News – Page 2 – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Announces Three-Year Partnership with VelocityTX

DW Admin on August 10, 2023

SAN ANTONIO (August 9) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) announced today a three-year partnership with San Antonio-based bioscience innovation center VelocityTX to advance awareness, research, and innovation related to the social determinants of health (SDH).

Speaking at an event organized by Healthcare Think Tank, MHM President & CEO Jaime Wesolowski made the announcement following a keynote address that emphasized the need for greater focus on the role societal factors play in shaping health outcomes. Among the areas discussed were education, socioeconomic status, living conditions, access to care, and environmental factors.

In his address, Wesolowski called for a collaborative effort between healthcare institutions, research organizations, and private industry to tackle the root causes of health disparities, noting the potential of innovative technologies in addressing these critical—but often overlooked—factors that contribute to health and well-being.

Following the presentation, Wesolowski announced the partnership with VelocityTX, a subsidiary of the Texas Research and Technology Foundation. “We are excited for this partnership, which will propel innovation and sustainable solutions at the intersection of business and community impact. MHM and VelocityTX intend to create a hub of innovation that launches improvement in the social determinants of health across communities for years to come.”

A key component of the partnership will be the development of a specialized accelerator tailored to startups that are working to address social determinants of health. Launching in 2024, the program will leverage VelocityTX’s bioscience expertise to source leading innovators from across the country, offering cohort participants access to entrepreneurs-in-residence, personalized pitch coaching, and comprehensive business training.

“Societal factors have a major impact on personal wellbeing, particularly in under-resourced communities,” followed TRTF President and COO Rene Dominguez. “MHM’s vision to improve wellness of the least served makes this partnership particularly mission aligned, and we are excited to see what happens when we focus the lens of innovation toward this critical area of study.”

Operating out of a state-of-the-art Innovation Center located within one of San Antonio’s historically underserved communities, VelocityTX will also oversee ten education sessions designed to highlight the role social determinants of health play in shaping community health. Hosted at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, these sessions aim to raise awareness of SDH among students, healthcare professionals, and the general population. The first session will be held on Tuesday, September 26.

“With a dual focus on education and innovation, this partnership will help translate leading-edge science into positive health outcomes in communities all across South Texas,” Wesolowski stated.

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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. 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 resilient individuals & families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive.

About VelocityTX
VelocityTX is a nonprofit organization established in 2017 as a subsidiary of the Texas Research & Technology Foundation to help early-stage bioscience companies launch innovative breakthroughs that can significantly change and save lives at a global level. The VelocityTX innovation model – connect, support, fund – is designed to accelerate the path to commercialization for companies focused on medical devices, biotech, and healthcare IT. Learn more at VelocityTX.org.

MHM Donates $1.6 Million to Bolster Food Security Across Texas

DW Admin on August 7, 2023

San Antonio, TX (August 7, 2023) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. announced that it is donating $1,600,000 in emergency funding to bolster food security efforts by the seven food banks serving its 74-county service area across Texas. The funding is a response to the increased demand seen by local food banks because of the reduction in SNAP benefits, ongoing food supply issues, and inflation.

13% of Texas households—1 in 8 Texans—experience food insecurity. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers food assistance to low-income individuals and in Texas, 79% of SNAP participants are families with children and more than 27% are families with elderly or disabled members. In March, due to the end of pandemic related relief, 3.7 million Texans saw a reduction in SNAP benefits, leading to every single SNAP recipient or household seeing their Lone Star card reduced by at least $95 each month. The average household saw a reduction of $212.

“Methodist Healthcare Ministries understands that health is more than what happens in a doctor’s office, but includes the actions necessary to ensure people have access to daily necessities they need to reach their fullest potential for health and life,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “Our health equity commitment guides us to partner with families on their journey to become more food secure; and to improve access to healthy and affordable foods through identifying, investing in, and supporting approaches that improve food security in neighborhoods and communities.”

The seven food banks receiving funds serve counties with the highest rates of unemployment as of September 2020. They include: Starr County (18.5% unemployment), Zavala County (17%), Maverick County (16.5%), Jim Wells County (14.7%) and Duval County (14.3%). These counties are home to a large number of families that are food insecure, making the additional support very timely. The funding is unrestricted, allowing each food bank to use in addressing their most urgent needs, including food costs, equipment and refrigeration.

Below is a summary of the funding allocations:

Food Bank	Amount
Central Texas Food Bank (Austin)	$300,000
Coastal Bend Food Bank (Corpus Christi)	$150,000
Concho Valley Regional Food Bank (San Angelo)	$100,000
Food Bank of the Golden Crescent (Victoria)	$150,000
Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley	$300,000
San Antonio Food Bank	$300,000
South Texas Food Bank (Laredo)	$300,000

Total: $1,600,000

“Thank you, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, for hearing the call and responding! Truly a testament of serving humanity to honor God,” said Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank. “The San Antonio Food Bank is proud to partner with MHM on a regional strategy to address food insecurity. Delivering equitable access to nutritious foods not only addresses food insecurity but improves health outcomes for chronic diseases in South Texas. Together we are fighting hunger and feeding hope!”

This funding is a part of the $149.9 million community investment MHM announced in June 2023. Six of the food banks receiving funds are existing MHM Funded Partners, with the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent being the newest recipient.

The action follows the organizations’ new strategic plan that includes a commitment to systemic change by supporting approaches and initiatives that disrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty. These approaches may include convening cross-sector partnerships, investing in community infrastructure, impacting public policy and state legislative efforts, creating opportunities, eliminating barriers, and/or addressing the long-term needs of individuals, families, and communities.

