El Milagro Clinic: Providing Rio Grande Valley residents with a Medical Home
May 17, 2012
Since inception, MHM has provided nearly $500 million in healthcare services through our clinics and programs, as well as through our partnerships. MHM is proud to partner with organizations that share our mission and organizational objective of delivering healthcare and social services to the least served in the South Texas region. By strengthening other organizations' capacity to provide services, we achieve our overarching goal of increasing access to care.
With a dedication to providing health-related human services to the underserved, MHM welcomed El Milagro Clinic as a funded partner in 2002 in an effort to address the concern for access to care among the uninsured and underinsured population. Located in McAllen, Texas, El Milagro provides Rio Grande Valley residents with comprehensive medical services, with a focus on education and preventative measures. El Milagro’s service area is one of severe poverty and high unemployment with incomes at or below the Federal Poverty Level. The typical patient at El Milagro is monolingual Spanish speaking further complicating the ability to receive quality healthcare services. The demand for access to affordable healthcare services in this area is of crucial importance.
Due to limited access to care, many clients do not have an established physician or thorough medical records. As a result, clients seek treatment to routine illness by way of expensive emergency room visits or by jumping from doctor to doctor for fear of inability to pay balances from previous visits. Consequently, continuity of care and case management is difficult. Conscious of the detriment of this trend, El Milagro works to establish the clinic as a “medical home” for patients to access primary care and address preventive measures. Licensed physicians and personnel see approximately 75 patients a day for routine primary care with additional services spanning from screenings and education to onsite ancillary services such as laboratory testing, and prescription assistance. This all-in-one model has proven powerful as patients express anxiety over being referred out to other health providers in the community to complete their medical needs — especially given the rising cost of gas.
El Milagro offers onsite comprehensive primary health care and mental health counseling along with health education. El Milagro’s professional team embodies a holistic approach to health and wellness where the patient is viewed as an integral part of the team of caregivers. El Milagro’s combined Wellness Center offers exercise and nutrition classes, and programs like music therapy, journaling and creative writing – as illustrated in 'Vidas Cruzadas,' a collection of poetry and essays by women impacted by the program — which compliments the Center's mental health services.
The impact of these services is best depicted by the powerful testimonials of the program's participants — people like Maria Martinez. "This program helps us a lot. We learned to know ourselves more. I began to dig into my mind and remember things that I had forgotten. They show us pictures and [I] learned that everyone sees things differently…our minds are so powerful that we hardly stop and meditate.”
MHM has provided funding to assist El Milagro with the delivery of primary care services and the continuation of their Wellness Center in excess of $2.8 million providing for about 77,000 encounters from 2008-2011, with an anticipated 24,000 more in 2012.
Since inception, MHM has provided nearly $500 million in healthcare services through our clinics and programs, as well as through our partnerships. MHM is proud to partner with organizations that share our mission and organizational objective of delivering healthcare and social services to the least served in the South Texas region. By strengthening other organizations' capacity to provide services, we achieve our overarching goal of increasing access to care.
With a dedication to providing health-related human services to the underserved, MHM welcomed El Milagro Clinic as a funded partner in 2002 in an effort to address the concern for access to care among the uninsured and underinsured population. Located in McAllen, Texas, El Milagro provides Rio Grande Valley residents with comprehensive medical services, with a focus on education and preventative measures. El Milagro’s service area is one of severe poverty and high unemployment with incomes at or below the Federal Poverty Level. The typical patient at El Milagro is monolingual Spanish speaking further complicating the ability to receive quality healthcare services. The demand for access to affordable healthcare services in this area is of crucial importance.
Due to limited access to care, many clients do not have an established physician or thorough medical records. As a result, clients seek treatment to routine illness by way of expensive emergency room visits or by jumping from doctor to doctor for fear of inability to pay balances from previous visits. Consequently, continuity of care and case management is difficult. Conscious of the detriment of this trend, El Milagro works to establish the clinic as a “medical home” for patients to access primary care and address preventive measures. Licensed physicians and personnel see approximately 75 patients a day for routine primary care with additional services spanning from screenings and education to onsite ancillary services such as laboratory testing, and prescription assistance. This all-in-one model has proven powerful as patients express anxiety over being referred out to other health providers in the community to complete their medical needs — especially given the rising cost of gas.
