Teno Villarreal – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Applications Open for Community Health Accelerator 2025 Cohort

Teno Villarreal on April 2, 2025

SAN ANTONIO (March 26) – VelocityTX, the Eastside innovation hub and economic development organization, announced today the opening of applications for the 2025 cohort of its Community Health Accelerator, a specialized program designed to advance startups focused on commercializing solutions that address the social determinants of health (SDOH).

Launched in 2023, the annual accelerator is the cornerstone of a multi-year partnership with Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM). “The Community Health Accelerator is propelling innovation and sustainable solutions at the intersection of business and community impact that can transform healthcare delivery for those most in need,” said MHM President and CEO Jaime Wesolowski. “We are excited to see what the 2025 applicants will bring to the table as we seek to address the social determinants of health and advance health and wellness in communities across South Texas.”

Conducted over eight weeks beginning in August, the Community Health Accelerator will provide founders with resources and training to help navigate the challenges of early-stage growth. The program offers classroom-style business training and operational guidance, and each participant will receive personalized mentoring and pitch coaching from local business leaders.

The program culminates in a public Demo Day, where the five companies selected for the cohort will showcase their innovations for a panel of judges.

“The Community Health Accelerator is a first-of-its-kind program and we are excited that San Antonio is leading the conversation around this critical area of healthcare,” said Rene Dominguez, President and CEO of VelocityTX. “Our 2024 cohort represented some of the most innovative companies from across North America, and we look forward to helping advance a new class of social entrepreneurs to the forefront.”

The program’s 2024 winner, Dallas-based Yumlish, recently launched a community pilot of their technology in the Rio Grande Valley, where they hope to combat diabetes with their culturally-relevant nutrition management platform. “We have worked hard to create an accessible solution for Spanish-speaking communities, and we are so excited about the impact Yumlish will have in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Founder and CEO Shireen Abdullah.

Companies interested in applying to the Community Health Accelerator may do so here. Applications will close on June 15, 2025.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of healthcare by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. We use our earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. We do this by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, we fulfill our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals & families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive.

About VelocityTX
Formerly known as the Texas Research & Technology Foundation, VelocityTX is a nonprofit organization established in 1984 to promote sustainable economic and community growth. In carrying out this mission, the organization seeks to advance San Antonio’s life sciences industry through the development of a state-of-the-art bioscience innovation campus on the city’s near east side. Based out of the former Merchants Ice & Cold Storage complex, the master planned development will bring together established bioscience companies, healthcare startups, and military medical research organizations in an inclusive community where ideas collide to spur medical breakthroughs. VelocityTX also promotes workforce development through its Step Into STEM program, and provides entrepreneurial support services designed to accelerate the commercialization of emerging medical technologies. Learn more at velocitytx.org.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Opens Request for Proposals (RFP) for 74-County Environmental Scan & Analysis

Teno Villarreal on October 29, 2024

(San Antonio, TX October 29, 2024) – In 2024, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.(MHM) is seeking proposals from qualified partners to conduct an environmental scan and assist with a SWOT analysis to be utilized as key strategic planning inputs for its 74-county service area. Interested entities have until November 12 to submit a proposal.

The primary objective of the environmental scan is to systematically gather, analyze, and assess external environments to identify barriers and facilitators to health and well-being across MHM’s service area. By identifying both barriers and facilitators, the scan aims to inform the strategic plan as a priority, along with having some influence on policy and practice to better address well-being challenges within the community and priority areas.

The preferred approach will include identifying and analyzing external macro environmental factors impacting health outcomes utilizing the STEEPLE framework. As such, the successful environmental scan will include factors influencing public health outcomes including examining broader social, technological, economic, environmental, political, legal, and ethical trends and developments.

“This exciting project will go a long way to helping inform and direct where MHM directs its resources and attention in the coming years as we strive to fulfill our mission of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God,’” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

The resulting scan and analysis will be utilized, along with a SWOT analysis, for identifying new opportunities and prioritizing strategies that are in alignment with MHM’s focus on health equity. The partner selected will provide curated data, analysis, thought leadership, and recommendations to support the development and successful implementation of tools for strategic planning activities including goal setting, visioning, and prioritizing strategic initiatives.

