DW Admin – Page 29 – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Wesley Nurses Present at Church Health Center’s Westberg Symposium

DW Admin on April 14, 2016

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. recently supported the Church Health Center's 30th annual Westberg Symposium, which exhibited two poster presentations by Methodist Healthcare Ministries' Wesley Nurses. Faith-based community nurses from all over the country convened in Chicago April 7-10 to cover areas such as theology, clinical pastoral education and whole person health care.

"We're proud to have taken part in the Westberg Symposium," said Jennifer Knoulton, director of nursing at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. "At Methodist Healthcare Ministries, we have adopted a faith-based community nursing approach to health ministry, carried out through our Wesley Nurse Program, which now spans 80 sites throughout South Texas."

Knoulton co-presented at the pre-conference session with a colleague from the Church Health Center. She spoke on the importance of helping faith community nurses incorporate asset-based community development (ABCD) into their practice, a strategy for sustainable community-driven development concerned with how to link micro-assets to the macro-environment. The premise of ABCD is that communities can drive the development process themselves by identifying existing, but often unrecognized assets, and thereby responding to and creating local economic opportunity. ABCD builds on the assets that are already found in the community and mobilizes individuals, associations, and institutions to come together to build on their assets, not concentrate on their needs, to begin to use what is already in the community. View presentation.

Wesley Nurses Cynthia Bishop, RN, BSN, MACM, and Angela Gonzalez, RN presented on preceptor-guided preparation for Wesley Nurse faith community nurses. They discussed that the Wesley Nurse program began using the faith community nurse model almost 20 years ago and that Wesley Nurses have shown great fortitude as they have adapted to ongoing changes in this specialized profession. Their poster presentation reflected the development of a preceptor-guided orientation tool that incorporates the competencies outlined in the American Nurses Association's Scope and Standards of Practice. View presentation.

Wesley Nurse Patricia Cisneros, RN, BSN demonstrated how the faith community nurse can advocate, facilitate, and coordinate resources for the least-served and bring awareness to rally the support of other nonprofits to assist in humanitarian relief. Her presentation, Finding A Way: Laredo Humanitarian Relief Team, discussed how the efforts of asset-based community development (ABCD) helped an ecumenical set of community partners show persistence despite not getting help from local officials to collaborate to provide humanitarian relief for travelers in a mass migration of women and children fleeing violence in their country. View presentation.

The Westberg Symposium focused on the ways faith-based community nurses make their mission more resilient through continuing to explore relationships between faith and health in their lives and ministries.

"From a primary care perspective, faith-based nurses like our Wesley Nurses, are instrumental in connecting people, congregations and community members to health and wellness," said Knoulton.

According to the Church Health Center – a faith-based nonprofit that provides affordable health care to working uninsured people – resilience in faith community nursing sustains belief in a better way of caring for people. Whether the need is for basic health education for a new diagnosis, or advocacy and support during a major life transition, faith community nurses foster strength in members of the faith community or the wider community.

To learn more about the Westberg Symposium, visit http://www.churchhealthcenter.org/westberg2016. To learn more about the Wesley Nurse program, visit http://www.mhm.org/programs/health-ministries.

Child Abuse Prevention Assembly Convened Community Leaders

DW Admin on April 5, 2016

In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. hosted a Child Abuse Prevention Assembly Tuesday to bring together leaders and decision-makers in San Antonio to discuss how to prevent child abuse and neglect in our community. To raise awareness, Methodist Healthcare Ministries planted 4,941 pinwheels in front of their corporate headquarters in the medical center to represent each confirmed victim of child abuse last year in Bexar County.

"This is a critical issue that must remain top of mind," expressed Kevin C. Moriarty, president & CEO at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. "We as safety net providers, community leaders, advocates, health care professionals, philanthropists and elected officials must look for solutions to stop the number of victims from growing in our community."