El Milagro offers onsite comprehensive primary health care and mental health counseling along with health education. El Milagro’s professional team embodies a holistic approach to health and wellness where the patient is viewed as an integral part of the team of caregivers. El Milagro’s combined Wellness Center offers exercise and nutrition classes, and programs like music therapy, journaling and creative writing – as illustrated in 'Vidas Cruzadas,' a collection of poetry and essays by women impacted by the program — which compliments the Center's mental health services.
The impact of these services is best depicted by the powerful testimonials of the program's participants — people like Maria Martinez. "This program helps us a lot. We learned to know ourselves more. I began to dig into my mind and remember things that I had forgotten. They show us pictures and [I] learned that everyone sees things differently…our minds are so powerful that we hardly stop and meditate.”
MHM has provided funding to assist El Milagro with the delivery of primary care services and the continuation of their Wellness Center in excess of $2.8 million providing for about 77,000 encounters from 2008-2011, with an anticipated 24,000 more in 2012.
SCUCISD Inducts Jeannette (Jae) Kight as Distinguished Community Member
May 10, 2012
Established in 1994, the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (SCUCISD) Hall of Honor was created to honor those who, by example or direct involvement, help enrich the lives of the district’s children. The 2011-2012 Commitment to Excellence Awards and Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony took place last Monday, May 8, at the Schertz Civic Center Ballroom.
This year’s group of inductees included MHM’s very own, Jeannette (Jae) Kight. Jae was inducted into the SCUCISD Hall of Honor as a Distinguished Community Member for her work with the MHM School Based Health Center program.
Jae joined the MHM team in 2001 as a Nurse Practitioner with the MHM School Based Health Center program. The District Health Services Nurses stated, “ Jae is awesome and couldn’t think of another person that deserves it more.” Jae is active in the community, and works very closely with school nurses throughout the district.
Congratulations Jae, on this special recognition! You are truly a great community member and exemplify MHM’s mission of, “Serving Humanity to Honor God.”
Established in 1994, the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (SCUCISD) Hall of Honor was created to honor those who, by example or direct involvement, help enrich the lives of the district’s children. The 2011-2012 Commitment to Excellence Awards and Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony took place last Monday, May 8, at the Schertz Civic Center Ballroom.
This year’s group of inductees included MHM’s very own, Jeannette (Jae) Kight. Jae was inducted into the SCUCISD Hall of Honor as a Distinguished Community Member for her work with the MHM School Based Health Center program.
Jae joined the MHM team in 2001 as a Nurse Practitioner with the MHM School Based Health Center program. The District Health Services Nurses stated, “ Jae is awesome and couldn’t think of another person that deserves it more.” Jae is active in the community, and works very closely with school nurses throughout the district.
Congratulations Jae, on this special recognition! You are truly a great community member and exemplify MHM’s mission of, “Serving Humanity to Honor God.”
Last week, team members at the MHM Corporate Office celebrated Fiesta with the first annual MHM In Old San Antonio (MIOSA). Thanks to team member contributions, an assortment of Fiesta-inspired dishes were available to choose from. Winners were selected for Best Fiesta Hat, Best Fiesta Medal Collection, and Most Fiesta Spirit, with recognition going to:
Maggie Vasquez (Human Resources) - Best Fiesta Hat
Linda Lopez (Administration) - Best Fiesta Medal Collection
Marilyn Stanton-White (Clinic and Behavioral Health Services) - Most Fiesta Spirit
Thank you to Maggie Vasquez, for organizing this festivity. We look forward to building the tradition of MIOSA!
Last week, team members at the MHM Corporate Office celebrated Fiesta with the first annual MHM In Old San Antonio (MIOSA). Thanks to team member contributions, an assortment of Fiesta-inspired dishes were available to choose from. Winners were selected for Best Fiesta Hat, Best Fiesta Medal Collection, and Most Fiesta Spirit, with recognition going to:
Maggie Vasquez (Human Resources) - Best Fiesta Hat
Linda Lopez (Administration) - Best Fiesta Medal Collection
Marilyn Stanton-White (Clinic and Behavioral Health Services) - Most Fiesta Spirit
Thank you to Maggie Vasquez, for organizing this festivity. We look forward to building the tradition of MIOSA!
To close out the month of March, the Nutrition & Health Education department hosted the 2nd annual Team Member Appreciation Luncheon. The luncheon, held at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center and the Bishop Ernest T. Dixon Jr. Clinic, was organized as a way to show thanks to the MHM team for their individual contributions to our mission of, "Serving Humanity to Honor God."
