DW Admin – Page 34 – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Why I ride: Maria’s story

DW Admin on June 16, 2015

Interview with Maria H., Administrative Assistant at MHM and MHvsMS team member

Editor's note: Recently, we asked Maria H. to share some insights into what inspired her to ride with the MHvsMS team in Bike MS: Valero Ride to the River. We've seen Maria's dedication to the ride and passion for raising funds to support the cause, but through Maria's own words, we learned more. She is determined, faithful and very funny as she explains her passion to see an end to Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Question: Why do you ride with MHvsMS?

Answer: I ride so I can spread the word about MS. I want to promote awareness of this disease and raise funds for a cure. My first MS experience was in 2009. I participated in the MS Walk and had the opportunity to meet the late Amy Dorsett. She was an inspiration! She taught me about perseverance and having a positive attitude no matter how sick you might be. Through the National MS Society, I volunteered at Bike MS: Valero Ride to the River in 2009 and 2010. The cyclists amazed me. Shortly after, I purchased a bike and began riding as recommended by my physical therapist.

Question: How long have you been cycling? When did you join the MHvsMS team?

Answer: I have been riding for nearly five years now and I have been a member of the MHvsMS team since 2012.

Question: What are some of your favorite memories from the Bike MS: Valero Ride to the River?

Answer: One of my favorite memories was from my first ride in 2012. I remember trying to climb the last hill, just before the finish line. It is not very steep, but after riding for 50+ miles, it looks gigantic. A New Braunfels police officer was cheering on the riders and he kept yelling to me, "You can do it, stand on your bike and pedal!" This scenario made me think of Adam Sandler's movie Waterboy, "You can do it" and I just burst out laughing. I told the officer, "No, I can't." I got off my bike and walked the rest of the hill until I reached flat road again.

Question: Do you have any tips for new riders?

Answers: I recommend riding as much as you can, even if it is only 10, 20 or 50 miles. Our team captain, Mr. Barry, is very experienced too. He provides a lot of information for first time riders. He keeps the team informed of training rides, cancellations and anything else we may need to know. Oh, and have fun! That is most important.

Question: Do you have any additional comments?

Answer: Please join us or donate online! Consider what you can do to help people living with MS right now and protect those who may be diagnosed in the future. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Learn more about the MHvsMS team or follow Maria's progress on her participant page.

Team spirit shines at San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup

DW Admin on June 10, 2015

CorpCupGolf-web Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) joined local organizations in friendly-competition at the San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup presented by H-E-B on Saturday, May 30. MHM's inaugural year of participation was challenging, inspirational and, most of all, fun!

MHMer's competed in events, such as basketball, tug of war, corn toss, sack races and a 2K wellness walk. "It was fun witnessing the eagerness of everyone prior to the event and their excitement about competing. On event day, the competitive spirit of our team member's and their families was high," shared Regina Garcia, benefits administrator and corporate cup team co-captain at MHM.

MHM is no stranger to healthy living. In fact, MHM was recognized as a finalist for the San Antonio Business Journal's 2014 Healthiest Employer's Awards. "Now we know what to expect next year. We look forward to participating again and bringing a Corporate Cup trophy back to MHM," explained Alicia Rodriguez, human resources representative and corporate cup team co-captain at MHM.

Record year for SAAHJ Scholarship & Awards Gala

DW Admin on June 8, 2015

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is excited to be a table sponsor of the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists (SAAHJ) Scholarship & Awards Gala. This annual event, now in its 17th year, will be held at the Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio on Friday, July 10.

This year, SAAHJ will honor Michael Quintanilla of the San Antonio Express-News for excellence in journalism, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), the national non-profit civil rights organization formed in 1968 in San Antonio to protect the rights of Latinos with SAAHJ's community service award, and Grammy award winner Vikki Carr for her extensive contributions to the Hispanic community, among other outstanding personalities with the second-ever Corazón de Oro award.

The gala promotes recognition of excellence and provides an opportunity for helping tomorrow's leaders succeed. Talented students will receive $40,000 – a record amount – in scholarships with the funds raised at the event.

