By Dominica Garza, Communications Manager

Language is something many of us take for granted – the ability to communicate with others, to read, to write. Communication helps us to create shared meaning between two or more parties. But, what happens when there are barriers to communication like the inability to read or to understand the native language of the country in which you reside, or much worse, what if you cannot speak the language?

A PBS special titled, "Do you speak American? Texas English," asserts that English is, historically, the second language of the state. Even setting aside the languages of Native Americans in the area, Spanish was spoken in Texas for nearly a century before English was. According to the Modern Language Association's Language Map Data Center, more than 90 languages are spoken in Texas. Of that, English is spoken by 65.80 percent of people over five years old in Texas, while languages other than English are spoken by 34.20 percent.

This diversity makes it especially difficult to provide education, and diagnose and treat health conditions. Language differences can be a huge barrier in providing effective healthcare.

Diabetes, obesity and mental illness – some of the more prevalent conditions faced by Texans – don't discriminate based on language. Because of this, it's important for healthcare providers to acknowledge the importance of language when interacting with their patients or clients. At Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM), we understand the vast landscape of spoken language in South Texas. To help our healthcare providers and team members performing outreach, we contracted with LanguageLine Solutions® to provide us with access to their over-the-phone operating system. The system provides team members with access to a LanguageLine interpreter to listen to a patient or client, analyze their message and accurately convey its original meaning to the MHM staff person.

It's been a great tool to help remove language barriers and address health concerns. Many patients or clients who seek our help are already in distress. They sometimes fear hospitals and clinics because they do not have the means to afford treatment or they are coming to us as a last resort and are in dire need of assistance. In this state of heightened distress, we want to eliminate obstacles that slow down or hinder our ability to provide care or treatment. LanguageLine is a resource to help us provide care in the communities in which we serve.

by George Thomas, Chief Operating Officer

The Wesley Theological Seminary, a teaching seminary and service-oriented community located in Washington, DC, has identified a variety of health ministry models to include:

1. Congregational Health & Wellness Ministry – Health ministry seeks to find common ground among other congregational ministries, such as social justice, religious education, volunteer visitors, hospitality and youth ministries.
2. Health Ministers – Health ministers are healthcare professionals, barbers, stay-at-home parents and lawyers to accountants. They can take be health navigators, wellness coaches, outreach workers, health educators, and health ambassadors, promoters de salud and health promoters.
3. Faith Community Nursing – The American Nurses Association, working with the Health Ministries Association, approved a new registered nurse certification program for Faith Community Nurses. Faith Community Nursing, formerly known as parish nursing, is a process for active licensed registered nurses to obtain a specialty practice certification by portfolio beginning in 2014. Some of the key roles of a faith community nurse may include health education, health counseling, referrals, health ministry team coordinator and volunteer coordination.
4. Hospital/Primary Care Based Congregational Networks – With the Affordable Care Act healthcare legislation emphasizing population-based care and improved health care continuity for patients, the health minister and faith community nurse roles shows promise. From a hospital's and primary care provider's perspective, these roles are valuable in that they provide linkages and connections into the community, especially faith communities.
5. Community Based Congregational Networks – Health ministry teams from different places of worship often join together in local or regional networks to share resources and support each other through regular meetings.

At Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM), we have adopted a Faith Community Nursing approach to health ministry. This model is carried out through our Wesley Nurse Program, which was established in 1997 and has grown to serve 80 sites throughout South Texas making it MHM's largest geographic outreach program. All Wesley Nurses are Registered Nurses – an aspect unique to MHM. Currently, all Wesley Nurses are in the process of becoming certified in Faith Community Nursing. The certification is awarded through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in partnership with the Health Ministries Association.

From a primary care perspective, Wesley Nurses are an invaluable link in the healthcare delivery continuum. They connect people, congregations and community to health and wellness. They motivate others to action while remaining grounded in faith. We could not operate successfully without this important ministry.

By George Thomas, Chief Operating Officer

The American Medical Association describes clinical integration as:

"The means to facilitate the coordination of patient care across conditions, providers, settings, and time in order to achieve care that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-focused." Similarly, one of the principle mandates of the Affordable Care Act is to encourage or promote methodologies for reducing costs, increasing efficiency and enhancing the quality of care."

My interpretation of clinical integration and this mandate is that healthcare providers need to find innovative ways to provide a higher quality of care. Far too often, the news is blanketed with stories of malpractice, mismanagement, or – far worse – news of tragedy that could have been prevented.

While Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.'s clinics (Wesley Health & Wellness Center; Bishop Ernest T. Dixon, Jr. Clinic; and School Based Health Centers in Schertz and Marion) are not accredited by The Joint Commission – a leader in accrediting and certifying health care organizations in the United States – we do abide by a very strict and well-formulated set of standards in order to provide high quality care to low-income families in South Texas.