National Nutrition Month was also observed as part of the celebration. "Get Your Plate in Shape," the 2012 National Nutrition Month theme, was integrated into all facets of the luncheon as way to promote awareness of the My Plate principles. My Plate promotes calorie balance through portion control and physical activity, increased intake of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and low-fat dairy, and a decreased intake of fat, sugar and sodium. These principles were echoed throughout the luncheon with the use of My Plate table placemats and t-shirts provided by the Nutrition & Health Education department. As an added treat, luncheon attendees were served by members of the MHM Executive Staff - sporting chef hats and all!
Attendees reveled at the life-sized shrimp tree display prepared by Chef Joe, along with the assortment of Latin-inspired menu items. Chef Joe's mango salsa, Mahi Mahi Vera Cruz and bread pudding received top accolades. "Since the luncheon was held on a Friday during lent, the biggest challenge for the Nutrition & Health Education team was deciding on menu items that would satisfy the masses," explains Kalli Lindsey, RD, Health Educator. Ultimately, the team decided on a Latin-inspired theme to build interest and selected many of the recipes from Cocinando para Latinos con Diabetes, written by Olga V. Fuste, MS, RD, and published by the American Diabetes Association.
The luncheon concluded with the distribution of door to prizes to four lucky winners. The winners walked away with an edible fresh fruit bouquet served in an Easter basket. National Nutrition Month tote bags, notebooks, and fruit and vegetable-shaped pens were awarded as prizes to six children enrolled in the Wesley Health & Wellness Center afterschool program for their My Plate-themed art contest entries.
A big thank you goes out to the Nutrition & Health Education department for putting so much thought into the planning and organization of the luncheon, and a special thank you to members of the MHM Executive Staff for volunteering as servers. All in attendance enjoyed the time and efforts put into the event, and look forward to next year's celebration!
To close out the month of March, the Nutrition & Health Education department hosted the 2nd annual Team Member Appreciation Luncheon. The luncheon, held at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center and the Bishop Ernest T. Dixon Jr. Clinic, was organized as a way to show thanks to the MHM team for their individual contributions to our mission of, "Serving Humanity to Honor God."
National Nutrition Month was also observed as part of the celebration. "Get Your Plate in Shape," the 2012 National Nutrition Month theme, was integrated into all facets of the luncheon as way to promote awareness of the My Plate principles. My Plate promotes calorie balance through portion control and physical activity, increased intake of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and low-fat dairy, and a decreased intake of fat, sugar and sodium. These principles were echoed throughout the luncheon with the use of My Plate table placemats and t-shirts provided by the Nutrition & Health Education department. As an added treat, luncheon attendees were served by members of the MHM Executive Staff - sporting chef hats and all!
Attendees reveled at the life-sized shrimp tree display prepared by Chef Joe, along with the assortment of Latin-inspired menu items. Chef Joe's mango salsa, Mahi Mahi Vera Cruz and bread pudding received top accolades. "Since the luncheon was held on a Friday during lent, the biggest challenge for the Nutrition & Health Education team was deciding on menu items that would satisfy the masses," explains Kalli Lindsey, RD, Health Educator. Ultimately, the team decided on a Latin-inspired theme to build interest and selected many of the recipes from Cocinando para Latinos con Diabetes, written by Olga V. Fuste, MS, RD, and published by the American Diabetes Association.
The luncheon concluded with the distribution of door to prizes to four lucky winners. The winners walked away with an edible fresh fruit bouquet served in an Easter basket. National Nutrition Month tote bags, notebooks, and fruit and vegetable-shaped pens were awarded as prizes to six children enrolled in the Wesley Health & Wellness Center afterschool program for their My Plate-themed art contest entries.
A big thank you goes out to the Nutrition & Health Education department for putting so much thought into the planning and organization of the luncheon, and a special thank you to members of the MHM Executive Staff for volunteering as servers. All in attendance enjoyed the time and efforts put into the event, and look forward to next year's celebration!
April Funded Partner Spotlight - Frontera de Salud
April 17, 2012
Since inception, MHM has provided nearly $500 million in healthcare services through our clinics and programs, as well as through our partnerships. MHM is proud to partner with organizations that share our mission and organizational objective of delivering healthcare and social services to the least served in the South Texas region. By strengthening other organizations' capacity to provide services, we achieve our overarching goal of increasing access to care.
MHM welcomed the UTHSCSA chapter of Frontera de Salud (Border of Health), a program of the UTHSCSA's Center for Humanities and Ethics, as a funded partner in 2008 to address the health profession shortage in South Texas. Frontera de Salud, or Frontera, is a service organization founded in 1998 and is staffed by medical, nursing and allied health students committed to bringing primary healthcare to the underserved population.
