Serving Humanity to Honor God
We are broadening the definition of health care beyond providing high-quality care when people are sick to address systemic inequities so that more people can reach their full potential for health and life.
Rio Grande Valley, Texas (July 24, 2026) –– Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) and Blue Zones hosted four Blue Zones Ignite™ Community Assessment Readouts across Hidalgo County, bringing together residents, community leaders, nonprofit partners, healthcare stakeholders, and local officials to review assessment findings and discuss opportunities to strengthen health and well-being throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Held at sites across Mission, Pharr, McAllen, and Edinburg on July 20-21, the community gatherings provided an opportunity to share insights gathered during the Blue Zones Ignite assessment process, which included stakeholder interviews, focus groups, community tours, resident engagement activities, and other community conversations conducted throughout the region.
The readouts highlighted the unique strengths, assets, and culture that contribute to the vibrancy of Rio Grande Valley communities, while also identifying opportunities for future collaboration aimed at improving quality of life and long-term well-being for residents.
"At Methodist Healthcare Ministries, we have been honored to serve and partner in the Rio Grande Valley for over 30 years and one of the clearest lessons we have learned is that the Valley already holds deep wisdom about what is working, and what would make the greatest difference," said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. "We are grateful to every resident, community partner, and local leader who shared their perspectives and experiences throughout this process as we know it is the voice of the community that will help shape what comes next."
During the presentations, Blue Zones shared local well-being data, research findings, and readiness and feasibility insights designed to help community stakeholders better understand factors that influence daily life across Hidalgo County. Attendees also learned about the potential framework of a future Blue Zones Project and how such an initiative could be shaped by local leadership, resident priorities, and community-driven solutions.
Throughout the assessment process and community readouts, participants emphasized the importance of collaboration among residents, local governments, schools, businesses, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and community groups in creating environments that support healthier lifestyles and improve overall well-being.
While the Blue Zones Ignite assessment phase has now concluded, MHM and Blue Zones emphasized that it is now up to the communities to decide whether to move forward with a future Blue Zones Project. Community feedback, continued engagement, and local leadership will remain critical factors in determiningany future direction.
"The assessment and community conversations demonstrated a strong desire to build on the assets and opportunities that already exist throughout the Rio Grande Valley," Wesolowski said. "We look forward to continuing these conversations and exploring ways to support communities as they pursue their vision for a healthier future."
For the full Assessment, Readiness, & Feasibility Report on the Rio Grande Valley, visit https://bluezonesriograndevalleyreport.com/#home.
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About Blue Zones
Blue Zones employs evidence-based ways to help people live better, longer. The company's work is rooted in explorations and research done by founder and National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner in blue zones regions around the world, where people live extraordinarily long and/or happy lives. The original research and findings were released in Buettner's bestselling books The Blue Zones Solution, The Blue Zones of Happiness, The Blue Zones, Thrive, and Blue Zones Kitchen—all published by National Geographic books. A hit docuseries, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, was released on Netflix in 2023. Using original Blue Zones research, Blue Zones works with cities and counties to make healthy choices easier through permanent and semi-permanent changes to our human-made surroundings. Participating communities have experienced double-digit drops in obesity and tobacco use and have saved millions of dollars in healthcare costs. For more information, visit www.bluezones.com.
About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.: Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of healthcare by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. Using its earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare, the organization strives to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. This is accomplished by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, the organization fulfills its mission of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God’ by advancing health equity so that more individuals and families living in its 74-county South and Central Texas service area can thrive.
Rio Grande Valley, Texas (July 24, 2026) –– Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) and Blue Zones hosted four Blue Zones Ignite™ Community Assessment Readouts across Hidalgo County, bringing together residents, community leaders, nonprofit partners, healthcare stakeholders, and local officials to review assessment findings and discuss opportunities to strengthen health and well-being throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Held at sites across Mission, Pharr, McAllen, and Edinburg on July 20-21, the community gatherings provided an opportunity to share insights gathered during the Blue Zones Ignite assessment process, which included stakeholder interviews, focus groups, community tours, resident engagement activities, and other community conversations conducted throughout the region.
The readouts highlighted the unique strengths, assets, and culture that contribute to the vibrancy of Rio Grande Valley communities, while also identifying opportunities for future collaboration aimed at improving quality of life and long-term well-being for residents.
"At Methodist Healthcare Ministries, we have been honored to serve and partner in the Rio Grande Valley for over 30 years and one of the clearest lessons we have learned is that the Valley already holds deep wisdom about what is working, and what would make the greatest difference," said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. "We are grateful to every resident, community partner, and local leader who shared their perspectives and experiences throughout this process as we know it is the voice of the community that will help shape what comes next."