Apart from this funding, MHM’s efforts to advance food security include its advocacy work in Austin. This past legislative session, the MHM Policy & Advocacy team, in partnership with the 60 organizations that make up the Texas Food Policy Network, were successful in advocating and securing new funding for Texas residents experiencing food insecurity. Key wins the group achieved through legislation and budget appropriations include 1) Updating the SNAP Vehicle Asset Test, 2) Increasing funding for available produce; and 3) Eliminating key taxes and fees for Food Banks. These efforts will increase food distribution and remove unnecessary barriers for many Texas households struggling to feed their families.

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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.

MHM & MHS Announce $1 million fundraising goal for 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s

DW Admin on June 26, 2023

San Antonio (Jun. 26, 2023) – The Alzheimer’s Association of San Antonio and South Texas proudly announced that Jamie Wesolowski and Dan Miller will serve as co-chairs for the 2023 San Antonio Walk to End Alzheimer’s^®. The annual event will take place at Fiesta Texas, Saturday, October 21, 2023. The two organizations have set a goal of raising $1 million dollars for this year’s Walk. Currently the San Antonio Walk to End Alzheimer’s is in the Top 30 out of over 620 Walks nationwide. This year’s goal is to be in the Top 10.

In addition to the fundraising goal, Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Methodist Healthcare Ministries have jointly agreed to be the Walk’s Presenting sponsor and donating $150,000, which is the largest sponsorship in the Walk’s history nationwide.

“Together with Methodist Healthcare, we are proud to have jointly sponsored this event and the Alzheimer’s Association – San Antonio for many years and it’s a great way to combine our efforts for such a worthy cause,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “The inspiration and strength our team members receive from their family, friends and colleagues who have been touched by this disease, really powers us forward.”

“Methodist Healthcare System is committed to not only raising money to find a cure for this devastating disease, but also working together with our doctors and staff to educate our community about the signs and symptoms and resources the Alzheimer’s Association has to offer,” added Dan Miller, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare System. “No one should fight this disease alone.”

Two special guests, Sean Elliott and Claudia Zapata-Elliott, MS, RD, who have served as community brand ambassadors for Methodist Healthcare since 2018, were on hand to speak about their personal connection to this disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. The San Antonio Walk has over 5,000 attendees annually and it brings together all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias throughout Bexar County and the surrounding community.

“We are honored and beyond thrilled to have not one but two incredible leaders in these key roles for the San Antonio Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Gregory Sciuto, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association San Antonio and South Texas Chapter. “Methodist Healthcare and Methodist Healthcare Ministries have been key partners for over 5 years and their unmistakable commitment is evident being a presenting Sponsor, having system wide Walk Teams and most importantly working with us to educate their staff and patients about Alzheimer’s and all Dementias and making sure they can access our resources.”

On Walk Day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease.

Currently the San Antonio Walk to End Alzheimer’s is in the Top 30 out of over 640 Walks nationwide. This year’s goal is to be in the Top 10. More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Texas alone, more than 400,000 Texans are living with the disease and over 1,000,000 caregivers.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: alz.org/walk.

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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. 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 resilient individuals & families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive.

About Methodist Healthcare

Methodist Healthcare is a 50-50 co-ownership between Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., South Texas’ largest non-public funding source of community health care for uninsured patients; and HCA Healthcare, the nation’s leading provider of healthcare services. This creates a unique partnership that ensures Methodist Healthcare Ministries continues to benefit the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. Methodist Healthcare invested $756 million in charity and indigent care to the community in 2020 alone. With 30 facilities, including nine hospitals and eight freestanding emergency departments, over 685,000 inpatients and outpatients are served annually. The Methodist Healthcare team is comprised of 12,500, making the system the second largest private employer in San Antonio. With more than 3,400 credentialed physicians, Methodist Healthcare provides the largest array of medical services in the region, including neurosurgery, cardiovascular services, oncology and women’s services. And with 25 surgical robots, Methodist Healthcare is a national leader in robotic surgery, as well as home to the nation’s largest Live Donor Kidney Transplant program. Visit SAHealth.com to learn more.

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s^®

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’sis the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk^®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s Association^®

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

High School Students Celebrate Completion of Texas A&M Health Youth Citizen Scientist Program

DW Admin on May 25, 2023

MCALLEN, TX (May 25, 2023) – On Saturday, May 20, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. and Texas A&M Health held a special graduation ceremony for the first cohort of high school students who completed the Together for a Better Tomorrow (TBT) Youth Citizen Scientist Program – a key component of the two-year study on water quality in key Rio Grande Valley border communities announced in 2022.

The fourteen students that participated in the Youth Citizen Scientist Program received 16 hours of training, including instruction on health risks of exposure to water contaminants and hands-on field study activities in colonias in Hidalgo County.

Each graduate has been credited with 10 hours of community service, received a Youth Citizen Scientist Certificate from Texas A&M Health, a letter of recommendation for their future academic aspirations, and water filtration systems (such as a filtered water bottle, ZeroWater filter pitcher, and PUR faucet filter). Parents of the students were also awarded a certificate for their contribution to their child’s success in the program – recognizing the work of supporting their children through this educational community project.

“Through engendering a love of learning, these citizen science graduates are well poised to have positive impacts not only for themselves and their communities, but for the field of public health as a whole,” said Garett Sansom, DrPH at Texas A&M University School of Public Health. It has been my honor and privilege to team with Methodist Healthcare Ministries on this project. ”

“The training and resources provided through this project is empowering the students and families as they address the health inequities they face and help their communities thrive,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We’re a proud partner in this initiative with Texas A&M Health and we’re very excited to see the impact these citizen scientists have made in their local communities.”

