Author: Teno Villarreal

(San Antonio, TX, April 7, 2026) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is investing $237.5 million in 2026 — an 11 percent increase over its 2025 commitment — to advance health equity, strengthen communities, and drive systemic change across its 74 county service area. This investment supports direct services, community partnerships, grantmaking, and advocacy initiatives designed to create more equitable conditions for individuals and families to thrive. 

MHM’s 2026 commitment reflects a comprehensive approach to health equity that prioritizes the medical, behavioral, social, and spiritual well-being of individuals while also addressing the community level conditions and root causes of inequities that shape long-term outcomes. Since its inception, MHM has invested more than $1.86 billion in clinical services and community partnerships, solidifying its role as one of the largest private funding sources for health care for low-income and uninsured families in South Texas. 

“This investment enables MHM to continue elevating the impact we have across our 74-county service area for our patients, clients, partners, and stakeholders,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “Thanks to the dedication of MHM’s 588 team members and the leadership of our board of directors, we will continue raising the standard for how we accompany more people and places to advance health equity and improve overall quality of life.” 

MHM allocates its annual investment across four mission critical areas — grants, strategic initiatives, direct clinical services, and the administrative resources that support them — ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term strategy. To maximize community impact, MHM continues to maintain administrative expenses below 15 percent, meeting the threshold required to earn the highest rating from Charity Navigator. 

Grantmaking 

For 2026, MHM has allocated $64.5 million to nearly 195 nonprofit organizations and municipalities. This investment includes $32.6 million in new grants awarded to 120 grantees through MHM’s 2026 open grant cycle. Through this funding, MHM continues its commitment to supporting thriving people and places by investing in organizations that address vital conditions—the infrastructure and circumstances within communities that enable individuals and families to live healthy, stable, and fulfilling lives. 

MHM seeks to create and sustain healthy communities by supporting grant recipients working in one or more of its focus areas: access to care, mental and behavioral health, digital equity, food security, housing, and education/workforce development. MHM’s grantmaking strategy emphasizes collaboration, improved health outcomes, strengthened health care delivery systems, and sustainable, community‑driven systems change. 

An example of MHM’s support for its grantees is reflected in the work of Faith Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that has served San Antonio since 1974. Faith Kitchen provides nutritious meals in a welcoming, dignified environment for individuals experiencing homelessness, serving as a critical access point for food security while fostering stability, hope, and connection. Beyond addressing immediate hunger, Faith Kitchen creates pathways for personal growth and self‑sufficiency through skill‑building and supportive services. 

“Thanks to the generous support of Methodist Healthcare Ministries, the lives of countless neighbors experiencing homelessness will be transformed,” said Erica Gonzalez, MPA, Executive Director of Faith Kitchen. “This gift supports our day‑to‑day kitchen operations of preparing three meals a day, seven days a week, while also creating a space where clients can grow, develop job skills, and build confidence in their abilities. With the support of Methodist Healthcare Ministries, no one will go hungry.” 

MHM’s impact is also evident in its support of Latinx Voces, a nonprofit organization founded in 2021 and dedicated to empowering Latino communities through storytelling, education, and collaboration. Latinx Voces works to amplify underrepresented voices, address health trends and social inequities, and advance health equity while celebrating Latino cultures. By connecting community leaders, health advocates, artists, and educators, the organization strengthens cultural representation and fosters more inclusive, informed, and resilient communities across South Texas and beyond. 

“Health equity starts with meeting communities where they are—through culturally relevant information, trusted partnerships, and spaces for learning and connection,” said Dr. Paulina Sosa‑Quintanilla, Founder and Executive Director of Latinx Voces. “This investment from Methodist Healthcare Ministries will help Latinx Voces expand our LUCHAR Health initiative across South Texas, strengthening rural health equity and connecting Latino families to trusted health education and resources.” 

Strategic Initiatives 

In addition to the annual funding provided by MHM’s Grantmaking team to grantees, MHM has allocated nearly $33.5 million toward strategic initiatives that advance its overarching goals of removing systemic barriers to wellbeing and improving community level conditions across its service area. These long-term, multi-partner initiatives are designed to strengthen the vital conditions that allow people and places to thrive. 