Several San Antonio child abuse prevention experts were in attendance at this invite-only event, including Methodist Children's Hospital doctors and nurses, and representatives from local nonprofit agencies. Notable presenters included: Methodist Healthcare Ministries President & CEO Kevin C. Moriarty; ChildSafe President & CEO Kim Abernethy; Bexar County Children's Court Associate Judge Rich Garcia; City of San Antonio Police Department Chief William McManus, Methodist Children's Hospital Medical Director Dr. Sebrina Perkins, CPS Regional Director Erica Bañuelos and State Senator Jose Menendez.

"I look at those pinwheels and I hear that number, the almost 5,000 children – which is the confirmed number, although everyone here knows that's a greater number than what's reported – we need to do whatever we can to prevent even just one child from abuse," said Senator Jose Menendez. "I was thinking about the birth of my children, and being in the waiting room feeling so much anticipation and hope. Somehow along the way, you sometimes forget that feeling of excitement and nervousness of that brand new baby. Regardless of what stage of life they are in, we need to always treasure our children that way."

The pinwheels were planted to symbolize childhood, innocence and prosperity. They represent the hope that together we can help the kids in our community enjoy a safe, happy and healthy childhood.

Reports about abuse can be made to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 or www.dfps.state.tx.us or to a law enforcement agency. Additional information can be found at www.childwelfare.gov. To learn more about Methodist Healthcare Ministries' parenting programs, visit http://www.mhm.org/programs/family-wellness or call 800-959-6673.

Pearls of Wellness Wisdom

DW Admin on April 1, 2016

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)

I start off with this verse because April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. We know, however, that we must prevent and address abuse each and every day. Having worked as a behavioral health nurse, I am acutely aware of the devastating and destructive effects that physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse has on a child's life. It is up to the community, agencies, schools, and churches to protect and strengthen families because these institutions have a great influence on family life.

Children thrive on attention, affection, and having their needs adequately met by their parents. They depend on parents to nurture, guide, instruct, and support them on a daily basis and throughout their life span. Children need parents to be a part of their lives, and to be aware of their friends and activities –even when parents aren't very welcomed around their teenage years. Your awareness, knowledge and involvement in the care of children within your family, church, and community can help prevent or stop current abuse. Reporting child abuse and neglect is mandated by law, not just for professionals, but for any person that witnesses or suspects a child is affected. Speak up and be an advocate. Reports can be made to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 or www.dfps.state.tx.us, or to a law enforcement agency. Additional information can be found at www.childwelfare.gov.

You can advocate for children and further help to nurture communities through education, speaking to neighbors, and/or becoming a volunteer at any organization that serves families. If you are unable to physically participate in this manner, you can carry this need in your heart and pray for children and families struggling with these issues. Pray for justice for these little ones. Pray for their healing and protection. Remember to always thank the Lord for your family, little ones, and the life and love that you all share with each other.

In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, please join us at the 19th Annual Hidalgo County Child Abuse Prevention Candlelight Vigil on April 7, 2016, for a public awareness walk to raise awareness and remember those we have lost to child abuse. The walk begins at the CASA of Hidalgo County office building (1001 S. 10th Ave., Edinburg, TX 78539) at 5:45 p.m., and ends at the Hidalgo County Court House lawn where the Candlelight Vigil will take place at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (956) 381-0346 or visit www.casaofhidalgo.com.

My Walk Across Texas Journey

DW Admin on March 10, 2016

By Wesley Nurse, Lindsey Floyd, RN

As a Methodist Healthcare Ministries Wesley Nurse in Edna, TX, I encourage good nutrition and exercise. My role involves being committed to helping the least served in our community through education, health promotion, and collaboration to achieve improved wellness through self-empowerment. Walking, in particular, is a great form of exercise since it is inexpensive and is an easy way to get fit.

This year, I, along with Jackson County Hospital District, recruited people in Jackson County to participate in Walk Across Texas – a free 8-week statewide program designed by Texas A&M Agrilife Extension to help Texans establish the habit of regular physical activity. The goal is to "walk across the state of Texas" in eight weeks – 830 miles. In order to stay on track, everyone on a team (up to eight people) must walk nearly 13 miles each week.