The program is supported by organizations and individuals in the community who are dedicated to bringing better health outcomes and serving the people of the Rio Grande Valley through community-based initiatives such as the study on water quality and arsenic levels and the TBT program. These organizations include:

ARISE
Proyecto Azteca
LUPE
Access Clinics
Hidalgo County Precinct 4
Hidalgo County Precinct 2
Hidalgo County Precinct 1
Border Workers United
Angie’s Day Spa
Puerta del Cielo Church
South Texas College
Mujeres Unidas
Guajira Clinic
MHM Wesley Nurses
Progreso Fire Department
Mexican Consulate
Buckner International
San Juan Advancement Center
Alamo Advancement Center
Progreso Community Resource Center
San Carlos Endowment Center
Community Advisory Boards – PCHAC, CASCO, and HHSC

The Youth Citizen Scientist Program is part of a two-year dual study launched by Texas A&M Health and Methodist Healthcare Ministries in April 2022 to help communities safeguard their water and health. One component of the study focuses on increasing public awareness of arsenic exposure in the local community. The other is examining the impact of a locally engaged and trained resident population on water security and common resilience in Texas border communities, which became the Citizen Science Program.

The students graduating from the Citizen Science Program came from across the Rio Grande Valley and are in grades 9-12. The schools that participated in the program include Progresso High School, IDEA Edinburg, PSJA Collegiate School of Health Professionals, PSJA Southwest, IDEA Pharr, Donna North High School, and IDEA Alamo.

The project is a vital first step in creating a proof of concept that will then be applied throughout the Texas-Mexico border to improve the lives of these often-overlooked communities.

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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. 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 resilient individuals & families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive.

About Texas A&M University Health Science Center: Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Texas A&M Health) comprises five colleges (dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and public health) and several centers and institutes with a shared mission of advancing health care for all. We serve the state and beyond with campuses and locations in Bryan-College Station, Dallas, Temple, Houston, Round Rock, Kingsville, Corpus Christi, and McAllen. Learn more at health.tamu.edu or follow @TAMUHealth on Twitter.

About Together for a Better Tomorrow Program: Program under the direction of Drs. Garett Sansom and Taehyun Roh at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health. The program aims to understand and develop solutions to environmental issues in our South Texas (STX) communities in Hidalgo County, in this case water insecurity, by testing and capturing measurements of existing health risks due to exposure to water contaminants, developing solutions for how to reduce the risk of exposure for communities near contaminated water, and collect important data for the community that can be used to implement the necessary practical solutions and train the next generation of citizen scientists and cultivate a love of learning science for students in South Texas.

$8.5 Million Philanthropy Project Includes San Antonio

DW Admin on May 23, 2023

San Antonio, TX (May 23, 2023) – Today, The BUILD Health Challenge^® (BUILD) announced its fourth cohort of awardees, including 13 new communities throughout the U.S., that will receive a total of $8.5 million in funding and resources to advance health equity over the next 3 years. Methodist Healthcare Ministries has been a philanthropic partner of BUILD Health since the third cohort was launched in 2019.

San Antonio is one of the communities included in this cohort through the Bridges to Care San Antonio (BTCSA) collaborative. BTCSA is working to create “more welcoming, inclusive, supportive and engaged communities so people learn to identify mental health issues and find a therapeutic community that can help prevent a mental health crisis and can build their resilience.” Click here to read more about this coalition.

Launched in 2015, BUILD addresses the root causes of communities’ most pressing health challenges by changing the conditions in our society, environment, and policies that impact health and well-being at the population level. While access to care remains a critical issue in the U.S., it is only a small piece of the puzzle when addressing health disparities and long-term well-being of a community. BUILD invests in community-centered, multi-sector partnerships that strive to ensure that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthy.

“BUILD communities are working to level the playing field,” said Melissa Monbouquette, Executive Director of BUILD. “Health disparities across the country have been caused or exacerbated by systemic racism and disinvestment; no organization or sector can address all of the interlocking drivers of health inequity alone. True health transformation requires a shared responsibility to move these systems of oppression and neglect towards justice and universal well-being.”

“Methodist Healthcare Ministries is proud to support The BUILD Health Challenge and bring much needed attention and investment to South Texas,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. “We congratulate the Bridges to Care San Antonio collaborative and all the contributing partners in San Antonio for creating a strong program that will work to improve the mental and behavioral health of communities in Bexar County.”

BUILD is excited to fund collaboratives that are addressing critical issues such as healthy housing, food security, the built environment, and mental health through an equity- and justice-driven lens. Each community-based collaborative is backed by a local health department, and a hospital or health plan that provides monetary and/or in-kind support to the project, collectively adding more than $4 million to the overall award total.

The thirteen selected projects and communities are:

A Resident-Led Economic Opportunity Initiative to Improve Health Equity – Economic opportunity [Muskegon Heights, MI]
Addressing Trauma in Foreign-Born Communities through Mental and Behavioral Health – Mental and behavioral health, immigration [St. Louis, MO]
Bridges to Care San Antonio – Mental and behavioral health [San Antonio, TX]
BUILD Payette – Healthy housing [Payette, ID]
Building a Healthier Cincinnati – Maternal and child health, economic opportunity [Cincinnati, OH]
Built Environment Work Group of South King County – Built environment, transportation [Seattle, WA]
From the Ground Up: Building Health for Allentown children by Improving Early Childhood Development – Child health [Allentown, PA]
Improving Health and Development through Access to Childcare Initiative – Child health [Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ]
Race, Food, and Justice: Resident-Led Change to Support a Sustainable Food System – Food access [Cleveland, OH]
San Diego Refugee Communities Health through Housing (HTH) Project – Healthy housing, immigration [San Diego, CA]
San Joaquin County Transforming Communities for Healing – Mental and behavioral health [Stockton, CA]
WHOLE Schools Movement – Mental and behavioral health, child health [Durham, NC]
Working Towards an Equitable Health Landscape: Food is Medicine – Food access [Boone, NC]

The partnerships in Cleveland and Cincinnati are returning BUILD awardees, leveraging the momentum of their previous BUILD award and their long-term commitment to advancing resident leadership and justice in their communities.