In the past two years alone, the UTHSCSA chapter of Frontera served over 3,400 clients in Laredo and Corpus Christi/Robstown - two of the most impoverished regions in the nation, along with underserved areas of San Antonio. Members of Frontera actively participate in health fairs and community visits. These visits are often the only opportunity many of these citizens have to obtain health care. Services trips are scheduled on a regular basis to provide students and faculty in the program a chance to learn to treat diverse populations and consider the unique social context of care in South Texas. Services include health screenings, flu vaccines and school physicals.
This experience is mutually beneficial as students become stewards of the medical profession, and commence partnerships with healthcare professionals as illustrated in these excerpt taken from the UTHSCSA Frontera chapter blog:
"We traveled with eight medical and nursing students to Corpus Christi yesterday to participate in a community health fair. We provided health screenings, health education, HIV screenings/education, and were able to connect patients with providers in the community. Not only were we able to make an impact in the community but it was also a wonderful learning experience for the students. Every student was able to rotate through each station and even had the opportunity to work with a local Family Medicine doctor who provided guidance and advice regarding local resources for the patients for long-term follow-up care."
Frontera leads the way among UTHSCSA student health service organizations, particularly with regard to its focus on the interdisciplinary health care team as the Frontera coalition of students and faculty represent a variety of disciplines to include medical, nursing, pharmacy programs and physician assistant students.
To date, MHM has contributed over $105,000 in funding to the UTHSCA chapter of Frontera de Salud to address the health profession shortage and continue their efforts of delivering healthcare to the medically underserved population of South Texas.
To learn more about the UTHSCSA chapter of Frontera de Salud visit their website or find them on Facebook.
Since inception, MHM has provided nearly $500 million in healthcare services through our clinics and programs, as well as through our partnerships. MHM is proud to partner with organizations that share our mission and organizational objective of delivering healthcare and social services to the least served in the South Texas region. By strengthening other organizations' capacity to provide services, we achieve our overarching goal of increasing access to care.
MHM welcomed the UTHSCSA chapter of Frontera de Salud (Border of Health), a program of the UTHSCSA's Center for Humanities and Ethics, as a funded partner in 2008 to address the health profession shortage in South Texas. Frontera de Salud, or Frontera, is a service organization founded in 1998 and is staffed by medical, nursing and allied health students committed to bringing primary healthcare to the underserved population.
In the past two years alone, the UTHSCSA chapter of Frontera served over 3,400 clients in Laredo and Corpus Christi/Robstown - two of the most impoverished regions in the nation, along with underserved areas of San Antonio. Members of Frontera actively participate in health fairs and community visits. These visits are often the only opportunity many of these citizens have to obtain health care. Services trips are scheduled on a regular basis to provide students and faculty in the program a chance to learn to treat diverse populations and consider the unique social context of care in South Texas. Services include health screenings, flu vaccines and school physicals.
This experience is mutually beneficial as students become stewards of the medical profession, and commence partnerships with healthcare professionals as illustrated in these excerpt taken from the UTHSCSA Frontera chapter blog:
"We traveled with eight medical and nursing students to Corpus Christi yesterday to participate in a community health fair. We provided health screenings, health education, HIV screenings/education, and were able to connect patients with providers in the community. Not only were we able to make an impact in the community but it was also a wonderful learning experience for the students. Every student was able to rotate through each station and even had the opportunity to work with a local Family Medicine doctor who provided guidance and advice regarding local resources for the patients for long-term follow-up care."
Frontera leads the way among UTHSCSA student health service organizations, particularly with regard to its focus on the interdisciplinary health care team as the Frontera coalition of students and faculty represent a variety of disciplines to include medical, nursing, pharmacy programs and physician assistant students.
To date, MHM has contributed over $105,000 in funding to the UTHSCA chapter of Frontera de Salud to address the health profession shortage and continue their efforts of delivering healthcare to the medically underserved population of South Texas.
To learn more about the UTHSCSA chapter of Frontera de Salud visit their website or find them on Facebook.
Since inception, MHM has provided nearly $500 million in healthcare services through our clinics and programs, as well as through our partnerships. MHM is proud to partner with organizations that share our mission and organizational objective of delivering healthcare and social services to the least served in the South Texas region. By strengthening other organizations' capacity to provide services, we achieve our overarching goal of increasing access to care.