"MHM couldn't be more proud to support the SAAHJ Awards Gala. This is not only an enjoyable event to attend, but the funds raised also help support San Antonio's brightest future leaders. It is fun with a purpose," shared Jessica Muñoz, director of communications at MHM.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the SAAHJ event page.

MHM welcomes new Director of Governmental Affairs, Christine “Chris” Yanas

DW Admin on May 27, 2015

Christine Yañas Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is pleased to welcome Ms. Yanas, as its new Director of Governmental Affairs. Ms. Yanas is a dynamic professional with over ten years of health care and hospital public policy experience and brings with her a proven record of delivering results and influencing change. Her career includes a recent role as vice president of operations and advocacy at Teaching Hospitals of Texas in Austin. As Director of Governmental Affairs, Chris is responsible for the organization's policy and legislative agenda.

Chris is a poised and thoughtful leader with impressive professional successes, which makes her an ideal fit at MHM–a private, faith-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing medical and health-related human services to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas.

Chris earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin, cum laude, with a double major in English and government.

Born and raised in rural South Texas, Chris resides in San Antonio, Texas.

HOPE Family Health Center joins MHM’s Si Texas Project

DW Admin on May 26, 2015

McAllen, Texas—HOPE Family Health Center is one of seven organizations from the Rio Grande Valley, Coastal Bend and Laredo selected as an inaugural cohort of Methodist Healthcare Ministries' Sí Texas Project.

HOPE Family Health Center, a 501c3 in McAllen who provides free medical and counseling services to the uninsured, was one of seven organizations announced by Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) to take part in Sí Texas: Social Innovation for a Healthy South Texas, a project powered by the Corporation for National and Community Service's Social Innovation Fund (SIF), to support proven approaches to addressing critical social issues. As a sub-grantee, HOPE will receive $1.25 million from as part of a $13 million investment made by MHM and $1.25 in matching funds to support innovative models addressing the health care concerns of South Texas.

MHM's investment in made possible by a grant in 2014 from SIF to help strengthen the channel of state and local governments and service providers to implement Sí Texas: Social Innovation for a Healthy South Texas.

HOPE Family Health Center provides medical and counseling services to individuals and families living in the Rio Grande Valley. Services aim to strengthen families through mind, body, and spirit by truly integrating care and providing multidisciplinary care services to patients.

HOPE's model of care utilizes volunteers from the medical community and grant funded therapists to provide quality services to the uninsured. New grant funds will assist HOPE in the delivery of free care to those in need.

"We are thrilled these seven organizations emerged as the trail blazers that will help test strategies that prove to be the most effective, as evidenced by an evaluation of their models, to address these health issues," said MHM president and CEO, Kevin C. Moriarty. "As a grant maker and direct service provider in this region, we are grateful to the Social Innovation Fund, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, for recognizing that the best way to encourage innovation and to learn what truly works to solve a problem is to invest in it through organizations that know the communities and the populations they serve."

"HOPE is truly honored to partner with Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas's Si Texas Project and the other sub grantees to support the health care of the Rio Grande Valley. Through this investment in health HOPE will increase and improve the delivery of care to the uninsured by providing intensive integrated health care to treat the whole person — in mind, body and spirit. We are proud to be in this group of organizations committed to improving the health of our community."

The Sí Texas Project, through its sub-grantees, will attempt to build an intricate network of cross-sector partnerships that will lead region-wide improvements in those conditions. For more information on Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Please see www.mhm.org, for more information on the Corporation for National and Community Service, visit NationalService.gov.

This article originally appeared in The Monitor and can be viewed by clicking here.

Children’s mental health conference coming to San Antonio

DW Admin on May 18, 2015

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is proud to be a keynote sponsor of ClarityCon2015. This third annual conference on children's mental health is hosted by Clarity Child Guidance Center, one of Antonio's leading children's mental health non-profit agencies.

