San Antonio (March 31, 2025) Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) announced it will continue partnering with the Texas A&M University School of Public Health on the South Texas Safe Water Project through 2028.  The $5 million, four-year grant will enable Texas A&M to further identify sustainable solutions for critical water quality and public health challenges in the underserved Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties in South Texas. The funding was announced at a community presentation held at Texas A&M’s Higher Education Center in McAllen on January 30.

“Our work with Texas A&M on the South Texas Safe Water Project is only just getting started as we plan to use the data from this first phase to inform public policy and expand our partnership into other communities,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We want to dig deeper, literally, by also taking soil samples to examine the full depth of this crisis. The health outcomes and outlook for those we serve shouldn’t be limited by the water they drink. We are committed to learning more and supporting policies and innovative solutions that restore clean water and improve well-being for all.”

The South Texas Safe Water Project will continue to be led by Texas A&M public health researchers Garett Sansom, DrPH and Taehyun Roh, PhD as the Principal Investigators. The project continues the work that began with dual, two-year pilot studies conducted by Texas A&M researchers in collaboration with MHM announced in 2022. 

The first project assessed the exposure to arsenic and other heavy metals from drinking water sources in residents of colonias along the Rio Grande border and implemented interventions to reduce it. The second project introduced community-based participatory research concepts to high school students in the region.“ The new, four-year project will build on the success of our collaboration with Methodist Healthcare Ministries to provide sustainable solutions for improving water quality, strengthen community resilience and foster long-term, positive health outcomes,” Sansom said.

2022-2024 study revealed significant heavy metals in colonia residents’ drinking water.  

Doctors Sansom, Roh, and another Texas A&M public health researcher, Lindsay Sansom, PhD, found uranium, nickel and arsenic in 100 percent of the potable water samples taken from 203 homes in the studied colonias. They also found evidence of long-term arsenic exposure in all the participants’ toenail and urine samples and vitamin deficiencies associated with exposure in one third of the participants. 

“Water is a particular concern in the colonias because arsenic is prevalent along the South Texas border with Mexico and because most residents get their water from systems that are old, poorly maintained and may not meet state or federal standards for drinking water,” Roh said.   

Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and arsenic, are found naturally in soil and water in many regions of the United States. High levels of most heavy metals, however, are associated with major health problems, including cancer, cognitive issues and developmental delays. Children and pregnant women face the highest risk.

Local stakeholders shaped priorities, shared findings and laid the foundation for next steps

To address water quality and other health issues, the researchers used a community-based participatory research model to ensure collaboration with colonia residents and other local stakeholders at every stage, from determining the research priorities to disseminating the findings. This was achieved through input and advice from three community advisory boards with 60 members including promotoras—community members who receive specialized health-related training—nonprofit leaders, and residents.

“The concerns that the community members shared with us helped to determine the research process and also built trust between everyone involved,” said Lindsay Sansom. “Strong community engagement and established trust led to high rates of resident participation: more than 96 percent on survey completion and more than 80 percent in collecting urine and toenail samples for heavy metals testing.”

Local teens became “citizen scientists,” empowered to assess and improve environmental hazards

The second pilot study involved working 1:1 to help 14 high school-aged students become “citizen scientists” with a deep understanding of the water quality problems in their communities as well as how to pursue possible remedies through research and environmental justice advocacy.

“It’s not enough for us to simply tell the people who live there about what we’re doing,” said Garett Sansom. “This effort will make a long-term difference only to the extent that those who live with these environmental challenges understand all aspects of what’s going on with their water—and why—and also are empowered to seek and implement improvements.” 

In addition to learning about where contaminants such as lead and arsenic come from and how they affect the health of those in their communities, the students were trained in water sampling techniques. At the end of the program, the students received Citizen Science Certificates in a graduation ceremony at the Texas A&M McAllen campus. 

“The student participants reported that not only were they satisfied with what they learned, but the experience also increased their likelihood to pursue higher education,” Lindsay Sansom said. “This example offers a model of sustainability for continued engagement and advocacy by residents of all ages—while inspiring some to pursue careers in STEM fields.”

Building on this foundation of research and advocacy in 2025-2029

The South Texas Safe Water Project installed more than 400 water filters in the colonias, leading to a 63 percent reduction of arsenic by the pilot study’s end. These promising results led colonia residents, state and local government officials, public health experts and academic researchers to participate in a two-day workshop in San Antonio in October 2024. There, they focused on water quality issues and other public health risks and identified policy solutions, programmatic interventions and areas where additional research might be required.

“The policy recommendations prescribed as a result of this study will be a powerful tool that our policy and advocacy team can use to push for change during the 89^thTexas Legislative Session,” said Christine Yanas, Vice President of Policy & Advocacy for MHM. “Having the data to strengthen the case for action will solidify the support from state policymakers to drive impactful changes at the local level.”

Now, the additional grant funding will enable the Texas A&M-MHM collaboration to build on and expand their previous efforts. The three overarching goals are to identify and address water quality and other environmental hazards by working directly with policymakers, to empower more community members to act on these issues and to use cutting-edge research methods to drive further collaboration.

“We believe this critical investment will not only advance the long-term health and well-being of people in South Texas but also will provide a scalable model that could benefit people in similarly underserved regions,” Roh said.

