Guest blog submitted by Jennifer Lee with the Center for Public Policy Priorities

The new national KIDS COUNT® Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation reminds us how challenging it is to be a kid in Texas. Once again, Texas ranked among the ten worst states for children.

There were a few bright spots for the Lone Star State including improved math proficiency for eighth graders, and a decrease in the number of kids living in families where no parent has full-time employment. And some policy improvements in the past legislative session intended to improve the quality of pre-kindergarten are a good first step to getting children on a solid educational footing. But our state is missing too many opportunities to support our kids.

Texas' poor ranking in many measurements of child-wellbeing, from education and health care to families' economic security, threatens the next generation of Texans and the caliber of the state's workforce. We're a proud state, and we all want our children to have a bright and prosperous future, but our policies aren't supporting the development of healthy, well-educated children and economically secure families.

Over the past five years, Texas kids have experienced very slow and uneven progress in many important areas, and are generally still worse off than before the recession. A growing number of Texas children live in a high-poverty neighborhood, where there are fewer opportunities in education, and where health and safety are at risk. Notably, one in four Texas kids live in poverty, a number that has remained consistent since 2008, despite the booming economic growth the state has experienced in recent years.

Texas has improved in many categories related to children's health, but the state still has far to go.

The rate of Texas children without health insurance improved from 18 to 13 percent from 2008 to 2013. 13 percent may not sound like a big number, but it represents almost 900,000 kids, ranking Texas 2nd worst in the country for kids without health insurance. Research shows that if Texas did more to insure parents, then more kids would get insurance coverage by extension.

Texas can turn the tide, but only by adopting comprehensive policy solutions – like closing the health care Coverage Gap – that benefit children of all backgrounds and prepare them to be healthy, well-educated and financially secure. All Texas kids – regardless of race or ethnicity – should have the chance to compete and succeed in life.

Visit the KIDS COUNT Data Center for the most recent national, state and local data on hundreds of indicators of child well-being. The Data Center allows users to create rankings, maps and graphs for use in publications and on websites, and to view real-time information on mobile devices. Click below to view the entire KIDS COUNT 2015 Data Book.

This article originally appeared on the Center for Public Policy Priorities blog, Better Texas Blog. To view, click here.

By Mickey McCandless, Director of Spiritual Care & Church Connections

Did you know the reference to waiting is found in 116 instances within the Bible? Psalm 27:14, Micah 7:7 and Acts 1:3-4 are some of my favorite scriptural references to waiting. Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines wait as “to stay in place until an expected event happens, until someone arrives, until it is your turn to do something…to not do something until something else happens; to remain in a state in which you expect or hope that something will happen soon.”

Too often we understand waiting to mean we are wasting time or not taking charge of a situation. Biblically, waiting is an active verb indicating that “to wait” is to be aware through all of the senses of what is occurring around you and discerning the right time to do the next thing. To wait is to be open to experiencing the holy moments around you: to experience feelings emanating from another person; to hear words in a broader context; or to experience God’s presence through others. During hurrying or busyness it is easy to miss these opportunities.

The virtue of waiting reminds me of Lola. Lola was my good friend from my first appointment at Banquete. She was raised on a farm, had served as an inner city schoolteacher at a disadvantaged school and she was very active in church with a passion for reaching new people in fresh ways. Lola had never smoked, but at age 70 she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She fought against it for five years.

During her five-year battle, I moved to a church in Corpus Christi. One day, I received a phone call that Lola was in a hospital near me so I went for a visit. Her room was dark and comfortable. She was aware of my presence, but not verbally communicative. I spoke to her briefly. I waited for an hour, simply listening to her breathing, experiencing her spirit and becoming aware of the gift that was Lola. I became aware of God’s Spirit and reflected on my feelings about life as it begins and ends. I touched Lola and spoke a word of love and grace before I left. She died the next day. I had the privilege of preaching at her funeral.

Waiting is a spiritual discipline because it allows each of us to more fully experience who we are, the world around us and the presence of God. Practice waiting and may you be filled with God’s Spirit as you do.

By Sandi McKinney, RN, Wesley Nurse

I was delighted to participate in the Univision Health Tour, which visited San Antonio July 10 at Woodlawn Lake. The tour was part of Univision's month-long health and wellness initiative. The national media company, who caters to Hispanic Americans, created the campaign to bring education and awareness to communities about healthier living. The goal is to bring tools and empowerment to people so they can take action and lead healthier lives.

Wesley Nurses and community health workers from Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) supported Univision's goal by bringing tools for healthy living to event attendees. We provided free health screenings to more than 70 participants. The types of screenings included blood pressure and glucose checks. We also shared education about various health topics and referred individuals to additional resources based on their personal needs. Notably, 52 of the individuals screened by MHM had no health insurance.