The conference will take place June 18-19 at the Norris Conference Center in San Antonio. In addition to nationally known keynote speakers, over 20 other notable children's mental health professionals are expected to deliver workshops and presentations. Session topics include autism, child abuse, ethics, narrative therapy and much more. Conference attendees are expected to include psychologists, therapists, nurses, school counselors, social workers, teachers and caseworkers from across the state.

"The event marks a unique opportunity to show MHM's continued commitment for mental health research and care, especially among our youngest Texans," explained Kathryn Jones, Director of Behavioral Health Services at MHM. "When practitioners learn from each other and share experiences, the impact of such a conference will go far beyond this event and positively affect the lives of those with the greatest need when we return home."

For more information about ClarityCon2015, visit www.claritycgc.org.

Fatherhood Jubilee to honor exceptional Alamo City fathers

DW Admin on May 16, 2015

The 100 Black Men of San Antonio, Inc. will host their inaugural awards ceremony Fatherhood Jubilee on Tuesday, June 16 at St. Phillips College Bowden Alumni Center. A select group of honorees from San Antonio and the surrounding area will be recognized for their dedication, leadership and resilience during fatherhood. The highly anticipated event is sponsored by Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM). The Fatherhood Jubilee seeks to strengthen fatherhood in the community at large, especially African American fathers.

"A loving and capable father is very important during early childhood. Support from a strong father figure can positively impact a child's life. We are happy to see fathers in MHM's Parenting Programs learn new skills and then share them within their family unit," shared Shannon Pointon, Parenting Programs manager at MHM. 100 Black Men of San Antonio, Inc. and MHM share the same commitment to supporting fathers so they have the skills and resources needed to lead healthy families. We believe strong fathers improve the quality of life in our communities and it begins with educational and economic opportunities for all men.

The 100 Black Men of San Antonio, Inc. is a chapter of the 100 Black Men of America. For more information about the Fatherhood Jubilee, visit MHM's event calendar.

MHvsMS Gears Up for 2015 Bike MS: Valero Ride to the River

DW Admin on May 14, 2015

Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Methodist Healthcare System partner once again as the MHvsMS Team with an official team registration and kickoff party scheduled May 28.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) and Methodist Healthcare System are partnering once again as the MHvsMS team! In 2014, the team raised over $55,000 in support of Bike MS, a ride to support those living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This year's goal is to raise even more to help end MS.

Bike MS is a multi-day cycling event where participants enjoy a fun ride while also raising awareness and funds for the fight against MS. The 2015 Bike MS: Valero Ride to the River presented by H-E-B is October 3-4. Riders will enjoy a beautiful view of the Texas hill country from San Antonio through New Braunfels. Participation will help support programs, services and research of the National MS Society and make a lasting difference in the lives of people who battle MS every day.

MS is a highly unpredictable disease. The National MS Society estimates that the debilitating disease may affect nearly 2.3 million Americans in the United States alone. The chronic illness triggers a variety of symptoms including significant fatigue, pain and cognitive changes. The exact cause of the disease is unknown and it can affect men, women, children and adults.

We believe in the cause. Will you join us?

Learn more at the MHvsMS team Registration & Kickoff Party at Pappasito's Cantina on Thursday, May 28 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. All guests will be entered into a drawing for gift cards. In addition, register for the MHvsMS team by May 31 and receive a complimentary 2015 team uniform.

Largest Faith-Based Grantmaker in South Texas Awards $13 Million In Grants to Healthcare Providers

DW Admin on May 5, 2015

Seven organizations from the Rio Grande Valley, Coastal Bend and Laredo selected as inaugural cohort of Methodist Healthcare Ministries' Sí Texas Project

McAllen, TX – Today, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM), the largest private, faith-based funding source for healthcare services in South Texas and a grantee of the Social Innovation Fund, announced a $13 million investment in South Texas' health care delivery system, as part of its Sí Texas Project: Social Innovation for a Healthy South Texas. Seven organizations from the Rio Grande Valley, Coastal Bend and Laredo were introduced as the inaugural cohort of sub-grantees of the initiative.

