the power to collectively impact the conditions of our community. My team, the MHM family, does this everyday. How do you play a part in improving the health of your community?

By Dominica Garza, Communications Manager

Language is something many of us take for granted – the ability to communicate with others, to read, to write. Communication helps us to create shared meaning between two or more parties. But, what happens when there are barriers to communication like the inability to read or to understand the native language of the country in which you reside, or much worse, what if you cannot speak the language?

A PBS special titled, "Do you speak American? Texas English," asserts that English is, historically, the second language of the state. Even setting aside the languages of Native Americans in the area, Spanish was spoken in Texas for nearly a century before English was. According to the Modern Language Association's Language Map Data Center, more than 90 languages are spoken in Texas. Of that, English is spoken by 65.80 percent of people over five years old in Texas, while languages other than English are spoken by 34.20 percent.

This diversity makes it especially difficult to provide education, and diagnose and treat health conditions. Language differences can be a huge barrier in providing effective healthcare.

Diabetes, obesity and mental illness – some of the more prevalent conditions faced by Texans – don't discriminate based on language. Because of this, it's important for healthcare providers to acknowledge the importance of language when interacting with their patients or clients. At Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM), we understand the vast landscape of spoken language in South Texas. To help our healthcare providers and team members performing outreach, we contracted with LanguageLine Solutions® to provide us with access to their over-the-phone operating system. The system provides team members with access to a LanguageLine interpreter to listen to a patient or client, analyze their message and accurately convey its original meaning to the MHM staff person.

It's been a great tool to help remove language barriers and address health concerns. Many patients or clients who seek our help are already in distress. They sometimes fear hospitals and clinics because they do not have the means to afford treatment or they are coming to us as a last resort and are in dire need of assistance. In this state of heightened distress, we want to eliminate obstacles that slow down or hinder our ability to provide care or treatment. LanguageLine is a resource to help us provide care in the communities in which we serve.

by George Thomas, Chief Operating Officer

The Wesley Theological Seminary, a teaching seminary and service-oriented community located in Washington, DC, has identified a variety of health ministry models to include:

1. Congregational Health & Wellness Ministry – Health ministry seeks to find common ground among other congregational ministries, such as social justice, religious education, volunteer visitors, hospitality and youth ministries.
2. Health Ministers – Health ministers are healthcare professionals, barbers, stay-at-home parents and lawyers to accountants. They can take be health navigators, wellness coaches, outreach workers, health educators, and health ambassadors, promoters de salud and health promoters.
3. Faith Community Nursing – The American Nurses Association, working with the Health Ministries Association, approved a new registered nurse certification program for Faith Community Nurses. Faith Community Nursing, formerly known as parish nursing, is a process for active licensed registered nurses to obtain a specialty practice certification by portfolio beginning in 2014. Some of the key roles of a faith community nurse may include health education, health counseling, referrals, health ministry team coordinator and volunteer coordination.
4. Hospital/Primary Care Based Congregational Networks – With the Affordable Care Act healthcare legislation emphasizing population-based care and improved health care continuity for patients, the health minister and faith community nurse roles shows promise. From a hospital's and primary care provider's perspective, these roles are valuable in that they provide linkages and connections into the community, especially faith communities.
5. Community Based Congregational Networks – Health ministry teams from different places of worship often join together in local or regional networks to share resources and support each other through regular meetings.

At Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM), we have adopted a Faith Community Nursing approach to health ministry. This model is carried out through our Wesley Nurse Program, which was established in 1997 and has grown to serve 80 sites throughout South Texas making it MHM's largest geographic outreach program. All Wesley Nurses are Registered Nurses – an aspect unique to MHM. Currently, all Wesley Nurses are in the process of becoming certified in Faith Community Nursing. The certification is awarded through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in partnership with the Health Ministries Association.

From a primary care perspective, Wesley Nurses are an invaluable link in the healthcare delivery continuum. They connect people, congregations and community to health and wellness. They motivate others to action while remaining grounded in faith. We could not operate successfully without this important ministry.

By George Thomas, Chief Operating Officer

The American Medical Association describes clinical integration as:

"The means to facilitate the coordination of patient care across conditions, providers, settings, and time in order to achieve care that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-focused." Similarly, one of the principle mandates of the Affordable Care Act is to encourage or promote methodologies for reducing costs, increasing efficiency and enhancing the quality of care."

My interpretation of clinical integration and this mandate is that healthcare providers need to find innovative ways to provide a higher quality of care. Far too often, the news is blanketed with stories of malpractice, mismanagement, or – far worse – news of tragedy that could have been prevented.

While Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.'s clinics (Wesley Health & Wellness Center; Bishop Ernest T. Dixon, Jr. Clinic; and School Based Health Centers in Schertz and Marion) are not accredited by The Joint Commission – a leader in accrediting and certifying health care organizations in the United States – we do abide by a very strict and well-formulated set of standards in order to provide high quality care to low-income families in South Texas.

The American Medical Association understands the value of clinical integration, and the Affordable Care Act specifically addresses the need for improvements in the delivery of care. We at Methodist Healthcare Ministries, too, must look at ways to improve our operations.

It reminds me of the 'pot roast story' many of us have heard: One day after school a young girl noticed that her mom was cutting off the ends of a pot roast before putting it in the oven to cook for dinner. She had seen her mom do this many times before but had never asked her why. So this time she asked and her mom replied, "I don't know why I cut the ends off, but it's what my mom always did." So the young girl called her grandmother on the phone and asked, "Grandma why do you cut the ends off the pot roast before cooking it?" Her grandmother replied, "I don't know. That's just the way my mom always cooked it." Undeterred, the girl called her great grandmother and asked her the same question – why did you cut the ends off the pot roast before cooking it? She said, "When I was first married we had a very small oven, and the pot roast didn't fit in the oven unless I cut the ends off."

I hold this story very close to me. I want to always question our practices: Are we being good stewards of our resources? Are we looking for innovations to improve our operations? Do we have a safe environment for our patients? Are we providing quality care?

Far too often, health care providers practice in silos. They lack meaningful connections and their information exchanges with other health care entities or providers is limited. Without coordination, patients are more likely to receive duplicative diagnostic tests, have adverse prescription drug interactions and get conflicting care plans.

Clinical integration is a continuous process of alignment across the care continuum that supports the Triple Aim of health care: Improving quality of care; reducing or controlling the cost of care; and improving access to care and the overall patient experience.

Knowing that this is a continuous process, I am going to continuously ask questions, measure outcomes and look for improvements because I believe our patients' well-being is of the utmost importance.

By Kathy Crosby, RN, Wesley Nurse

I have been a Wesley Nurse since 2013. Early on, I learned a main function of the Wesley Nurse profession is assessing the needs of the community in which I serve. Although I work for Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM), headquartered in San Antonio, my actual work site is at First United Methodist Church in Bastrop. Bastrop is located about 30 miles southeast of Austin and is situated in the Capital District of the Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church – the Rio Texas Conference defines MHM's service area.

During my time in Bastrop, I witnessed the need for a respite program in Bastrop. The caregiver and elderly community was large in heart and might, but severely lacking in support and resources.

I worked with the Alzheimer's Association and Bastrop First United Methodist Church to form a partnership to address the need. Brenda Zimmerman, who later became the volunteer director for the soon-to-be group, made the program a reality. Through her leadership and the commitment of 24 volunteers, the Bastrop New Hope Respite program officially launched on September 25, 2014.

The program is 100 percent volunteer-driven and funded by the generous donations of community members. Bastrop New Hope Respite provides a safe, faith-based environment for persons in the early to middle stages of Alzheimer's and dementia-related diseases, and is offered every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at no cost. Attends receive a snack and home-cooked lunch.

In a relatively short period of time we have already twelve regulars to the group. Volunteers support the group by playing games, making crafts, conducting sing-a-longs, exercising, and bringing in special guests.

To support volunteers and caregivers, I facilitate a Caring for the Caregiver Support Group with Dorothy Williams, LBSW. The group meets every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

I can't put into words the joy I feel when I observe first-hand the fulfillment members of the group receive. Some who were once withdrawn are now socializing with others and now have a place and network to belong to. I believe God's work is at hand in the city of Bastrop.

By Terri H., Intake Coordinator

I joined Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. (MHM) in March 2004, however I was first introduced to MHM in 1997 when I was a Wesley Primary Care Clinic employee. Through the years I have seen tremendous change and growth in MHM and all for the best. Each day I hear our patients' needs and their stories of survival. I listen closely and let them know that we care and we are here to help. I find satisfaction at the end of the day knowing that I was able to help that patient through my compassion and listening. Some patients let me know that I have helped them feel better by thanking me through their blessings and hugs. To hear this makes me feel proud to be part of the MHM family.