# # #

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 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.

SAN ANTONIO (TX), MARCH 25, 2025 – Today marks a significant milestone as the American Cancer Society (ACS) hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for the new American Cancer Society Methodist Healthcare Ministries Hope Lodge community at 8719 Floyd Curl Drive in San Antonio. The facility will provide a free home away from home for people seeking cancer treatment here.

“The American Cancer Society is dedicated to breaking down the barriers cancer patients face when seeking treatment away from home,” said Jeff Fehlis, executive vice president of ACS. “Thousands travel to San Antonio each year, burdened by medical bills, lost income, and lodging costs. Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, we’ve reached an important milestone, bringing us closer to making hope a reality for those affected by cancer.”

The San Antonio Hope Lodge facility will provide more than 14,600 nights of free lodging annually, with 40 private suites, a library, shared living areas, a pantry, daily linens, recreational space, and transportation services. Beyond offering patients and their caregivers a free place to stay during treatment, the community will foster emotional support and connections among guests on their cancer journeys. It will complement ACS’ existing community services by providing free transportation to cancer centers across San Antonio.

San Antonio-based Metropolitan Contracting Company (METRO), the General Contractor for the newest Hope Lodge location, is proud to oversee the construction of this transformative 3-story, 40,000-square-foot facility. Chief Executive Officer Jane Feigenbaum shared, “Facing a cancer diagnosis is difficult enough without the added burden of traveling far from home for treatment. San Antonio’s Hope Lodge will offer patients and their families a place of respite during this trying time. We are honored to be the builder of this facility, dedicated to providing comfortable accommodations when they are needed most.”

In 2023, ACS launched a $30 million capital campaign to construct the Hope Lodge community – with significant support from Methodist Healthcare Ministries, which contributed an $11 million lead gift. “The American Cancer Society Methodist HealthcareMinistries Hope Lodge will be a beacon of hope for cancer patients and their caregivers across South Texas to find peace, healing and rest with accommodations at no cost as they fight for their health and wellbeing against all types of cancer,” 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 can ease the burden of travel and lodging which can often be a challenging obstacle to overcome for families suddenly facing a cancer diagnosis.”

The campaign has continued to receive additional support from local medical, business, and civic leaders. Top contributors have included City of San Antonio, H-E-B Grocery Company LP, and Valero. Chaired by Charles Leddy, CEO of Presidian Hotels and Resorts, and Linda Dozier, senior contract negotiator of Lockheed Martin, the Hope Lodge Capital Campaign aims to cover construction and initial operating costs for the facility while establishing an endowment for ongoing support. The campaign has made remarkable progress so far in achieving its $30 million goal. To fully achieve that goal, ACS is seeking additional philanthropists and supporters to participate. Visit cancer.org/HopeLodgeSanAntonio for more details.

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 110 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, X, and Instagram.

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

SAN ANTONIO – February 3, 2025 – The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) and Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help MHM employees, and their dependents advance their higher education dreams through UIW. Specifically, the agreement, which was formally signed during a ceremony on Monday, January 27, 2025, will allow for MHM employees and their families to pursue, advance, or refine work skills through an array of programs offered through the UIW School of Professional Studies (UIWSPS) at reduced tuition rates.

“With this agreement, we form a partnership between two transformative institutions that share many values,” said Dr. Thomas M. Evans, UIW president. “Both the University of the Incarnate Word and Methodist Healthcare Ministries are drivers of change in our communities.We share a vision to contribute to creating a better, healthier world as part of our commitment to serve one another and to serve God. That commitment includes serving those whose hard work brings that vision to life. We are delighted to open doors of opportunity for MHM employees and their dependents and welcome them to our UIW family.”

“Methodist Healthcare Ministries and the University of the Incarnate Word have a long-standing partnership rooted in our shared values of service, compassion, and community impact,” said Jaime Wesolowski, president & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “Through our partnership, we are empowering our team members with the opportunity to pursue their educational goals – whether it’s earning a bachelor’s or a master’s degree – and achieve new levels of personal and professional growth.”

Since its founding in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, UIW has been an institution steeped in the tradition of healing. In keeping with its Mission, the University consistently conducts missions and operates clinics in areas of South Texas without adequate access to health care. In San Antonio alone, UIW encompasses five health professions schools and has become a leader in educating the healthcare heroes of tomorrow in the areas of Nursing, Osteopathic Medicine, Physical and Rehabilitative Therapy, Optometry and Pharmacy. 

Methodist Healthcare Ministries 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.

“This partnership unites two mission-driven institutions dedicated to transforming lives through education and service,” says Dr. Leah Alviar, Interim Associate Dean of the UIW School of Professional Studies. “UIW deeply values the essential role Methodist Healthcare Ministries plays in building healthier communities, and we are dedicated to broadening access to quality education to help further their impact. We are proud to support MHM employees and their families in pursuing their academic and career aspirations and warmly welcome them to UIW.”

The UIW School of Professional Studies is an academic school within UIW that offers certificates, associates, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees 100% online. Benefits for students include free undergraduate textbooks, no academic fees, accelerated courses and reduced tuition rates. UIWSPS also offers personal development and continuing education opportunities through the office of Professional and Continuing Education.