The sub-grants made to these organizations represent $13 million in funding to explore integrated behavioral health models that are effectively improving health outcomes in communities with high rates of poverty, depression, diabetes, obesity and associated risk factors.

"We at Methodist Healthcare Ministries are thrilled these seven organizations emerged as the trail blazers that will help test strategies that prove to be the most effective means, as evidenced by an evaluation of their models, to address these health issues," said MHM President & CEO, Kevin C. Moriarty. "As a grant maker and direct service provider in this region, we are grateful to the Social Innovation Fund for recognizing that the best way to encourage innovation and to learn what truly works to solve a problem is to invest in it through organizations that know the communities and the populations they serve."

In 2014, MHM received federal funding from the Social Innovation Fund (SIF), a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), to grow the impact of innovative, community-based solutions that have compelling evidence of improving the lives of people in low-income communities throughout the United States. MHM is the first-ever faith-based organization to receive funding from the SIF.

"We couldn't be more enthusiastic for the seven organizations selected today. They are making tremendous strides to improve physical and behavioral health outcomes for individuals in low-income communities across South Texas," said Lois Nembhard, Acting Director of the Social Innovation Fund. "We're pleased to work with Methodist Healthcare Ministries' Si Texas Project to offer compelling solutions to address health outcomes in South Texas over the five year period."

MHM launched an open competition in November 2014 for promising organizations with evidence of results to submit applications to receive subgrants of at least $250,000 to $2 million. The selected organizations will expand their reach to impact more people and will participate in evaluations to continue learning what works in the area of integrated behavioral health.

The seven South Texas organizations selected as the inaugural cohort of sub-grantees for the Si Texas Project are:

Lower Rio Grande Valley Community Health Management Corp, Inc. (El Milagro Clinic), Hidalgo County
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), Hidalgo County
Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, Cameron County
Community Hope Projects, Inc. (Hope Family Health Center), Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy, and Cameron Counties
Mercy Ministries of Laredo, Webb County
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), Webb County
Rural Economic Assistance League (REAL), Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, and Kleberg Counties

According to the 2001-2003 National Comorbidity Survey Replication, 68 percent of adults with mental disorders also had at least one general medical disorder, and 29 percent of adults with medical disorders had a comorbid mental health condition. Similarly, in 2008 an article published in The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine reported the depression rate in South Texas among Hispanic patients with Type 2 diabetes was at 39 percent. The Si Texas Project, through its sub-grantees, will attempt to build an intricate network of cross-sector partnerships that will lead region-wide improvements in those conditions.

The announcement was made during a two-day convening, where sub-grantees participated in sessions designed to prepare them for the evaluation and management of the grant funds. A second round of sub-grantees will be selected following an open, competitive application process ending May 29, 2015. Grants awarded during the second cycle will begin August 1, 2015. For more information about the second application visit www.mhm.org.

###

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 providing medical, dental and health-related human services to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas. The mission of the organization is "Serving Humanity to Honor God" by improving the physical, mental and spiritual health of those least served in the Rio Texas Conference area of The United Methodist Church. The mission also includes MHM's 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 The Corporation for National and Community Service

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service and champions community solutions through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund, and Volunteer Generation Fund programs, and leads the President's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Celebrates National Nurses Week

DW Admin on May 5, 2015

In 1982, President Ronald Regan signed a proclamation proclaiming a National Recognition Day for nurses to be May 6, while the American Nurses Association instituted the first weeklong observance. Today, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) joins countless others across the country in honoring the professionals who dedicate themselves to quality nursing care during National Nurses Week (May 6-12).

The theme for 2015 is "Ethical Practice. Quality Care." It recognizes the impact ethical nursing has on patient outcomes. According to annual Gallup surveys, the nursing profession has been ranked as the top profession for honesty and ethical standards for 13 consecutive years. It is that trust that acts as a foundation for the care provided by MHM's nurses. MHM applauds our nursing professionals for their commitment to their patients and their dedication to their profession. In celebration, MHM will feature a series of team member spotlight videos on its social media sites recognizing the professionals who make up MHM's Nursing department along with holding a recognition luncheon for all nursing team members.