The American Medical Association understands the value of clinical integration, and the Affordable Care Act specifically addresses the need for improvements in the delivery of care. We at Methodist Healthcare Ministries, too, must look at ways to improve our operations.

It reminds me of the 'pot roast story' many of us have heard: One day after school a young girl noticed that her mom was cutting off the ends of a pot roast before putting it in the oven to cook for dinner. She had seen her mom do this many times before but had never asked her why. So this time she asked and her mom replied, "I don't know why I cut the ends off, but it's what my mom always did." So the young girl called her grandmother on the phone and asked, "Grandma why do you cut the ends off the pot roast before cooking it?" Her grandmother replied, "I don't know. That's just the way my mom always cooked it." Undeterred, the girl called her great grandmother and asked her the same question – why did you cut the ends off the pot roast before cooking it? She said, "When I was first married we had a very small oven, and the pot roast didn't fit in the oven unless I cut the ends off."

I hold this story very close to me. I want to always question our practices: Are we being good stewards of our resources? Are we looking for innovations to improve our operations? Do we have a safe environment for our patients? Are we providing quality care?

Far too often, health care providers practice in silos. They lack meaningful connections and their information exchanges with other health care entities or providers is limited. Without coordination, patients are more likely to receive duplicative diagnostic tests, have adverse prescription drug interactions and get conflicting care plans.

Clinical integration is a continuous process of alignment across the care continuum that supports the Triple Aim of health care: Improving quality of care; reducing or controlling the cost of care; and improving access to care and the overall patient experience.

Knowing that this is a continuous process, I am going to continuously ask questions, measure outcomes and look for improvements because I believe our patients' well-being is of the utmost importance.

By Kathy Crosby, RN, Wesley Nurse

I have been a Wesley Nurse since 2013. Early on, I learned a main function of the Wesley Nurse profession is assessing the needs of the community in which I serve. Although I work for Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM), headquartered in San Antonio, my actual work site is at First United Methodist Church in Bastrop. Bastrop is located about 30 miles southeast of Austin and is situated in the Capital District of the Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church – the Rio Texas Conference defines MHM's service area.

During my time in Bastrop, I witnessed the need for a respite program in Bastrop. The caregiver and elderly community was large in heart and might, but severely lacking in support and resources.

I worked with the Alzheimer's Association and Bastrop First United Methodist Church to form a partnership to address the need. Brenda Zimmerman, who later became the volunteer director for the soon-to-be group, made the program a reality. Through her leadership and the commitment of 24 volunteers, the Bastrop New Hope Respite program officially launched on September 25, 2014.

The program is 100 percent volunteer-driven and funded by the generous donations of community members. Bastrop New Hope Respite provides a safe, faith-based environment for persons in the early to middle stages of Alzheimer's and dementia-related diseases, and is offered every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at no cost. Attends receive a snack and home-cooked lunch.

In a relatively short period of time we have already twelve regulars to the group. Volunteers support the group by playing games, making crafts, conducting sing-a-longs, exercising, and bringing in special guests.

To support volunteers and caregivers, I facilitate a Caring for the Caregiver Support Group with Dorothy Williams, LBSW. The group meets every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

I can't put into words the joy I feel when I observe first-hand the fulfillment members of the group receive. Some who were once withdrawn are now socializing with others and now have a place and network to belong to. I believe God's work is at hand in the city of Bastrop.

By Terri H., Intake Coordinator

I joined Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. (MHM) in March 2004, however I was first introduced to MHM in 1997 when I was a Wesley Primary Care Clinic employee. Through the years I have seen tremendous change and growth in MHM and all for the best. Each day I hear our patients' needs and their stories of survival. I listen closely and let them know that we care and we are here to help. I find satisfaction at the end of the day knowing that I was able to help that patient through my compassion and listening. Some patients let me know that I have helped them feel better by thanking me through their blessings and hugs. To hear this makes me feel proud to be part of the MHM family.

Since 2008, I have had to deal with a serious illness – something I pray no one close to me ever has to deal with. MHM is so blessed to have such wonderful team members that care and are compassionate, not only with patients, but with coworkers. In 2012, when I was going through treatment, not a single day went by without kind words whispered to me. I am so thankful for Our Heavenly Lord who has put us here, in addition to my beautiful family and the team at MHM. I am so proud of the group of ladies I work with in Intake who have been my biggest support group. My supervisor, Lorraine, has been there for me since the beginning of my journey. She has listened and prayed with me. I have such respect and admiration for her. She was never too busy to help me.