Our initial goal was to form 10 teams. We are proud to say that we now have 30! We started our challenge on February 16.

The aim is to be the first team to reach 830 miles or walk the most miles. We hope to walk 850 miles. While there is no monetary compensation, the much greater benefit includes reducing your risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. This challenge helps people start moving more to establish physical activity as a lifetime habit. What's also great is since you're working in a team, you have a support system to help you keep going. In fact, you don't even have to walk to participate; you can convert your exercise into mileage, which allows participants to do any type of physical activity that fits their lifestyle. Some of our team members are walking on their own, while others walk together on tracks and city parks.

With just a few weeks to go, all our teams are happy to join thousands of fellow Texans on a daily walk to a better life. We will have an awards night to celebrate our accomplishments on April 12.

If you're interested in participating (anyone can join, even individually), check out the Walk Across Texas website at http://walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu/. To learn more about Methodist Healthcare Ministries' Wesley Nurse program – a faith-based, holistic health and wellness program – visit http://www.mhm.org/programs/community-outreach.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

DW Admin on March 1, 2016

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, and is a subject close to me, as I have lost two aunts to this disease. It is such a horrible illness to go through, and yet, in so many cases, preventable. With a number of ways to screen for colorectal cancer, we should be seeing a decrease in the number of cases or deaths.

I will be quite honest, as a nurse and a patient, I can say it is no lie when you hear someone say that the colonoscopy 'prep' is the worst part. But, it is temporary. There are preparations now that aren't nearly so bad as early preps. Talk with your doctor about which one is best for you. But by all means, please talk to your doctor about getting a colon screening if you are 50 or over, or earlier if you have a close relative with colorectal polyps or cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease or other genetic syndromes. Truly, most people have no recollection of the colonoscopy procedure due to the medications administered.

Colorectal cancer is non-discriminatory; it affects men and women, especially age 50 and over. In fact, it is the cancer with the second highest mortality rate in the United States! But it is sneaky… many colorectal cancers can start from a polyp that develops into cancer over time. There may be no symptoms in the early stages, be it from an early colorectal cancer or from the precancerous polyps. But with the screenings, these polyps can be removed before they cause problems. Though these symptoms may be caused by other illnesses, some things to watch for are unexplained weight loss, blood in/on stool with bowel movement, persistent abdominal aches, pains or cramps.

The type of testing or screening and frequency of testing varies, and insurance coverage varies as well. There may be assistance available to those who are not able to afford the screening.

What I can tell you with all certainty is that I would much rather go through a little discomfort with the preparation and get past the feeling of embarrassment of the procedure than the devastation of people's lives and that of their families from this terrible disease, especially since, in most cases, colorectal cancer is so preventable. So please, I can't ask you enough to talk with your doctor about screening options. For more information on colorectal screening, visit www.cdc.gov/screenforlife.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Sponsors United Communities of San Antonio 62nd Awards Dinner

DW Admin on February 29, 2016

Texas is ranked third in the country with more than 57 active extremist and hate groups. In one study, 49 percent of children in grades 4-12 reported being bullied by students at school at least once during the past month. Because individuals still suffer from bullying, exclusion, hatred, harassment and violence, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. has contributed $2,500 to be a Silver Sponsor at the 62nd Annual Brotherhood/Sisterhood Awards Dinner of the United Communities of San Antonio, a human relations non-profit organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry, prejudice and racism in San Antonio.

United Communities of San Antonio 62nd Awards Dinner
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
Pearl Stable (307 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215)

Honorable attendees include:

Dr. Adena Williams Loston, President of St. Phillip's College
Susan L. Pamerleau, Sheriff of Bexar County
Josue (Joe) Robles, Jr., USAA Retired President and CEO / MG, USA (Ret).
Dr. Alice Viroslav, Clinical Assistant Professor of UTHSCSA/Neutroradiologist of Radsource, LLC

Each year, the United Communities of San Antonio Awards Dinner honors outstanding community leaders with the Brotherhood/Sisterhood Humanitarian Award for promoting diversity and respect, making a difference in the community, and up keeping the ideals of the United Communities of San Antonio.