Since 2008, I have had to deal with a serious illness – something I pray no one close to me ever has to deal with. MHM is so blessed to have such wonderful team members that care and are compassionate, not only with patients, but with coworkers. In 2012, when I was going through treatment, not a single day went by without kind words whispered to me. I am so thankful for Our Heavenly Lord who has put us here, in addition to my beautiful family and the team at MHM. I am so proud of the group of ladies I work with in Intake who have been my biggest support group. My supervisor, Lorraine, has been there for me since the beginning of my journey. She has listened and prayed with me. I have such respect and admiration for her. She was never too busy to help me.

All I can say is that I am very proud to be part of the MHM family. And I know our patients feel the same way. I pray that through the coming years and continued growth, MHM will remain successful in tending to our mission.

by Bridget Lamme-Kerr, Director of Human Resources

We take pride in our commitment to the health of the community. At Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM), healthy living is also supported internally. Not only do we talk the talk, but we also walk the walk. Our team members benefit from a diverse wellness package designed to support the whole individual—mind, body and spirit.

From the 100 percent employer-paid insurance plan to the annual health screenings our dedication to the team's overall health is unmatched. Our internal wellness program, MHM Be Well, offers a health reimbursement for certain health related expenses up to $250 per year along with ongoing fitness challenges that encourage teamwork and physical activity. Team members also participate in a variety of MHM community-sponsored events, such as walks and runs. It becomes a benefit for everyone involved because team members get active while also giving back to the communities where we serve.

Healthy living isn't just our job. It's at the core of our culture. We provide our team with a variety of tools to meet their individual needs and champion them as they work toward their individual health goals. We do this because it's who we are, it's part of our mission, "Serving Humanity to Honor God" and it's also one of the reasons why I'm proud to be an MHMer.

In fact, the American Heart Association recently recognized MHM as a Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite. This designation celebrates the organization's commitment to providing a healthy workplace for team members. It places MHM in an elite group of 16 San Antonio companies who share the Fit-Friendly Worksite honor.

For over 20 years, MHM has been committed to helping our neighbors and friends in the community stay healthy, but we don't stop there. This same pledge extends to members of our organization as well and we're proud of it.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is a proud host of the Spurs Youth Basketball League held at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center (WHWC). The goals of the league are: to encourage youth to remain in school; act with integrity; say no to drugs; make positive choices; and respect one another. The youth learn these valuable skills, while also having fun.

On, Jan. 25, over 25 youth from the league were chosen to attend the Spurs vs. Milwaukee Bucks game at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. These young fans were selected because of their good sportsmanship and excellent character. The group met at WHWC where they enjoyed pizza before boarding a chartered bus to the game. The group was even treated to a front row seat to view a post-game interview between San Antonio Spurs' Kawai Leonard and Sean Elliot. The youth learned what Kawai likes to do during his free time and several fans received Sean's autograph.

The excitement carried over from game night to practice the next day. More than 50 of league participants were surprised when NBA Hall of Framer, Neville Shed, appeared. Neville spoke to the youth, ages 9 to 14, about good sportsmanship and the importance of learning and understanding the fundamentals of basketball.

The surprises continued when San Antonio Spur, Aron Baynes, and Assistant Coach, Chad Forcier, arrived. Aron and Chad provided the youth with unique insights about what it's actually like to be a champion San Antonio Spur. Then it was time to get moving as the group split up to do drills with their special guests. This exciting evening was topped off with several youth winning tickets to an upcoming San Antonio Spurs game and goody bags sponsored by San Antonio Sports.

By Sharlene Scheler, Wesley Nurse, Smithville

Food insecurity threatens millions of Americans. During any typical week, the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas serves more than 48,000 people. Further, 1 in 5 families suffer physical pain from hunger. Smithville, Texas is no different. The community falls within the 26 percent poverty rate. The need is great, but thankfully, the giving hearts of others are great too.

The Smithville Food Pantry services Bastrop Country and the Smithville area. The site distributes food and other necessities on Wednesday mornings each week to an average of 80 families. During this time, I see pantry clients for blood pressure and sugar checks. In addition, I answer other questions and provide healthcare referrals. My partnership with the food pantry made perfect sense. The clients are already making the trip so if I'm there too; it makes meeting with me a convenient stop.

I found that partnering with local organizations, such as the food pantry, is rewarding. It is easy for the client and builds a network of support they can trust for quality care. My natural passion for helping others is always searching for new ways to help, such as developing the annual Smithville Diaper Drives in partnership with my local food pantry.

While hunger and food insecurity are serious concerns, each of us can help support those in need by donating or volunteering at a local food bank.

I have come to the realization that each of us can truly make a difference in the lives of others.