MHM’s 2026 strategic initiatives include support for: 

• The Blue Zones Ignite™ assessment in the Rio Grande Valley – A collaboration exploring community driven strategies to improve well-being and life expectancy throughout the region. 
• The San Antonio GOALS Initiative – A first‑in‑the‑nation study measuring how pairing cash assistance with intensive economic‑mobility coaching can help San Antonio families build financial stability, with initial findings released in January 2026. 
• Digital Equity Initiative – An effort to close the digital divide across South Texas by expanding access to reliable, affordable broadband, devices, and digital skills training, ensuring individuals and families can connect to health care, education, employment, and essential services in today’s digital world. 
• Medical-Legal Partnership – An innovative program that integrates legal services into the health care setting, helping MHM patients and clients address systemic legal barriers—such as housing challenges—that affect their wellness and overall health equity 
• The South Texas Safe Water Project – A partnership with Texas A&M University School of Public Health that identifies and addresses water quality challenges in underserved colonias in the Rio Grande Valley through contaminant testing, community based research, and sustainable solutions that protect long-term health. 
• The American Cancer Society Methodist Healthcare Ministries Hope Lodge – A supportive lodging community that will offer free, temporary housing for people undergoing cancer treatment and their caregivers at South Texas medical centers. 
• The Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together (PJTT) initiatives – A community driven effort that empowers coalitions across South and Mid-Border Texas to advance health equity by addressing vital conditions and the root causes of intergenerational poverty. 

Each initiative addresses root causes of poverty—including access to safe environments, economic stability, supportive relationships, and community infrastructure—that shape a person’s ability to live a healthy life. Together, these efforts reflect MHM’s continued commitment to broadening the definition of health care by investing in the social and systemic factors that influence individual and community health across South Texas. 

Direct Services 

Creating equitable access to care remains a cornerstone of MHM’s mission. Through its two San Antonio-based primary health care clinics—Wesley Health & Wellness Center and Dixon Health & Wellness Center—and the George Ricks School-Based Health Center at Schertz Elementary, MHM ensures that low-income and uninsured families can receive high-quality clinical care at no cost or on a sliding fee scale. 

Beyond its clinics, MHM extends its reach across a 74-county region through community counseling services, a robust community health worker program, the Get FIT prevention program, parenting support and care coordination, and health navigation provided by its Wesley Nurse program. Complementing these efforts, MHM’s Policy and Advocacy team advances research-driven advocacy, strategic partnerships, and public education to champion policies that expand access to quality care and promote health and well-being for all Texans. Together, these services help address the medical, behavioral, and social factors that influence long-term health. 

In 2025 alone, MHM delivered more than 350,000 health care services to 24,134 patients and clients—representing thousands of individuals who gained access to medical, dental, and behavioral health support they might not otherwise receive. This level of impact underscores MHM’s critical role as one of South Texas’ largest private providers of community-based care for uninsured and economically disadvantaged families. 

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

[McAllen, TX, January 29, 2026] — Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. and Blue Zones, the global leader in longevity research and community well-being transformation, announced a partnership to launch Blue Zones IgniteTM assessment in the Rio Grande Valley. The effort begins with an in-depth readiness and feasibility assessment of the Rio Grande Valley that will help determine how to make it a healthier place to live, work, play, pray and enjoy longer, better lives. 

Blue Zones uses an evidence-based, environmental approach to making healthy choices easier in the places where people spend the most time. Blue Zones will work with Methodist Healthcare Ministries and other community leaders to conduct an in-depth readiness and feasibility assessment to determine how to make it a healthier place to live, work, and thrive. Together with the community, the Blue Zones team will assess readiness and build a plan for change. 

“Our mission has always been to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve, and bringing Blue Zones Ignite to the cities of Edinburg, McAllen, Mission and Pharr is a powerful step toward that vision,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “This initiative will help us work hand-in-hand with local partners and residents to create environments that make healthy choices easier and more accessible—so that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential for health and life.” 

The Blue Zones Approach 

Blue Zones employs a proven solution in collaboration with communities to help people live better and longer lives. The company’s work is based on research and principles developed by founder Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Fellow and New York Times bestselling author, who identified the cultures of the world – or blue zones – with the healthiest, longest-living populations. 

The Blue Zones approach focuses on the largest determinant of health: the environment in which we live. Instead of focusing solely on individual behavior change, Blue Zones helps communities make permanent and semi-permanent changes to policies, systems, streets, surroundings, and social networks so it’s easier for residents to eat wisely, move naturally, and connect more with others as they move throughout their day. By improving the Life Radius®—the area close to home where most Americans spend 90% of their lives—Blue Zones transformations have been able to move the needle dramatically in improving overall population health and well-being. Participating communities have seen double-digit drops in obesity and smoking rates, economic investment in downtown corridors, grant funding awards to support policies and programs to improve health equity, and measurable savings in healthcare costs. 

Ben Leedle, CEO of Blue Zones and Co-founder of Blue Zones Project, said: “Launching Blue Zones Ignite in the Rio Grande Valley is an exciting moment, and it’s only possible because of the leadership of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. They have a bold vision for strengthening well‑being across South Texas, and we’re excited to partner with them as this work begins.” 