“Since BUILD’s launch in 2015, we’ve been in awe of how the movement for community-centered health initiatives has grown across the country and the collective impact of these partnerships,” said Monbouquette. “By supporting capacity building, amplifying community voice, and sharing the stories of what works, BUILD communities are demonstrating what the future of equitable community health practice looks like.”

The first three cohorts of BUILD included 55 initiatives across 25 states. To date, the awardees’ efforts have yielded promising policy changes and community health solutions, including local regulations ensuring access to clean water; creating publicly accessible databases to identify neighborhood-level trends; abolishing food deserts by creating sustainable food enterprises; and creating new organizational structures that center community voice in decision making.

BUILD is proud to acknowledge the invaluable support of the philanthropic partnership that guides 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. The Fourth Cohort is made possible with support from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, Blue Shield of California Foundation, de Beaumont Foundation, Episcopal Health Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Leonard Parker Pool Institute for Health, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Missouri Foundation for Health, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Trinity Health, Vitalyst Health 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

MHM Announces $11M Gift to American Cancer Society to Bring First Hope Lodge Community to South Texas

DW Admin on March 29, 2023

San Antonio, TX (March 29, 2023) – Today, Methodist Healthcare Ministries announced a gift of up to $11,000,000 to the American Cancer Society (ACS) to support its efforts to bring its first Hope Lodge facility to South Texas. The facility will be named the American Cancer Society Methodist Healthcare Ministries Hope Lodge and will be located in San Antonio, TX. The Hope Lodge community will provide free, temporary lodging for people facing cancer and their caregivers when seeking treatment at one of South Texas’s premier medical centers. The gift from Methodist Healthcare Ministries was announced at a special event planned alongside ACS to kick off the capital campaign that will secure the funds necessary to complete the project.

Conveniently located near cancer treatment centers in the South Texas Medical Center on Floyd Curl Drive, the facility will offer 40 private guest suites each with a private bath and all the comforts of home at no cost to the cancer patient and their caregiver. In addition, the facility will feature common living areas, dining rooms, laundry facilities, a library, recreation room and outdoor garden. Free transportation to and from local cancer treatment centers will also be included.

“The American Cancer Society is committed to breaking down access-to-care barriers many cancer patients must face when they travel away from home for treatment,” said Jeff Fehlis, executive vice president for the American Cancer Society. “This $11 million gift from Methodist Healthcare Ministries is one of the largest single gifts to the Hope Lodge program in its history. And thanks to their generosity, we will soon be able to provide a free ‘home away from home’ for cancer patients, allowing them to focus on what’s most important – getting well.”

Each year, approximately 9,000+ cancer patients travel to San Antonio to receive potentially life-saving cancer treatment. Often patients and their families spend significant time away from home. The emotional and financial toll from the loss of income, medical bills, hotel rooms, and dining out can be staggering. Once built, the nearly 40,000-square-foot facility will provide up to 14,600 nights of free lodging each year, representing a savings of more than $2.1 million to cancer patients and their families (with the average nightly hotel rate in San Antonio costing approximately $150).

“Today is a day for hope and it marks the culmination of the hope we’ve carried for some time to provide a retreat for those seeking cancer care in our medical center,” said Jaime Wesolowski, president & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “As a cancer survivor myself, I know first-hand how life-changing hearing the word ‘cancer’ can be and how challenging the path is through treatment and recovery. That’s why building a Hope Lodge facility in San Antonio became my top priority as it will become a place where generations to come can find peace, healing, and rest amidst a scary season of life.“

The special announcement was punctuated by cancer survivors, and their caretakers, displaying the investment by Methodist Healthcare Ministries (click to see photo). Terry McCandless, a person with deep ties to Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ history and who is currently battling metastatic breast cancer underscored what having a Hope Lodge in our community will mean to patients like her and their families. “Hope Lodge will be a wonderful resource contributed by Methodist Healthcare Ministries and the American Cancer Society to provide significant support to persons from throughout South Texas who struggle with transportation and housing needs as they and their families battle this devastating disease.”

The American Cancer Society’s capital campaign, led by Charles Leddy, CEO of Presidian Hotels and Resorts, and Linda Dozier, CPCM, Contract Management at Lockheed Martin Space, aims to raise the funds needed for construction of the facility, initial operating costs, and the creation of an endowment to ensure the sustainability of the facility for years to come.

The American Cancer Society operates more than 30 Hope Lodge facilities nationwide. Each Hope Lodge community offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free place to stay when their treatment is away from home. Since 1970, the American Cancer Society has provided more than 6 million nights of lodging to patients across the country. To make a donation or to learn more, contact Jessalyn Giacona, director of philanthropy for the American Cancer Society, at jessalyn.giacona@cancer.org or visit cancer.org/HopeLodgeSanAntonio.

Click here for a fact sheet on the Hope Lodge.

Click here for a digital copy of the facility rendering.

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About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 100 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Methodist Healthcare Ministries

Express-News Readers Choose MHM as finalist for YourSA Readers’ Choice Award

DW Admin on March 27, 2023

San Antonio, TX (March 27, 2023) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. was voted as a finalist in the San Antonio Express-News’ 2023 YourSA Readers’ Choice Awards. The nonprofit was recognized as one of the Top 3 “Best Nonprofit to Work/Volunteer For.”

“Receiving this award is such a tremendous blessing because it recognizes our remarkable team’s commitment to our mission of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God’ in everything they do” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “Thanks to our mission-driven board of directors, our team has the resources they need to work with exceptional skill, humility and passion to pursue health equity across South Texas; making every day at Methodist Healthcare Ministries rewarding—and truly an extraordinary place to work.”