"Methodist Healthcare Ministries is pleased to support the United Communities of San Antonio and to stand by their mission of promoting understanding and respect to eliminate bullying, prejudice and harm," said Kevin C. Moriarty, president & CEO at Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

Since being founded in San Antonio in 1954, the United Communities of San Antonio has promoted understanding and respect among all races, religions and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution and education. The goal of the United Communities of San Antonio is to create a safe environment in which education, dialogue, and interaction among people results in mutual respect for self and others.

The 62nd Awards Dinner is open to the public; individual tickets are $175 each and may be purchased by visiting http://www.ucofsa.org/Givinglevels.html.

For more information about the United Communities of San Antonio, please visit www.ucofsa.org.

A Heartwarming Wesley Nurse Story

DW Admin on February 25, 2016

One day I was notified by my pastor, Pastor Leggett of Bastrop United Methodist Church, that a member of the congregation with a passion for helping the homeless donated a large sum to a fund intended to help the ministry team with outreach. In the interest of connecting the donor to the proper needs, I contacted the president of Mission U-Too, Jonah Beyer, to inquire about needs in the community. A low-income, Spanish-speaking family of six, with four children ranging in ages from six to 14 years old, had lost their home to a fire the week before Christmas. Jonah had been praying for them, as his organization lacked the funds needed to assist. Can you see a little wink from God here? Jonah told me that tires for a donated RV and a language barrier stood between this family and a temporary home, as they waited for their home to be rebuilt.

For me, there was no question of what I would do. I contacted local tire shops to price the tires and petitioned for the funds by email through Pastor Leggett. Pastor Leggett then approved the use of funds with the donor. The donor was actually present when the fire occurred and although he did not know the family, he was personally touched by their situation. The same day, the church treasurer arrived and wrote a check to a small community tire shop with the best price. With much joy, I called the family and explained what needed to occur to have the tires mounted on the RV and that the church had covered all costs. Later that day, the family was able to move their RV to family property and start moving gifts and supplies donated by other churches into their home. The family was also offered instructions on where to go temporarily to bathe and eat free of cost.

This situation inspired the First United Methodist Church Board of Trustees to begin the process of converting an unused outbuilding into a place of temporary refuge – so families experiencing homelessness can wash their clothes and relax in a setting that is safe and hope-filled. Volunteers will staff the site and minister to these families, and this Wesley Nurse plans on providing church health magazines for those who visit.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ School Based Health Centers Celebrate 15 Years of Service

DW Admin on February 23, 2016

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., the largest private, faith-based funding source for health care services in South Texas, is proud to celebrate the 15th anniversary of its School Based Health Centers. In celebration of this milestone, along with honoring National School-Based Health Care Awareness Month, Methodist Healthcare Ministries will host an open house Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the School Based Health Center at Schertz Elementary (757 Curtiss Ave., Schertz, TX 78154).

Guests are invited to tour the clinic and meet the team of professionals who provide medical, dental and social services. Click here to register: http://www.mhm.org/events/416-school-based-open-house.

Since 2001, the School Based Health Centers at Krueger Elementary and Schertz Elementary, conveniently located on school campuses and both owned and operated by Methodist Healthcare Ministries, have helped children in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City and Marion Independent School Districts (as well as their siblings up to age 21) by providing pediatric primary health care, dental services, and social services. Both clinics stay open year-round and operate during business hours.

"Methodist Healthcare Ministries understands the importance of pediatric care and making it convenient to busy parents and accessible in rural communities," said Marilyn Stanton-White, director of primary care services of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. "The School Based Health Centers are a significant component of our organization's outreach so that our youth stay happy and healthy."