All I can say is that I am very proud to be part of the MHM family. And I know our patients feel the same way. I pray that through the coming years and continued growth, MHM will remain successful in tending to our mission.

by Bridget Lamme-Kerr, Director of Human Resources

We take pride in our commitment to the health of the community. At Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM), healthy living is also supported internally. Not only do we talk the talk, but we also walk the walk. Our team members benefit from a diverse wellness package designed to support the whole individual—mind, body and spirit.

From the 100 percent employer-paid insurance plan to the annual health screenings our dedication to the team's overall health is unmatched. Our internal wellness program, MHM Be Well, offers a health reimbursement for certain health related expenses up to $250 per year along with ongoing fitness challenges that encourage teamwork and physical activity. Team members also participate in a variety of MHM community-sponsored events, such as walks and runs. It becomes a benefit for everyone involved because team members get active while also giving back to the communities where we serve.

Healthy living isn't just our job. It's at the core of our culture. We provide our team with a variety of tools to meet their individual needs and champion them as they work toward their individual health goals. We do this because it's who we are, it's part of our mission, "Serving Humanity to Honor God" and it's also one of the reasons why I'm proud to be an MHMer.

In fact, the American Heart Association recently recognized MHM as a Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite. This designation celebrates the organization's commitment to providing a healthy workplace for team members. It places MHM in an elite group of 16 San Antonio companies who share the Fit-Friendly Worksite honor.

For over 20 years, MHM has been committed to helping our neighbors and friends in the community stay healthy, but we don't stop there. This same pledge extends to members of our organization as well and we're proud of it.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is a proud host of the Spurs Youth Basketball League held at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center (WHWC). The goals of the league are: to encourage youth to remain in school; act with integrity; say no to drugs; make positive choices; and respect one another. The youth learn these valuable skills, while also having fun.

On, Jan. 25, over 25 youth from the league were chosen to attend the Spurs vs. Milwaukee Bucks game at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. These young fans were selected because of their good sportsmanship and excellent character. The group met at WHWC where they enjoyed pizza before boarding a chartered bus to the game. The group was even treated to a front row seat to view a post-game interview between San Antonio Spurs' Kawai Leonard and Sean Elliot. The youth learned what Kawai likes to do during his free time and several fans received Sean's autograph.

The excitement carried over from game night to practice the next day. More than 50 of league participants were surprised when NBA Hall of Framer, Neville Shed, appeared. Neville spoke to the youth, ages 9 to 14, about good sportsmanship and the importance of learning and understanding the fundamentals of basketball.

The surprises continued when San Antonio Spur, Aron Baynes, and Assistant Coach, Chad Forcier, arrived. Aron and Chad provided the youth with unique insights about what it's actually like to be a champion San Antonio Spur. Then it was time to get moving as the group split up to do drills with their special guests. This exciting evening was topped off with several youth winning tickets to an upcoming San Antonio Spurs game and goody bags sponsored by San Antonio Sports.

By Sharlene Scheler, Wesley Nurse, Smithville

Food insecurity threatens millions of Americans. During any typical week, the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas serves more than 48,000 people. Further, 1 in 5 families suffer physical pain from hunger. Smithville, Texas is no different. The community falls within the 26 percent poverty rate. The need is great, but thankfully, the giving hearts of others are great too.

The Smithville Food Pantry services Bastrop Country and the Smithville area. The site distributes food and other necessities on Wednesday mornings each week to an average of 80 families. During this time, I see pantry clients for blood pressure and sugar checks. In addition, I answer other questions and provide healthcare referrals. My partnership with the food pantry made perfect sense. The clients are already making the trip so if I'm there too; it makes meeting with me a convenient stop.

I found that partnering with local organizations, such as the food pantry, is rewarding. It is easy for the client and builds a network of support they can trust for quality care. My natural passion for helping others is always searching for new ways to help, such as developing the annual Smithville Diaper Drives in partnership with my local food pantry.

While hunger and food insecurity are serious concerns, each of us can help support those in need by donating or volunteering at a local food bank.

I have come to the realization that each of us can truly make a difference in the lives of others.

Stories of success from Gracie A., Clinic Administration

Hello my name is Gracie. I recently celebrated my 10-year anniversary with Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM). I am happy to be an employee of MHM. Through the years I have seen so much growth within the company with employees as well as clients/patients.

Employees have always been an inspiration, helpful and worked as a team. There are many so many stories that I can tell you…I go home every day knowing I have made someone's day. I have helped someone who felt that they were at a "dead end" health-wise. I have had men and women cry to me telling me they didn't have any other place to go or any means of money. They may need help with food or assistance with a bill or counseling. At the end of the day you say to yourself, "I did a great thing today…I was able to help someone get to the next step in their lives." I truly know God has me here for a reason.