There was over 56,000 nominations and 268,000 votes cast for the various categories recognized by the YourSA Readers’ Choice awards. Voting took place online this February. “The community of San Antonio always rallies around local businesses, and this year was no exception to the rule,” said Jess Elizarraras, Executive Producer of MySA. “The love for this city shines through its amazing community.”

For more information on the 2023 YourSA Awards, check out the special edition on MySA.com.

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Acerca de Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries amplía la definición de la atención médica proporcionando atención clínica de bajo costo para las personas sin seguro y apoyando los esfuerzos dirigidos por la comunidad que mejoran las condiciones de vida que causan que las personas se enfermen en primer lugar. Utilizamos nuestras ganancias como copropietarios de Methodist Healthcare para garantizar que las personas económicamente desfavorecidas y sin seguro médico puedan llevar una vida más sana. Para ello, defendemos, invertimos y facilitamos el acceso a una atención clínica de calidad y abordamos los factores que afectan a la salud, como la movilidad económica, las relaciones de apoyo, la seguridad alimentaria, el acceso a la banda ancha y los barrios seguros. En última instancia, cumplimos nuestra misión de “Servir a la humanidad para honrar a Dios” fomentando la equidad en salud para que las personas y las familias que viven en los 74 condados en los que prestamos servicio puedan prosperar.

Texas Continues to Fall Short on Equitable Health, Safety, and Education Outcomes for Children

DW Admin on March 24, 2023

Austin, TX (March 24, 2023) – All children – regardless of race, class, gender, or national origin – deserve to fulfill their potential and have the opportunity to thrive. Over the last several years, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis have had a compounding effect on existing inequities affecting Texas children. It’s time for the Texas Legislature to make meaningful investments in our future to ensure all children in our state have their basic needs met.

Every year, Every Texan publishes a report on the status of children in Texas to measure how well they are doing across a variety of categories, such as economic security, health and safety, and educational outcomes. This year’s report reflects the increasing challenges that Texas children are facing as a consequence of not only the COVID-19 pandemic but the systemic inequities that have caught up with population health and social outcomes. Explore the full report and policy recommendations here.

In a panel discussion hosted by Every Texan and Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., on March 24, policy experts discussed key findings and policy recommendations from the book. Every Texan’s Chief of Legislative Affairs Luis Figueroa moderated the discussion with State Representative Diego Bernal, Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores, Councilwoman Adriana Rocha-Garcia, and Dr. Johnelle Sparks. See the recording of the event here.

“The data shows that too many children in Texas continue to face barriers to opportunity based on race and ethnicity, gender identity, and family financial security,” said Marisa Bono, Every Texan CEO. “Short-sighted public policies and inadequate investments have created barriers keeping children from reaching their maximum potential. Our legislators can – and must –offer children an equitable opportunity to experience a healthy, thriving childhood to prepare them to lead Texas into the future.”

“The Texas Kids Count Report is a valuable tool. It has long provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of children’s health in Texas, covering critical areas such as physical and mental health, access to healthcare, educational outcomes, and socioeconomic factors that influence overall well-being,” said Jaime Wesolowski, president and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We must use the insights from the Kids Count Report to drive meaningful action and collaboration between community organizations, healthcare providers, policymakers, and concerned citizens.”

Acknowledgments
Every Texan gratefully acknowledges Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., for their financial support of this publication. This report is part of the Texas KIDS COUNT project, a national and state-by-state effort to track the status of children in the U.S. funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The opinions expressed in the report are those of Every Texan and do not necessarily reflect the views of Methodist Healthcare Ministries or the Foundation.

About Every Texan
Every Texan believes that social justice requires public policy. Since its founding in 1985, Every Texan (formerly the Center for Public Policy Priorities) has leveraged public policy to expand opportunity and equity for Texans of all backgrounds. Every Texan is a nonprofit organization that researches, analyzes, and advocates for public policies to achieve equitable access to quality health care, food security, education, and good jobs. Learn more at everytexan.org.

16 Community Coalitions Selected for MHM’s Prosperemos Juntos Thriving Together Learning Collaborative

DW Admin on March 7, 2023

San Antonio, TX (March 7, 2023) – 16 community coalitions from across South Texas have been selected for the third cohort of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together (PJTT) Learning Collaborative. The coalitions are all based in three geographic areas: Bexar County, the Mid-Border region (Dimmit, Edwards, Kinney, LaSalle, Maverick, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, and Zavala counties), and the Laredo area (Webb, Zapata, and Jim Hogg counties). They will begin a six-month learning collaborative in March 2023 and explore various frameworks to ultimately equip themselves to develop and implement a health equity strategy for their community.

Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together is a capacity-building opportunity for communities to substantially accelerate their journey from health to equity. MHM believes communities hold the solutions to improve their health and well-being. The goal of the collaborative is to equip coalitions with skills and resources to strategically advance health equity, using the Pathways to Population Health framework as a guide.

“The Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together program is one of the ways that we advance our strategic focus of strengthening communities,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “It has been an invigorating experience for our team as it allows us to have a stronger and deeper level of engagement where we learn and co-create the solutions with people who live, work, pray, and play in the communities we serve.”

This is the third cohort of MHM’s Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together Learning Collaborative. The first cohort was launched in 2021. The curriculum for the Learning Collaborative was developed in partnership with WE In the World and Rio Grande Valley Language Justice Collective.