During the presentations, Blue Zones shared local well-being data, research findings, and readiness and feasibility insights designed to help community stakeholders better understand factors that influence daily life across Hidalgo County. Attendees also learned about the potential framework of a future Blue Zones Project and how such an initiative could be shaped by local leadership, resident priorities, and community-driven solutions.
Throughout the assessment process and community readouts, participants emphasized the importance of collaboration among residents, local governments, schools, businesses, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and community groups in creating environments that support healthier lifestyles and improve overall well-being.
While the Blue Zones Ignite assessment phase has now concluded, MHM and Blue Zones emphasized that it is now up to the communities to decide whether to move forward with a future Blue Zones Project. Community feedback, continued engagement, and local leadership will remain critical factors in determiningany future direction.
"The assessment and community conversations demonstrated a strong desire to build on the assets and opportunities that already exist throughout the Rio Grande Valley," Wesolowski said. "We look forward to continuing these conversations and exploring ways to support communities as they pursue their vision for a healthier future."
For the full Assessment, Readiness, & Feasibility Report on the Rio Grande Valley, visit https://bluezonesriograndevalleyreport.com/#home.
# # #
About Blue Zones
Blue Zones employs evidence-based ways to help people live better, longer. The company's work is rooted in explorations and research done by founder and National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner in blue zones regions around the world, where people live extraordinarily long and/or happy lives. The original research and findings were released in Buettner's bestselling books The Blue Zones Solution, The Blue Zones of Happiness, The Blue Zones, Thrive, and Blue Zones Kitchen—all published by National Geographic books. A hit docuseries, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, was released on Netflix in 2023. Using original Blue Zones research, Blue Zones works with cities and counties to make healthy choices easier through permanent and semi-permanent changes to our human-made surroundings. Participating communities have experienced double-digit drops in obesity and tobacco use and have saved millions of dollars in healthcare costs. For more information, visit www.bluezones.com.
About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.: Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of healthcare by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. Using its earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare, the organization strives to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. This is accomplished by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, the organization fulfills its mission of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God’ by advancing health equity so that more individuals and families living in its 74-county South and Central Texas service area can thrive.
San Antonio, Texas (July 23, 2026) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) has released The Blueprint to Longevity, a thought-provoking podcast conversation featuring MHM President and CEO Jaime Wesolowski and Dan Buettner, National Geographic Fellow and founder of Blue Zones.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqtbmKsj2g4
In the episode, Wesolowski and Buettner explore the origins of the Blue Zones framework and reflect on how a single conversation sparked a transformative partnership between MHM and communities along the Texas-Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley. Their discussion highlights the power of collaboration, community insight, and a shared vision for improving health and well-being.
“My first conversation with Dan blossomed into a meaningful collaboration rooted in the strengths and assets of the communities Methodist Healthcare Ministries walks alongside,” said Wesolowski. “I am excited for audiences to learn more about the Blue Zones framework and how one bold idea led to a transformative partnership with the potential to impact nearly one million people living in the Rio Grande Valley.”
The episode was recorded in June at the Aspen Institute in Colorado during Aspen Ideas: Health (AIH), a global gathering of visionaries and thought leaders across various sectors, including health care, research, advocacy, and policy.
Since 2024, MHM has led panel and roundtable discussions at the conference. To learn more about MHM's 2026 sessions, Transformative Allies: Re-engineering the Architecture of Partnership and Power and Longevity in Unexpected Places: The Road to Helping People Live to 100, click here.
The podcast is available now on major streaming platforms.
Youtube Spotify
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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 www.mhm.org.
About Blue Zones
Blue Zones employs evidence-based ways to help people live better, longer. The company’s work is rooted in explorations and research done by founder and National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner in blue zones regions around the world, where people live extraordinarily long and/or happy lives. The original research and findings were released in Buettner’s bestselling books The Blue Zones Solution, The Blue Zones of Happiness, The Blue Zones, Thrive, and Blue Zones Kitchen—all published by National Geographic books. A hit docuseries, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, was released on Netflix in 2023. Using original Blue Zones research, Blue Zones works with cities and counties to make healthy choices easier through permanent and semi-permanent changes to our human-made surroundings. Participating communities have experienced double-digit drops in obesity and tobacco use and have saved millions of dollars in healthcare costs. For more information, visit www.bluezones.com.
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Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ new real estate initiative will provide critical lodging and support for patients traveling for specialized care
(San Antonio, TX, June 10, 2026) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) announced today the development of Ministry Park, a transformative initiative designed to enhance access to care and elevate an experience of renewal for patients, staff, and residents of the South Texas Medical Center. Located on approximately 16 acres in the heart of the South Texas Medical Center—bounded by Wurzbach Road, Floyd Curl Drive, and Medical Drive—Ministry Park is being built to serve as a long-term resource for community benefit.