To view the RFP, visit MHM.org or click here. Interested applicants with questions should contact Sandra Martinez, Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships at smartinez@mhm.org.

MHM believes that to improve the wellness of the least served and fully live out its mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God,” it must recognize the inequities inherent in its communities that contribute to poor health outcomes. Health Equity is both the process and goal by which MHM seeks to carry out that purpose. Health Equity is a framework of thought and action that strives to reduce racial and socio-economic disparities and create fair and just opportunities for every person to reach their full potential for health and life and contribute to that of others.

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

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Announces the Addition of Three New Board Members to its Board of Directors 

Teno Villarreal on July 9, 2024

San Antonio (July 9, 2024) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) announced the addition of three new members to its board of directors who guide the nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to improving the well-being of the least served since 1995. New board members began their three-year term on June 26.

“I am honored to serve on this board with an incredible group of caring servants, equally committed to helping this organization advance health equity so that more people throughout the 74 counties we serve can reach their fullest potential for health and life,” said Michael Porter, newly elected Chair of the Board of Directors for Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “I am excited to welcome these outstanding and gifted individuals to our board and look forward to seeing the impact they will surely impart on this organization as it heads into its 30^th year of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God.’”

The three new board members include:

Erica Benites Giese – Attorney at Jackson Walker
Rev. Greg Hackett – Retired pastor with the Rio Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church
Rev. Candice Parry – Pastor at the First United Methodist Church of Carrizo Springs

Rev. Hackett is returning to serve on the board of MHM after previously serving from 2017 to 2023. The other two members are new to the board and organization.

MHM Board Members play a vital role in setting the direction and guiding the organization to advance a more level playing field for health in 74 counties across Texas. Since 1995, Methodist Healthcare Ministries has provided more than $1.67 billion in health care services through its clinical programs, as well as through partnerships, and is one of the largest private funding sources for community health care to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas. As 50-50 co-owner of Methodist Healthcare, MHM board members play an important oversight role in the governance of the healthcare system ensuring it provides quality care to all regardless of ability to pay. The earnings from the co-ownership of the health system allows Methodist Healthcare Ministries to fund efforts that strengthen communities and families, provide clinical care to the uninsured and the economically disadvantaged, and promote a more level playing field for healthy living—now and for generations to come.

Board members serve three-year terms and may serve up to three consecutive terms. In addition to serving on the general board, they also serve on one standing committee, such as the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Governance Committee, Mission Committee, Investment Committee and Operations Committee. The board currently has 26 regular board directors and can have no more than 27 regular board directors at a given time. The board bylaws also dictate that at least 60 percent of the Regular Directors be members of The United Methodist Church.

“Methodist Healthcare Ministries is broadening the definition of health care as we continue our efforts to advance health equity throughout the communities we serve,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “These new board members will bless us with the leadership and the unique talents they will impart in the coming years, as we strive to improve the lives of the least served so all have an opportunity to thrive.”

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

MHM invests over $180 million to advance health equity across South Texas

Teno Villarreal on July 9, 2024

(San Antonio, TX April 15, 2024) – In 2024, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is investing $181.1 million to advance health equity, strengthen communities and impact systemic change across its 74-county service area. That amount includes direct services, community investments, the development of community partnerships and advocacy initiatives that create a more level playing field for individuals to thrive. The organization’s 2024 commitment represents an increase of 21% from its 2023 investment.

That $181.1 million propels a strategic focus on advancing health equity, the framework of thought and action guiding the organization’s efforts to address systemic inequities and socio-economic barriers that keep people from living their healthiest lives.

“At Methodist Healthcare Ministries, we are realizing our bold mission of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God’ through the programs and services we offer, the diverse geography we cover and the incredible communities we serve,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “This investment is a clear reflection of the various ways our board of directors and our 500+ team members are broadening the definition of health care every day for patients, clients, and communities we serve.”