The coalitions selected for the cohort include:

Bexar County

Mission of Motherhood
- American Indians in Texas, The Peace Initiative, Opportunity Home, Alamo Workforce Solutions
Earth Warriors
- Black Freedom Factory, De Corazon Consulting, SanArte, Sustainable G’s
Bexar Community Care Coalition
- Kalpulli Ayolopaktzin, Yanawana Herbolarios, De Corazon Consulting, Corazon Ministries
San Antonio Harm Reduction
- Corazon Ministries, Yanawana Herbolarios, Texas Harm Reduction Alliance, Monster Moms Inc., San Arte, Black Freedom Factory

Mid-Border Region

Eagle Pass Public Health
- Maverick County Hospital District, Eagle Pass SAFE, City of Eagle Pass
The Support Hub
- City of Eagle Pass, Healing Hearts, Eagle Pass Public Library
Southwest Initiative for Mobility (SWIM)
- SWART, Alamo Ambulance Services, ADA Rider, City of Del Rio Transportation Department
Maverick County Special Needs Coalition
- Eagle Pass HEROES, Maverick County Hospital District, City of Eagle Pass

Laredo Area

Un Paso Adelante Por Salud
- Texas A&M, Christ Church Episcopal, San Francisco Javier Catholic Church, Laredo First Assembly Church, United Baptist Church of Laredo
Healthy Community Advocates of South Texas
- South Texas Food Bank, Laredo College, Gateway Community Health Center
Creciendo Juntos
- Area Health Education Center, MPH Salud, Las Promesas de Laredo
Laredo Green District Development
- Rio Grande International Study Center, Azteca Economic Development & Preservation Corporation, Laredo Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability, Laredo Main Street, MileOne, City Makery, Monte Mucho Audubon Society, City of Laredo Health Department
Zacate Creek Creative
- Daphne Art Foundation, City of Laredo Parks & Recreations, Able City, Laredo Film Society

Laredo Healthy Food Systems
- City Makery, Laredo Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability, City of Laredo Health Department
Drug Free Communities (FACE)
- South Texas Promotora Association, Gateway Community Health Center, Holding Institute
Laredo Health Promotores
- Laredo Health Department, Laredo Stroke Support, El Metro, Bethany House of Laredo

During the learning collaborative, Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Communities of Solutions (CoS) team supports the coalitions in developing a multi-sector collaboration that incorporates persons with recent lived experience of the challenges that the coalition is tackling into the coalition’s leadership team. The goal is for community coalitions to identify and focus on one vital community condition (such as humane housing or reliable transportation) that contributes to the well-being of the entire community. Each coalition creates a strategic framework or plan of action for advancing health equity. The CoS team meets regularly with the coalitions, schedules monthly check-ins to build rapport and trust and also offer support as the coalitions learn and grow.

After completing the Learning Collaborative, coalitions are invited to apply to the Implementation Phase. The Implementation Phase lasts 3 years and includes funding as well as capacity-building resources. Although coalitions will focus their time working in community, they will still be invited to collaborate with each other through convenings and peer coaching & learning.

For more information on the Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together Learning Collaborative, visit: https://www.mhm.org/thriving-communities/.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

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16 coaliciones comunitarias seleccionadas para el Colaborativo de Aprendizaje Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together de Methodist Healthcare Ministries

San Antonio, TX (7 de marzo de 2023) – 16 coaliciones comunitarias del sur de Texas han sido seleccionadas para la tercera cohorte del Colaborativo de Aprendizaje Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together (PJTT) de Methodist Healthcare Ministries. Todas las coaliciones están basadas en tres áreas geográficas: El condado de Bexar, la región media de la frontera (condados de Dimmit, Edwards, Kinney, LaSalle, Maverick, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde y Zavala) y el área de Laredo (condados de Webb, Zapata y Jim Hogg). Comenzarán un colaborativo de aprendizaje de seis meses en marzo de 2023 y explorarán diversos marcos con el objetivo de equiparse para desarrollar y aplicar una estrategia de equidad en la salud para su comunidad.

Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together es una oportunidad de desarrollo de capacidades para que las comunidades aceleren sustancialmente su camino de la salud a la equidad. MHM cree que las comunidades tienen las soluciones para mejorar su salud y bienestar. El objetivo del colaborativo es equipar a las coaliciones con habilidades y recursos para avanzar estratégicamente en la equidad en la salud, utilizando como guía el marco de los Caminos hacia la Salud de la Población.

“El programa Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together es una de las formas en que avanzamos en nuestro enfoque estratégico de fortalecer las comunidades”, dijo Jaime Wesolowski, Presidente y Director Ejecutivo de Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “Ha sido una experiencia vigorizante para nuestro equipo, ya que nos permite tener un nivel de compromiso más fuerte y más profundo en el que aprendemos y co-creamos las soluciones con las personas que viven, trabajan, oran y juegan en las comunidades que servimos.”

Esta es la tercera cohorte del Colaborativo de Aprendizaje Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together de MHM. La primera cohorte se lanzó en 2021. El currículo para el Colaborativo de Aprendizaje fue desarrollado en asociación con WE In the World y el Colectivo de Justicia Lingüística del Valle del Río Grande.

Las coaliciones seleccionadas para la cohorte incluyen:

Condado de Bexar

Mission of Motherhood (Misión de la Maternidad)
- American Indians in Texas, The Peace Initiative, Opportunity Home, Alamo Workforce Solutions (Indios Americanos de Texas, Iniciativa PEACE, Hogar de Oportunidades, Soluciones de Fuerza Laboral de Álamo)
Earth Warriors (Guerreros de la Tierra)
- Black Freedom Factory, De Corazon Consulting, SanArte, Sustainable G’s (Fábrica de la Libertad Negra, Consultoría De Corazón, SanArte, G’s Sostenibles)
Bexar Community Care Coalition (Coalición de Cuidado Comunitário de Bexar)
- Kalpulli Ayolopaktzin, Yanawana Herbolarios, De Corazon Consulting, Corazon Ministries (Kalpulli Ayolopaktzin, Yanawana Herbolarios, Consultoría De Corazón, Ministerios de Corazón)
San Antonio Harm Reduction (Reducción de daños en San Antonio)
- Corazon Ministries, Yanawana Herbolarios, Texas Harm Reduction Alliance, Monster Moms Inc., San Arte, Black Freedom Factory (Ministerios Corazón, Yanawana Herbolarios, Alianza para la Reducción de Daños de Texas, Mamás Monstruo S.A., San Arte, Fábrica de la Libertad Negra)