Ministry Park was envisioned by MHM’s Board of Directors as a strategic investment aligned with the organization’s mission of Serving Humanity to Honor God. The initiative will reflect MHM’s commitment to advancing health and well-being through each phase of the development, notably including reduced cost lodging for the economically-disadvantaged population the organization serves.
“This is an exciting development for the South Texas Medical Center that will create a place of restoration and hope for those traveling to the area for much needed care, as well as those working and living in the area,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of MHM. “Ministry Park will help make the Medical Center’s renowned services more accessible to patients and families traveling long distances for specialized care.”
To bring this vision to life, MHM established MHM Realco, a faith-based, mission-driven real estate company harnessing MHM’s resources to create places in which all can thrive. The new entity is responsible for planning, development, and oversight of the property. Led by President & CEO Christian E. Oviatt, and governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, MHM Realco is tasked with ensuring that every aspect of the development reflects MHM’s values and long-term community focus.
“This is more than a real estate project—it’s a long-term investment in community health,” said Oviatt. “We are curating this property to create a place where patients, families, healthcare professionals, and the broader community can thrive.”
The first phase of development will include a 250+ room, dual-branded Home 2 Suites and Hilton Garden Inn. Each year, thousands of patients are referred to San Antonio for specialized care—often requiring extended stays that are out of reach financially for many families.
A defining purpose in this project is MHM’s commitment to making this property available and affordable for those who need it most: a dedicated number of rooms will be offered at significantly reduced rates—up to and including no cost—for families who demonstrate financial need. The hotel at Ministry Park amplifies the existing efforts of places such as the Ronald McDonald House and American Cancer Society Hope Lodge to ensure that more visitors to the South Texas Medical Center can access high-quality accommodations close to their care providers. By reducing lodging as a treatment barrier, the initiative aims to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities for patients who would otherwise go without critical care.
A second key element of the first phase of development are plans to include a public park & streetscape adjacent to the hotel. Designed by TBG Partners, the park would feature 15,000 square feet of public, accessible green space — a 2,400 sf central lawn for gatherings of up to 150 people, a shaded arrival plaza, nature exploration areas, a rain garden, a water feature, and a boardwalk. The streetscape at the entrance along Wurzbach Road would add shade trees, pedestrian lighting, benches, and specialty paving — creating a more walkable, pedestrian-centered experience to a busy medical center.
“The exceptional hospital and specialty care found in the South Texas Medical Center, combined with the unparalleled and rapidly expanding research have made the Medical Center an important center for compassionate healthcare, healing and discovery,” said Richard Perez, President of the San Antonio Medical Center Foundation. “The Ministry Park development will help fill that critical gap that still exists for affordable lodging for individuals and families facing therapy, treatment and recovery.”
Strategically located within the South Texas Medical Center, and zoned for mixed use, Ministry Park is uniquely positioned to meet both healthcare and commercial needs. Beyond lodging, future phases of the project will be guided by continued community engagement and best practices from medical center developments across the country.
A groundbreaking ceremony is currently being planned for August 2026 where construction timelines and additional project details will be announced.
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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of health care by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. We use our earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. We do this by advocating for, investing in, and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, we fulfill our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” by advancing health equity so that more individuals and families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive.
About Methodist Healthcare Ministries affiliate MHM Realco
MHM Realco is a faith-based, mission-driven real estate company harnessing our resources to create places in which all can thrive.
Washington, DC, April 9, 2026 – The Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI) is proud to announce the selection of its eighth cohort of the Healthy Communities Fellowship. The 2026 Healthy Communities Fellows come from the Rio Grande Valley, Texas; Laredo, Texas; and Louisville, Kentucky, bringing expertise in diabetes prevention, maternal health, food security, healthcare access, and mental health. Since its inception, the Healthy Communities Fellowship has built a powerful network of 50+ leaders across the country, working in 17 communities. These fellows are part of AGI’s broader global network, which spans more than 54 countries and has collectively reached over 200 million individuals through fellow-led programs, policy change, and direct services.
“The Healthy Communities Fellowship is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: those closest to the challenges are closest to the solutions,” said Tsion Ghedamu, Deputy Director of Fellowships at AGI. “By investing in leaders with lived experience, we are strengthening communities from within and redefining what innovation looks like.”
Lauren Muir, a member of the 2026 cohort, was also selected as the recipient of the Lola Adedokun Aspen–Doris Duke Award. The Award honors a leader who exemplifies AGI’s late Executive Director Lola Adedokun’s legacy of courageous, values-driven leadership and a deep commitment to advancing more inclusive and responsive mental health systems. “Lola led with vision and generosity,” said Peggy Clark, Founder and Executive Director, AGI. “This award continues Lola’s legacy by investing in a leader who is not only driving systems change, but does so with the integrity, empathy, and courage that defined her life and work.”