The Blue Zones expert team will connect with local leaders and organizations to begin immediate work assessing the strengths, needs, and challenges that residents are facing today. Blue Zones will then create a policy-focused transformation plan that, once implemented, can drive widespread improvements in well-being, reductions in healthcare costs, and improve economic vitality in the region. 

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About Blue Zones 

Blue Zones employs evidence-based ways to help people live better, longer. The company’s work is rooted in explorations and research done by founder and National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner in blue zones regions around the world, where people live extraordinarily long and/or happy lives. The original research and findings were released in Buettner’s bestselling books The Blue Zones Solution, The Blue Zones of Happiness, The Blue Zones, Thrive, and Blue Zones Kitchen—all published by National Geographic books. A hit docuseries, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, was released on Netflix in 2023. Using original Blue Zones research, Blue Zones works with cities and counties to make healthy choices easier through permanent and semi-permanent changes to our human-made surroundings. Participating communities have experienced double-digit drops in obesity and tobacco use and have saved millions of dollars in healthcare costs. For more information, visit www.bluezones.com. 

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.

San Antonio, TX (January 14, 2026) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is launching The Roots of Well-Being, a new podcast series debuting on major streaming platforms. Building upon the organization’s core mission of serving humanity to honor God, the first season delves into the voices of humanity, and the influential role they play in creating solutions that improve the health and well-being of communities across South Texas.  

Hosted by former news anchor and reporter, Steven Cavazos, the series invites audiences into meaningful conversations with individuals and organizations who partner with MHM to co-design, co-create, and co-evaluate changes that positively impact their communities. Each episode offers a deeper understanding of how lived experience can lead to transformation.  

“Methodist Healthcare Ministries has a deep commitment to listening and learning from those who truly understand their communities. Our team members recognize that, in an effort to advance the health and well-being of individuals and families across our service area, the right voices need to be at the table. We are thrilled that The Roots of Well-Being will bring these insightful conversations to a wider audience,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries.  

Here is what to expect for episode 1 of The Roots of Well-Being: Connecting with Communities:  

In the premiere episode, Cavazos sits down with two of MHM’s Community Council Members from the Rio Grande Valley. Community Council members serve as a bridge between the communities MHM serves and its Board of Directors. Their lived experience provides unique perspectives and insights that are shared with the Board, influencing how decisions are made and carried out. Their stories offer a first-hand look at how community insight can lead to collaboration and powerful partnerships. Audiences will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of elevating local voices in decisions that can influence health outcomes.   

Release Dates:  

• Part 1: January 14, 2026  

• Part 2: January 28, 2026  

To watch the first episode, click here.  

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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.   

San Antonio (December 9, 2024) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. and Methodist Healthcare are bringing holiday magic to families in need for the 13th consecutive year with their beloved Christmas Tree Giveaway. More than 150 beautifully decorated Christmas trees and 60 festive wreaths will brighten homes across San Antonio—thanks to the creativity and generosity of Methodist Healthcare team members.

This year’s celebration featured an extra dose of excitement with a special assist from the San Antonio Spurs, as their staff joined the festivities to make the season even brighter.

The event took place Tuesday, December 9, at Wesley Health & Wellness Center, transformed into a dazzling Winter Wonderland where families selected their trees—each thoughtfully decorated by Methodist Healthcare staff from hospitals across the city.

“This annual tradition is one of our team members’ favorite activities because they get to see the smiles on the faces of families as they pick their tree for the year,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “These days, it’s even more important to spread charity and cheer to those in our community who need it most.”

Since 2012, Methodist Healthcare hospitals have competed in a spirited tree-decorating contest, with the all of the creations—and wreaths—donated and delivered to Wesley Health & Wellness Center for distribution. Participating facilities include: Methodist Hospital, Methodist Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital | Landmark, Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, Methodist Hospital | Northeast, Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant, Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak, Methodist Hospital | Texsan, Methodist Hospital | Westover Hills, and the Methodist Healthcare Office.

“This meaningful event is a wonderful way for both Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Methodist Healthcare to live out our shared mission of Serving Humanity to Honor God,” said Palmira Arellano, Vice President of Community Engagement for Methodist Healthcare. “It’s truly uplifting to see the tradition of gifting trees and wreaths continue to grow, as it is a reflection of our staff’s commitment to caring for our community beyond the walls of our hospitals.”

Families receiving trees were selected from Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ programs, including Parenting, Recreation & Enrichment, Behavioral Health, and Wesley Nurse services. While waiting, families enjoyed the Winter Wonderland experience complete with holiday décor and festive activities. This year, Cowboy the Rhino, a mascot from the San Antonio also joined the fun to help spread some holiday cheer. 