Región Media de la Frontera

Eagle Pass Public Health (Programa de Salud Pública de Eagle Pass)
- Maverick County Hospital District, Eagle Pass SAFE, City of Eagle Pass (Distrito Hospitalario del Condado de Maverick, Eagle Pass SAFE, Ciudad de Eagle Pass)
The Support Hub (El Centro de Apoyo)
- City of Eagle Pass, Healing Hearts, Eagle Pass Public Library (Ciudad de Eagle Pass, Corazones Sanadores, Biblioteca Pública de Eagle Pass)
Southwest Initiative for Mobility (SWIM) (Iniciativa para la Movilidad en el Suroeste)
- SWART, Alamo Ambulance Services, ADA Rider, City of Del Rio Transportation Department (SWART, Servicios de Ambulancia de Alamo, Viajero ADA, Departamento de Transporte de la Ciudad de Del Rio)
Maverick County Special Needs Coalition (Coalición de Necesidades Especiales del Condado de Maverick)
- Eagle Pass HEROES, Maverick County Hospital District, City of Eagle Pass (Eagle Pass HEROES, Distrito Hospitalario del Condado de Maverick, Ciudad de Eagle Pass)

Área de Laredo

Un Paso Adelante por la Salud
- Texas A&M, Christ Church Episcopal, San Francisco Javier Catholic Church, Laredo First Assembly Church, United Baptist Church of Laredo (Texas A&M, Iglesia Episcopal de Cristo, Iglesia Católica de San Francisco Javier, Iglesia de la Primera Asamblea de Laredo, Iglesia Bautista Unida de Laredo)
Healthy Community Advocates of South Texas (Defensores de la Comunidad Saludable del Sur de Texas)
- South Texas Food Bank, Laredo College, Gateway Community Health Center (Banco de Alimentos del Sur de Texas, Colegio de Laredo, Centro de Salud Comunitario Gateway)
Creciendo Juntos
- Area Health Education Center, MPH Salud, Las Promesas de Laredo (Centro de Educación de Salud del Área, MPH Salud, Las Promesas de Laredo)
Laredo Green District Development (Desarrollo del Distrito Verde de Laredo)
- Rio Grande International Study Center, Azteca Economic Development & Preservation Corporation, Laredo Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability, Laredo Main Street, MileOne, City Makery, Monte Mucho Audubon Society, City of Laredo Health Department
  (Centro Internacional de Estudios Río Grande, Corporación Azteca de Desarrollo Económico y Preservación, Centro de Laredo para la Agricultura Urbana y Sostenibilidad, Laredo Main Street, MileOne, City Makery, Sociedad Audubon Monte Mucho, Departamento de Salud de la Ciudad de Laredo)
Zacate Creek Creative (Creatividad Arroyo Zacate)
- Daphne Art Foundation, City of Laredo Parks & Recreations, Able City, Laredo Film Society (Fundación de Arte Daphne, Parques y Recreaciones de la Ciudad de Laredo , Able City, Sociedad de Cine de Laredo)
Laredo Healthy Food Systems (Sistemas de Alimentación Saludable de Laredo)
- City Makery, Laredo Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability, City of Laredo Health Department (City Makery, Centro de Agricultura Urbana y Sostenibilidad de Laredo, Departamento de Salud de la Ciudad de Laredo)
Drug Free Communities (FACE)(Comunidades sinDrogas)
- South Texas Promotora Association, Gateway Community Health Center, Holding Institute (Asociación Promotora del Sur de Texas, Centro de Salud Comunitario Gateway, Instituto Holding)
Laredo Health Promotores (Promotores de Salud de Laredo)
- Laredo Health Department, Laredo Stroke Support, El Metro, Bethany House of Laredo (Departamento de Salud de Laredo, Grupo de apoyo para los accidentes cerebrovasculares en Laredo, El Metro, Bethany House of Laredo)

Durante el colaborativo de aprendizaje, el equipo de las Comunidades de Soluciones (CoS) de Methodist Healthcare Ministries apoya a las coaliciones en el desarrollo de una colaboración multisectorial que incorpore al equipo de liderazgo de la coalición a personas con experiencia reciente de los retos que la coalición está abordando. El objetivo es que las coaliciones comunitarias identifiquen y se centren en una condición vital de la comunidad (como una vivienda digna o un transporte fiable) que contribuya al bienestar de toda la comunidad. Cada coalición crea un marco estratégico o plan de acción para promover la equidad en salud. El equipo de las Comunidades de Soluciones se reúne periódicamente con las coaliciones, programa reuniones mensuales de seguimiento para fomentar la relación y la confianza y para ofrecer apoyo a medida que las coaliciones aprenden y crecen.

Una vez concluida la fase del Colaborativo de Aprendizaje, se invita a las coaliciones a solicitar el paso a la Fase de Implementación. Esta fase dura tres años e incluye financiación y recursos para el desarrollo de capacidades. Aunque las coaliciones centrarán su trabajo en la comunidad, se les seguirá invitando a colaborar entre sí a través de convocatorias y entrenamiento y aprendizaje entre los mismos miembros de las coaliciones.

Para más información sobre el Colaborativo de Aprendizaje Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together, visite: https://www.mhm.org/thriving-communities/.

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Acerca de Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Inclement Weather Notice: Jan. 31 2023

DW Admin on January 31, 2023

UPDATE JANUARY 31, 2023 – 4:00 p.m. (San Antonio, TX) Due to inclement weather, all Methodist Healthcare Ministries San Antonio area locations will open at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. This includes: Wesley Health & Wellness Center; Dixon Health & Wellness Center; and our Corporate Office.