In addition, the School-Based Health Alliance — a nonprofit dedicated to providing the school-based health care field with high-quality resources, training, information, and guidance — will be hosting a Twitter chat right before the open house from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT. The chat will focus on how school-based health centers improve child and adolescent health. Join by using the hashtag #SBHCmonth16. Connect with Methodist Healthcare Ministries any time with the hashtag #MHMSTX.

For more information about Methodist Healthcare Ministries' School Based Health Centers, please visit www.mhm.org.

President/CEO Kevin Moriarty Celebrates 20-Year Anniversary

DW Admin on February 20, 2016

Methodist Healthcare Ministries – a faith-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to creating access to health care for the uninsured through direct services, community partnerships and strategic grant-making in 74 South Texas counties – has thrived under Moriarty's direction. He is responsible for executing the overall direction for the organization, executive administration of Methodist Healthcare Ministries' primary care medical and dental clinics, and providing policy guidance to Methodist Healthcare Ministries' board of directors.

Since being selected as the founding president and chief executive officer in February 1996, Moriarty has led Methodist Healthcare Ministries to become the largest private funding source for community health care services in South Texas. Moriarty's implementation of the board of director's strategy of community health has grown from one program in 1996, with 2,900 patient/client visits, less than five funded partners, and a $3.1 million budget, to 21 programs in 2016, 850,000 projected patient/client visits, more than 90 funded partners and a $91.9 million budget. Methodist Healthcare Ministries has been recognized by law makers as a critical voice and advocate for low-income families and the uninsured. Through its public policy analysis and research, and as a result of Moriarty's direction, Methodist Healthcare Ministries has helped to ensure Texans have greater access to health care services.

In addition, Moriarty oversees the quality and charitable management of the Methodist Healthcare System, San Antonio's second largest private employer of which Methodist Healthcare Ministries is one-half owner. This creates a unique avenue to ensure the Methodist Healthcare System continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all, and charitable care when needed. Under Moriarty's leadership at Methodist Healthcare Ministries, and through his role on the Methodist Healthcare System's Board of Governors and its Community Boards, both organizations have made great strides in working to achieve a high standard in community care.

Prior to his service at Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Moriarty served as a public official with the City of San Antonio for more than 20 years. The last position he held was as director for the Department of Community Initiatives. A native New Yorker, Moriarty received his B.A. from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, New York, with areas of concentration in history, economics and philosophy. He earned a Master of Science in Urban Studies from the City University of New York with a concentration in public administration, health and human services planning, manpower planning and data analysis. Moriarty continued his education through the Harvard Business School Executive Program in 1997, and the Executive Program for Philanthropy Leaders through Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2006.

Moriarty also served as a member of the Peace Corps in Liberia, West Africa for two years as a teacher for elementary and secondary schools.

Today, Kevin resides in San Antonio with his wife and five children. Methodist Healthcare Ministries is honored to celebrate this grand milestone and looks forward to continuing prosperously under his leadership. Congratulations, Kevin!

School Based Health Centers Celebrate 15 Years of Service

DW Admin on February 19, 2016

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is proud to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the opening of our School Based Health Centers.

Since 2001, the School Based Health Centers at Krueger Elementary and Schertz Elementary have helped children in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City and Marion Independent School Districts (as well as their siblings up to age 21) have access to pediatric primary health care, dental services and a comprehensive range of services.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries invites you to celebrate this milestone with us, along with National School-Based Health Care Awareness Month in February, by attending our Open House on Tuesday, February 23, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the School Based Health Center at Schertz Elementary (757 Curtiss Ave., Schertz, TX 78154). Come tour our clinic and meet the team of professionals who provide our medical, dental and social services. Click here to register: http://www.mhm.org/events/416-school-based-open-house.

To schedule an appointment at one of our School Based Health Centers, contact:

School Based Health Center at Krueger Elementary
217 West Otto Street
Marion, TX 78124
(830) 420-2291

School Based Health Center at Schertz Elementary
757 Curtiss Ave.
Schertz, TX 78154
(210) 658-4875

We hope you will join us so that we may work together to help our youth stay happy and healthy!