MEET THE HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FELLOWS:
The 2026 Healthy Communities Fellows are based in Kentucky and Texas.
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS FELLOWS
Moises Arjona Jr. | CEO, Unidos Contra la Diabetes
Sandra de la Cruz-Yarrison | Executive Director, Holy Family Services, Inc.
LAREDO, TEXAS FELLOWS
Marcella Juarez | Co-Founder, Palo Bianco Farm and Ranch
Ray Sanchez | Co-founder and Executive Director, Smiles From Heaven
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY FELLOWS
Cassia Herron | Founder and CEO, Herron Inc; Co-Founder, Louisville Community Grocery
Attica Scott | Director of Special Projects, Forward Justice
Christopher 2X | Executive Director and Founder, 2x Game Changers
Lauren Muir | Co-Owner, Martin and Muir Counseling
These eight leaders will receive tailored communication and narrative skills training, along with leadership development, to expand their innovations, enhance their visibility, amplify their voices, and drive impactful change in their communities and beyond.
“At Methodist Healthcare Ministries, we are proud to partner with the Aspen Global Innovators Group on the Healthy Communities Fellowship, which invests in leaders addressing the root causes of poor health,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We are excited to expand the program further across South Texas and to support fellows as they scale community‑driven solutions that advance health equity.”
“Advancing strong, locally rooted leadership is essential to improving the health of Rio Grande Valley families. The Healthy Communities Fellowship builds on the meaningful impact of local leaders, equipping them with the tools, perspective, and connections needed to further strengthen and sustain community-driven solutions. We are proud to support and be part of this important work,” said Cristina Trejo-Vasquez, CEO of Knapp Community Care Foundation.
“We are delighted to support the AGI Healthy Communities Fellowship. The Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana, which serves the Louisville, Kentucky area, strives to cultivate healthy communities for all, especially those who are vulnerable. We need strong, community-based leaders to fulfill this goal, so we look forward to seeing the creativity, innovation, and inspiration generated by this year’s class of Fellows, especially the four from Louisville,” said Anne Monell, Executive Director of the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana.
“Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation is excited and proud of the two Rio Grande Valley Fellows chosen for the 2026 cohort. Both of these leaders are passionate and deeply committed to the work they do and we’ve seen such growth in the organizations they lead due to their innovative leadership style,” said Judy Quisenberry, Executive Director of Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation.
The Fellowship is supported by our generous funder partners Humana Foundation, Knapp Community Care Foundation, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana, and Valley Baptist Foundation.
Contact: Ladin Bacakoglu, Communications and Events Manager
ladin.bacakoglu@aspeninstitute.org
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The Aspen Global Innovators Group
For more than 15 years, the Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI) has championed health and development leaders and innovators from 54 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the United States of America to design, champion, and advocate for innovative programs, policies, and partnerships that result in a safer and healthier future for all people and communities. Our network of 7600+ individuals and organizations has served 200 million people, improving health and well-being. We identify and amplify the voices of visionary, proven, and impactful local leaders, advocates, and practitioners. For more information, visit us atwww.aspenglobalinnovators.org/.
Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation
Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation (VBLF) is a private foundation with a mission to improve the health and well-being of all communities in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas by investing and serving as a catalyst for ideas, partnerships, medical education, research and programs. The Foundation defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. The Legacy Foundation works with other organizations to measurably improve the health of those living in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy Counties, supporting programs that promote healthy lifestyles and providing increased access to healthcare for all. For more information, visit www.vblf.org.
Knapp Community Care Foundation
The Knapp Community Care Foundation (KCCF) is a private foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in the Mid-Valley region of the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Established in 2013, KCCF continues the legacy of Knapp Medical Center’s mission by investing in initiatives that improve health outcomes in surrounding communities. Recognizing the profound impact of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), KCCF focuses on key factors such as education, access to nutritious food, housing stability, economic opportunities, all elements that shape overall well-being. By investing in these areas, the foundation hopes to foster healthier, more resilient communities. Visit here: https://www.communitycare.today/
Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana
The Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana (LFK) cultivates healthy communities for all, especially those who are vulnerable, through impact-driven philanthropy. The Foundation makes charitable grants in six Louisville, Ky.-area counties: Jefferson, Shelby, Bullitt, Nelson, and Hardin in Kentucky, and Clark in Indiana. LFK is part of Saint Joseph Health in Lexington, Ky., which is part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health care systems.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of healthcare by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. Using its earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare, the organization strives to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. This is accomplished by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, the organization fulfills its mission of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God’ by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals and families living in its 74-county South and Central Texas service area can thrive.
The Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.