George Ricks School Based Health Center at Krueger Elementary and George Ricks School Based Health Center at Schertz Elementary will be closed following school district closures.

Dental patients who had existing appointments before 11 a.m. will be rescheduled. Dental appointments scheduled after 11 a.m. will resume in-person. Medical patients who had existing appointments from 8 a.m. to – 11 a.m. will be performed via telehealth. Medical appointments after 11 a.m. will resume in-person.

Operations outside of the San Antonio area will follow the guidelines of local school districts. Please call your local Methodist Healthcare Ministries contact for guidance on programs and services.

The safety of our patients, clients and team members is of utmost importance. Visit mhm.org for the latest updates.

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Debido a las inclemencias del tiempo, todas las ubicaciones de Methodist Healthcare Ministries en el área de San Antonio abrirán a las 11 a.m. el miercoles 1 de enero de 2023. Esto incluye: Wesley Health & Wellness Center; Dixon Health & Wellness Center; y nuestra Oficina Corporativa.

El George Ricks School Based Health Center en la Escuela Primaria Krueger y el George Ricks School Based Health Center en la Escuela Primaria Schertz estarán cerrados después del cierre de los distritos escolares.

Los pacientes dentales que tenían citas existentes antes de las 11 a.m. serán reprogramados. Las citas dentales programadas después de las 11 a. m. se reanudarán en persona. Los pacientes médicos que tenían citas existentes de 8 a. m. a 11 a. m. se realizarán a través de telesalud. Las citas médicas después de las 11 a.m. se reanudarán en persona

Las operaciones fuera del área de San Antonio seguirán las pautas de los distritos escolares locales. Por favor, llame a su contacto local de Methodist Healthcare Ministries para obtener orientación sobre los programas y servicios.

La seguridad de nuestros pacientes, clientes y miembros del equipo es de suma importancia. Visite mhm.org para conocer las últimas novedades.

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January 31, 2023 (San Antonio, Texas): Due to inclement weather, all San Antonio-area Methodist Healthcare Ministries locations will delay opening to 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 31. This includes: Wesley Health & Wellness Center; Dixon Health & Wellness Center; Wesley Nurse sites and our Corporate Office.George Ricks School Based Health Center at Krueger Elementary and George Ricks School Based Health Center at Schertz Elementary are closed following SCUC ISD and Marion ISD school closures.

Patients who had existing appointments before 10 a.m. will be rescheduled.Operations outside of the San Antonio area will follow the guidelines of local school districts. Please call your local Methodist Healthcare Ministries contact for guidance on programs and services.

The safety of our patients, clients and team members is of utmost importance. Visit mhm.org for the latest updates.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

MHM & Texas A&M Health host community conversation on study looking to improve water quality in the Rio Grande Valley

DW Admin on January 27, 2023

McAllen, Texas (January 25, 2023) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Texas A&M Health hosted a community conversation featuring a panel discussion to explore the current status of the two important studies they launched together in April 2022. The two-year studies are examining arsenic and other toxic contaminants occurring in residential drinking water sources within colonia communities along the Rio Grande border and are also training the next generation of citizen scientists and cultivate a love of learning science for students in South Texas.

The projects aim to test and capture measurements of existing health risks of exposure to water contaminants, develop solutions for how to reduce the risk of exposure for communities near where contaminated water is found, collect important data for the community that can be used to implement the necessary solutions and train the next generation of citizen scientists and cultivate a love of learning science for students in South Texas.

The community conversation featured a panel discussion that explored where the studies stand today, preliminary findings, and potential policy recommendations that will be shared at the conclusion of the study in 2024. The panel included Jaime Wesolowski, president & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries, John Mogford, PhD, COO and Senior Vice President of Texas A&M School of ublic Health, and Garett Sansom, DrPH, who is one of the leads on the research project. The moderator for the panel was Texas Tribune environmental reporter, Erin Douglas.

The project is a vital first step in creating a proof of concept that will then be applied throughout the Texas-Mexico border to improve the lives of these often-overlooked communities.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

About Texas A&M University Health Science Center:

Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Texas A&M Health) comprises five colleges (dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and public health) and several centers and institutes with a shared mission of advancing health care for all. We serve the state and beyond with campuses and locations in Bryan-College Station, Dallas, Temple, Houston, Round Rock, Kingsville, Corpus Christi and McAllen. Learn more at health.tamu.edu or follow @TAMUHealth on Twitter.

Nearly 120 Local Families Receive Trees at 10th Annual Christmas Tree Giveaway

DW Admin on December 7, 2022

San Antonio (Dec. 6, 2022) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. partnered with Methodist Healthcare for the tenth consecutive year to donate nearly 120 decorated Christmas trees to underserved families in San Antonio. As part of their annual holiday celebrations, several departments of Methodist Hospital, Methodist Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital | Texsan and Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan participate in a tree decorating contest. Following the competition, the trees, along with 64 wreaths decorated by departments at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant and Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak, are given to families in need served by Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

“Having an opportunity to spread some Christmas joy to families in need continues to bring incredible pride and joy to our team members who work tirelessly every day to help support resilient families across the communities we serve” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “This annual tradition between our organization and Methodist Healthcare hospitals that participate further supports our shared mission of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God” and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share the Christmas spirit and holiday cheer with our community.”

This year, the San Antonio Spurs partnered with Methodist Healthcare to help spread even more holiday cheer as players Doug McDermott and Isaiah Roby, Spurs Coyote and Spurs Hype Squad will be on hand to greet families and help load up the Christmas trees.

The families receiving Christmas trees are selected from Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ existing patients and clients who receive care through its Parenting Programs, Recreation & Enrichment services, Behavioral Health and the Wesley Nurse program. This year, a Winter Wonderland will be created inside the Wesley Health & Wellness Center for the families to enjoy while waiting to pick out their tree.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

About Methodist Healthcare