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Sponsors ThriveWell Cancer Foundation’s Annual Luncheon

DW Admin on February 18, 2016

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. will contribute $2,500 to be a Silver Sponsor at the annual luncheon of the ThriveWell Cancer Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to finding a cure for cancer by funding cancer research, providing patient support and offering programs to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

ThriveWell Cancer Foundation Annual Luncheon
Friday, February 26, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.
Westin Riverwalk (420 W. Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205)

This year's guest speakers are sisters Janet Holliday and Joan Katz, who both share a bond of surviving cancer. "Living, Loving and Thriving Side by Side: Identical Twins Sharing Their Story" will feature Holliday and Katz sharing their journeys and outlook on making each day count.

"Methodist Healthcare Ministries is pleased to support the ThriveWell Cancer Foundation, an organization that is truly impacting lives through their assistance," expressed Kevin Moriarty, president & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

ThriveWell was established in 2007 to ease the burden of adult cancer patients and their families while on their cancer journey, working to meet the needs of those battling and winning the fight against cancer in the San Antonio area. Central to its mission is the development of community-based programs and services that are designed to improve the health and well-being of cancer patients and survivors.

The ThriveWell Cancer Foundation Luncheon is open to the public; individual tickets are $100 each and may be purchased by visiting www.thrivewell.org.

For more information about the ThriveWell Cancer Foundation, please visit www.thrivewell.org.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Sponsors 5th Annual Symposium of the Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

DW Admin on February 16, 2016

Texas consistently has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the country, and the highest rate of repeat teen birth in the nation. For that reason, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is proud to sponsor the 5th Annual Symposium of The Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, a non-partisan, non-profit education and advocacy organization committed to reducing the rate of teen pregnancy across Texas. The symposium is a three-day program, held April 11-13 in Austin, Texas, that will bring together more than 400 professionals from across the state to participate in panel discussions, presentations, and professional development workshops focused on providing the information, resources and tools necessary to create change and improve teen pregnancy rates in Texas. The theme – The Texas Roadmap: Building Champions for Change – will focus on the importance of finding new advocates and working with existing professionals in communities throughout Texas to map out a plan for improvement.

Texas Campaign's 5th Annual Symposium: Building Champions for Change
April 11-13, 2016
DoubleTree by Hilton (6505 North IH-35, Austin, Texas 78752)
Austin, Texas

"Methodist Healthcare Ministries has contributed $1,500 to be a Panel Session Sponsor at the Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy's 2016 Symposium," said Christine Yanas, director of governmental affairs for Methodist Healthcare Ministries. "Methodist Healthcare Ministries continually fights for change, through our public policy and advocacy efforts, and this symposium will be very beneficial in tackling this important issue."

The symposium will feature:

An opening keynote by Sarah Brown, retired CEO, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
A moderated discussion with Texas Legislatures from both sides of the aisle on statewide prevention efforts
A plenary session featuring adolescent perspectives and offering first-person experiences from Texas teens
Expert presentations on contraception, program implementation, advocacy and other current issues
Three post-event training classes, scheduled for April 13, including a professional development workshop and two workshops focusing on today's hot topics
Networking opportunities that foster collaboration
Opportunities to earn CEUs for SW, LPC, CHES and CPE

Anyone with an interest in teen pregnancy prevention is invited to attend. Attendees will include clinicians, researchers, project leaders, practitioners, educators, graduate students, social workers, youth services professionals and other key program staff – representing many disciplines and geographic areas across Texas and the U.S. There will be opportunities throughout the symposium to make connections, share insights, and help make progress on this issue.

The Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy provides statewide leadership around this issue by focusing on what works and connecting communities to the research they need to make an impact. Their guiding mission is to improve the quality of life for children, families, and communities across Texas by preventing unintended teen pregnancies.

Learn more about the Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy by visiting http://txcampaign.org/. Register for the 5th Annual Symposium at http://txcampaign.org/2016-annual-symposium/.