The constant appreciation, the hugs and the blessings from everyone I see, and those I am able to help turn a frown into a smile, just makes my day! When someone says, "Look at me at me now, I have teeth!" Their smile makes your day. When someone tells you they can walk or they feel better as they stop you in the hall, it is such a wonderful blessing. I feel like I'm the privileged one to be there at that desk at that time.

The Wesley Health & Wellness Center (WHWC), a mission of Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., had a gymnasium filled with laughter, thankfulness and full stomachs on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Nearly 400 clients, team members and friends from the community joined together for a Thanksgiving meal prepared by the Wesley Café. While this annual event continues to grow in attendance, the fellowship among participants remains the most rewarding aspect of the luncheon.

Attendees ranged in age, from infant to elderly. There were families with young children and senior couples. The attendees were as diverse as the menu. Chef Alan and his team prepared a homemade Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. The menu consisted of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread stuffing, Caesar salad, gravy, fresh cranberry sauce, whole fresh fruit and assorted traditional pies. Water, tea, cider and coffee were also available.

Many guests were unable to carry all of their goodies after making their way through the serving line. Fortunately, MHM had special volunteers onsite to assist the guests back to their seat. They were small in size, but had very big hearts volunteering their time to support the luncheon. Girl Scouts assisted during the meal by carrying plates or drinks for the luncheon's guests.

The Thanksgiving luncheon was a team effort, enjoyed by all in attendance. It provided a delicious meal, fun with friends and a time to be thankful. It's a tradition we hope to carry on for years!

By Andy Hernandez, Community Development Manager

For those who lack the means to obtain health insurance, being able to do so is a life-changing event. Health insurance provides not only health security, but economic security as well. Many of us are fortunate enough to have an employer-sponsored health insurance plan, but I would like you to take a moment to consider what your life would look like without it. It might look something like this: our lives would be less financially secure; our health care options more limited; and our long-term prospects for living a vital and productive life, more compromised.

The next enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will take place Nov. 15, 2014 through Feb. 15, 2015. This period gives us a window of opportunity to help connect others to the Health Information Marketplace where many affordable healthcare plans are available. Being able to afford health insurance is transformational – it transforms the “underserved” to the “served.”

Your network is broad, as is the need

The one-to-one contacts, conversations and touches we have on a daily basis with our clients and community residents are considerable. Converting our touches into short discussions about the ACA can go a long way in building a prospective list of persons who might benefit from the ACA.

Beyond that, we each have family, friends and neighbors who might be eligible to enroll. If we use our personal “circles of influence” to have conversations with family and friends about the need for, and the opportunity to have, affordable health insurance not only are we are living our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God,” we are being good friends and neighbors. If each Methodist Healthcare Ministries employee could identify two persons who are interested and might be eligible, that’s over 600 potential enrollees!

How you can help

It’s a simple process, really. First, you ask someone their annual income to determine if they make too much or too little to enroll. Don’t worry, I will provide you with an income chart that will quickly tell whether someone qualifies. If it appears, based on this preliminary information, that someone might be eligible you provide him or her with an EnrollSA card to complete and return to you. The card is then returned to EnrollSA, a San Antonio-based coalition of healthcare professionals. A trained staff or volunteer member will then follow up with this individual to work with them to identify healthcare options available to them through the Healthcare Insurance Marketplace. That’s it. That’s all we have to do.

Get started

If you are interested in making a difference and connecting those in need to the healthcare they deserve, email me. I’ll provide you with assistance cards and give you some helpful tips. And we’ll do it pronto!

By Sharlene Scheler, Wesley Nurse, Smithville

Over 15,000 diapers collected

I have always enjoyed helping people. My responsibility as a Wesley Nurse is to be aware of the needs within my community and then finda way to help. One Smithville need that I quickly identified was the high demand for children and adult diapers.

Diapers are very expensive so I determined holding a diaper drive was one way that I could help. Believe it or not, there are many families in the area struggling to provide very basic needs including affording something as basic as diapers. Last year was our inaugural event. We collected 4,000 diapers. That was wonderful. This year was amazing! I promoted this year's event by distributing flyers to local businesses. The local Chamber advertised the diaper drive in their newsletter and the local newspaper promoted it as well. The church's Health Committee helped me make signs for the church too. It was really a group effort, even my husband helped. We collected over 15,000 diapers.

All the diapers collected will be sent to the Smithville Food Pantry for distribution. In addition, some of the children's diapers will be distributed to local organizations helping those in need through the My Baby and Me Maternity Home. It is great to see the wide reach and positive impact our drive was able to make within the community. I'm very proud of our success.

Seeing the relief on the mothers and grandmothers faces when they get that big box of diapers for their little ones proves how important this drive is. God is good. I've witnessed his work through the coming together of people to support this event.