Nurses are an essential part of our team. We are looking for qualified nurses to join us. To learn more about current openings within MHM's Nursing department, visit the Career's page.

Multimillion Dollar Investment in South Texas Proves to be Strong Medicine for Local Healthcare Providers

DW Admin on May 4, 2015

Seven organizations from the Rio Grande Valley, Coastal Bend and Laredo selected as inaugural cohort of Methodist Healthcare Ministries' Sí Texas Project

McAllen, TX – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM), the largest private, faith-based funding source for healthcare services in South Texas, will announce its first cohort of sub-grantees as part of its Sí Texas Project: Social Innovation for a Healthy South Texas. A total of $13 million will be invested in this unprecedented, collaborative effort to improve rates of depression and diabetes in high-poverty communities in the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo and the Coastal Bend areas.

In 2014, MHM received a federal grant from the Social Innovation Fund (SIF), a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), to grow the impact of innovative, community-based solutions that have compelling evidence of improving the lives of people in low-income communities throughout the United States. MHM is the first-ever faith-based organization to receive funding from the SIF.

During the news conference, MHM will unveil the seven sub-grantees of the Sí Texas Project and announce the amount of funds each organization will receive. All sub-grantees will be introduced with a brief description of the innovative models they will explore to effectively address chronic illness and behavioral health needs in their communities. A ceremonial check representing the complete monetary investment in South Texas will be presented.

WHO: Kevin C. Moriarty, president & CEO, Methodist Healthcare Ministries; Rebecca "Becca" Brune, senior vice president of strategic planning & growth, Methodist Healthcare Ministries; Rev. Laura Merrill, district superintendent for the El Valle District of the Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church
WHAT: Presentation of $13 million investment in seven South Texas organizations with ceremonial check presentation
WHERE: McAllen Convention Center (700 Convention Center Blvd. 78501)
WHEN: May 5, 2015, 2:30 p.m.

Reserved seating for members of the media. Speakers will be available for interviews immediately after the news conference. To schedule an interview, contact Jessica C. Muñoz at jmunoz1@mhm.org or (210) 776-4525.

About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

About The Corporation for National and Community Service

Conference strengthened through unification

DW Admin on April 28, 2015

By Rev. Mickey McCandless, Director of Church Connections & Spiritual Care Mickey-McCandless-2013web

The Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church was created January 1, 2015 through the unification of the Rio Grande Annual Conference and the Southwest Texas Annual Conference. The newly formed Rio Texas Conference now encompasses 74 counties of South Texas and marks the geographic area served by Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM).

A church conference is the primary organizational unit of The United Methodist Church and has been the basic structure of the Methodist Episcopal Church since beginning in North America in 1784. A conference is equivalent to a diocese in the Roman Catholic and Episcopal Churches or presbytery in the Presbyterian Church. The Rio Texas Conference is one of 57 conferences in the U.S. and 79 additional in Africa, Europe and the Philippines and administratively guided by Bishop James Dorff.

The unification of the two conferences developed from two reports issued by a committee of The United Methodist Church's Council of Bishops. These two FACT (Financial Advisory Consulting Team) reports concluded that neither of the conferences was sustainable into the future. It did indicate that the Rio Grande Annual Conference had missional strength in the growing Hispanic population of South Texas and the Southwest Texas Annual Conference had financial strength for a sustained future. By unifying, the two conferences provide a powerful witness to the work of God for the people in South Texas.

MHM is striving to grow our impact on the population of South Texas for improved physical, mental and spiritual health. At the same time and in the same area of South Texas, the newly-formed Rio Texas Conference is striving to "make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." (The Rio Texas Unification Plan Uniting the Rio Texas Annual Conference & the Southwest Texas Annual Conference, February 8, 2014). Our journeys are joined today and into the future by a shared history and collaborative mission.