MHM’s mission also includes its one-half ownership of Methodist Healthcare—the largest healthcare system in South Texas. The ownership structure ensures Methodist Healthcare continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all, and earnings to MHM to care for the uninsured and economically disadvantaged throughout its 74-county service area.

MHM allocates its $181.1M budget across various key areas of investment- Grants, Strategic Operating Initiatives, Direct Services, and administrative costs that support these areas. This allocation ensures the organization delivers on its mission, vision, and strategy effectively. To ensure its investment has the highest level of community impact, MHM has consistently kept its administrative expenses below 15% – which is required to receive the highest possible score from Charity Navigator for analysis.

Grants:

For 2024, MHM has apportioned $54.5 million in community grants to over 174 nonprofit organizations and municipalities. MHM’s goal is to help create and sustain healthy communities by supporting organizations that address the community conditions in which we are born, grow, live, and work, otherwise known as the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH).

MHM aims to help create and sustain healthy communities by supporting grant recipients addressing one of the following priority areas: access to care, mental and behavioral health; digital equity; food security; housing; education and workforce development.

MHM’s grantmaking strives to deepen collaborative efforts, incentivize quality health outcomes, leverage and strengthen health care delivery systems and promote sustainable systems change. $7.7 million was awarded to organizations focused on addressing issues that are upstream, meaning MHM is intentionally addressing conditions and circumstances that affect the health and well-being of patients and clients before they might reach out to MHM, or its partners, for assistance. $6.1 million in grant funding was directed to rural communities, furthering efforts to support organizations outside of urban areas.

An example of MHM’s support for its funded partners in action is evidenced in the work of SA Digital Connects. In 2024, SA Digital Connects received a $110,000 grant to support staffing for programming and implementation of the San Antonio and Greater Bexar County Digital Equity Plan. The goal of the plan is centered around closing the digital divide and facilitating 1) increased access and affordable adoption of digital devices/services, 2) digital devices distribution, and 3) digital literacy programming to assure internet safety. The project is projected to serve 500,000 individuals throughout the life of the grant and special attention is to be devoted to assisting unserved and underserved areas to ensure every household is connected to high-speed, reliable and affordable internet.

“The impactful work by Methodist Healthcare Ministries across San Antonio and Bexar County, continues to demonstrate their commitment to addressing the many challenges of the digital divide,” says Rhia Pape, Executive Director at SA Digital Connects. “We are proud to be supported and funded by MHM and other private sector partners and are thankful SA Digital Connects gets to work with such amazing partners to implement the SA/Greater Bexar County Investment Plan. There are many layers to this work and it’s only with coordination and collaboration between organizations that we will see success in closing the digital divide in our community.”

Strategic Operating Initiatives:

In addition to the annual grants to partners, MHM has allocated nearly $28 million toward strategic initiatives that amplify its overall strategic goals and disrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty. MHM is investing in approaches that address the root causes of poverty and health inequities, such as cross-sector partnerships, investing in community infrastructure, policy/legislative action eliminating barriers and/or addressing the long-term needs of individuals, families and communities. Examples of the types of initiatives MHM is investing in include: economic mobility, access to clean water, and community-led collaboration initiatives.

Direct Services

Creating access to care through the provision of clinical services has always been key to the organization’s mission. MHM operates two San Antonio-based primary health care clinics: Wesley Health & Wellness Center and Dixon Health & Wellness Center, and two school-based health centers: George Ricks School Based Health Center at Krueger Elementary and George Ricks School Based Health Center at Schertz Elementary. The clinics address the needs of low-income families and the uninsured by providing services at no cost or on a sliding fee scale. The health care services MHM provides are a cornerstone of its charitable purpose of creating access to care. Additionally, MHM offers health care services and programs throughout its 74-county service area including community counseling services, Community Health Worker program, Get FIT prevention program, parenting support groups and care coordination and referrals through its Wesley Nurse program.

Since inception, Methodist Healthcare Ministries has provided more than $1.67 billion in health care services through its clinical programs, as well as through partnerships, and is one of the largest private funding sources for community health care to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.