As the Official Healthcare System of the San Antonio Spurs, Methodist Healthcare partnered with the Spurs to spread even more holiday cheer. The Coyote, Spurs Hype Squad, and staff were on-site to greet families and help load trees.

“The holidays are a time when our community leans into hope and connection. By sharing these trees with families across our community, we hope to offer a small gift that brings joy,” said Patricia Mejia, Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer at Spurs Sports & Entertainment. “It is a privilege to stand alongside Methodist each year as we work together to help brighten homes and honor the spirit of care that defines San Antonio.”

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

About Methodist Healthcare

Methodist Healthcare is a 50-50 co-ownership between Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., South Texas’ largest non-public funding source of community health care for uninsured patients; and HCA Healthcare, the nation’s leading provider of healthcare services. This creates a unique partnership that ensures Methodist Healthcare Ministries continues to benefit the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. Methodist Healthcare has invested $2.18 billion in the community over the past 10 years. With 30 facilities, including eleven hospitals and ten freestanding emergency departments, over 832,191 inpatients and outpatients and 506,488 ER patients are served annually. The Methodist Healthcare team is comprised of 15,000, making the system the third largest private employer in San Antonio. Methodist Healthcare provides the largest array of medical services in the region, including neurosurgery, cardiovascular services, oncology and women’s services. And with 25 surgical robots, Methodist Healthcare is a national leader in robotic surgery, as well as home to the nation’s largest Live Donor Kidney Transplant program. Visit SAHealth.comto learn more.

About Spurs Sports & Entertainment 

Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) is a value-based and community-centric sports and entertainment company that provides premier live and global digital experiences for fans across a portfolio of three teams and several first-class venues in South Texas – all supported by a staff of more than 1,000 full and part-time employees. SS&E owns and operates the San Antonio Spurs (NBA), Austin Spurs (NBA G League), and San Antonio FC (USL), as well as manages the day-to-day operations of the Frost Bank Center, The Rock at La Cantera, Toyota Field and Ricos STAR Soccer Complex. The SS&E investor group is led by Managing Partner Peter J. Holt.

San Antonio, July 17, 2025 – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. has partnered with the American Heart Association to provide Hands-Only CPR demonstrations during the Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Camp Wesley on July 17th from 1 PM – 4 PM. This initiative is part of AHA’s ongoing commitment to community health and education. 

Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Camp Wesley is held at its Wesley Health & Wellness Center every year and is a beloved summer day program for children and youth ages 6 to 17. This year, 100 campers will add Hands-Only CPR training to the traditional camp activities, all at no cost thanks to generous community support.

“We are so grateful for partners like the American Heart Association, who devote their time to teaching our community–even the smallest members–how to feel calm and prepared in a cardiac emergency,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We are thankful for this partnership and look forward to more opportunities to empowers people in the community to act and respond in the case of an emergency.”

The American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ movement is to turn bystanders into lifesavers, so that in the event of cardiac emergency anyone, anywhere is prepared and empowered to become a critical link in the chain of survival and provide CPR. Together we can save lives. 

Currently, 70% of Americans feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. We are currently a nation of bystanders that lack the knowledge/confidence to act and save a life.

Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital in the United States. When a person experiences cardiac arrest, survival depends on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby. About 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die – in part because CPR is performed less than half the time. 

“These trainings help us get closer to our goal of doubling the survival rate of cardiac arrest by 2030. However, we cannot do it alone,” said Theresa Speiss, executive director of the American Heart Association San Antonio. “We depend on partners like Methodist Healthcare Ministries to help get this vital training into the hands of our community.” 

With a century of lifesaving work, the American Heart Association has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. A shared focus on cardiovascular health unites the more than 35 million volunteers and supporters to the more than 2,900 employees. To learn more about the organization, visit heart.org/en/affiliates/texas or call 210-810-3100. 

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. 
Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. 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. To learn more, visit mhm.org. 

San Antonio (July 5, 2025) Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ hearts are heavy in the wake of the catastrophic flooding that has impacted its service area. To the families, communities, and partners affected, the organizations stand in solidarity—sharing its profound heartache in the face of devastating loss.  

“Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to every person living through this tragedy, we mourn with you and are here to walk alongside you in the days to come,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO. 

For those looking to provide immediate local financial support, consider donating to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country: click here to donate. 

In the days, weeks, and months to come, Methodist Healthcare Ministries will continue to strengthen our presence and support in whatever ways are needed to bring healing and comfort.  Through its community-based staff and funding, the organization will work with its partners to do all it can to walk alongside each person, family, and community in recovering from this disaster.  

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

(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.