I'm so thankful we were present to help those in need, within our community, receive important health screenings that may have a direct impact on their overall lifestyle and well-being. With no health insurance, these individuals may not have received this care without the support provided by MHM. I'm happy we had the opportunity to attend the event and to serve the attendees. We were definitely at the right place, at the right time.

By Andy H., Community Development Manager

A recent poll by National Public Radio (NPR), the Robert Wood Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health provides interesting insights into how much control Americans believe they have over their own health:

• Overall, 78 percent felt they had a great deal or quite a bit of control over their own health.
• Half of the respondents who reported being in fair or bad health did not believe they had much control over their own health.
• Individuals living in lower income households were twice as likely to believe they had little control as those in upper income households.
• Furthermore, 31 percent of Hispanic respondents believed they had little control over their health.

Not surprisingly, those who reported feeling they had control over their own health were more likely to be actively involved in managing and improving their health. The individuals who reported feeling they did not have control of their own health were less engaged. In my opinion, this data confirms the need for education and empowerment to help promote a more capable and healthy public.

The poll's findings confirmed a link between an individual's personal belief system and his or her confidence in their ability to change a situation or make something happen. Control over one's circumstances, their self-efficacy, is a significant predicator of self-motivation and behavior change the research concluded.

Nurturing, encouraging and empowering patients and clients' self-efficacy is important. In addition, the need for engagement and education remains. We need all three.

By Shannon P., Parenting Programs Manager

There are many things that make me proud to be a San Antonion. There's nothing quite like Fiesta–San Antonio's annual celebration; I love my Spurs and the beauty of the Riverwalk is unmatched. Unfortunately, San Antonio beats out other cities in a couple of other not-so-impressive categories. For example, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, nearly one in six adults in San Antonio do not have a high school diploma. And, Bexar County ranks second in the state for incidents of child abuse and neglect. What's more troubling, in 2013, Bexar County had the highest number of repeat victims in the state–children who are re-victimized after their families have gone through Child Protective Services.

I dedicated my career to families. Prior to joining Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM), I worked with city government supporting strong family units through education and prevention. I know there are programs that work. I know that there are parents, guardians and caretakers that are enriched through the variety of family and parenting programs available. I hear first-hand testaments from participants of MHM's parenting programs all the time, "I know now how to be a parent, a better disciplinarian." I have dads tell me, "I've learned how to control my anger and to express myself in a healthy way." These programs change people's lives, truly.

But with a need so strong, how do I begin to position myself in all the places I can so others are aware of the free parenting programs like peer support groups and classes that MHM has to offer in San Antonio and throughout South Texas? With a need so strong, there has to be a way to become a frontline resource, I contemplated.

Then, after discovering the disturbing and heartbreaking statistics issued by the Texas Department of Family and Protectives Services, I began to brainstorm ways I could position MHM's parenting programs to be a part of the family services process. We already have countless families benefitting from our programs, but the numbers don't lie–there are more individuals that need help.

With that, we decided we needed to expand the program to a new population outside of the Wesley Health & Wellness Center, operated by MHM, and the community sites we partner with to provide parenting programs. A few months ago, we established a Meld Parent Support Group and began to offer the Nurturing Parenting Program® at the Bexar County Mentally Impaired Offenders Facility, a special residential facility for offenders with documented mental health challenges. Additionally, we started a Nurturing Parenting Program® at Fabian Dominquez, a state jail in San Antonio, and at the Bexar County Jail where we work with the work-release population in hopes of teaching inmates parenting skills as they are about to re-enter society and reunite with their children. We also plan to expand to reach the ever-growing military population in San Antonio. Classes have already started at Lackland Air Force Base and plans are in the works to have programs offered at Fort Sam Houston as well.

Although the statistics I discovered alarmed me and are greatly troubling, I am optimistic in the vitality of the city I love and rigor of Texans. MHM hasn't given up in the 20 years they've been serving those in need, nor will I.

To learn more about MHM's parenting programs, click here. To find a class near you, visit our Event Calendar.

Q&A with Lisa O.

Question: What does a Community Health Worker do at Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM)?

Answer: Community Health Workers (CHW) or Promotores de Salud wear many hats! CHWs are members of the community who are chosen by community members or organizations to provide basic health care to their community. At MHM, we work closely with the Wesley Nurse program. Our roles vary depending on the programming or community needs.

Question: What's your typical day look like?

Answer: During a typical day, I may help with organizing a health or resource fair and look for partners to promote an event. CHWs have the opportunity to educate and enroll our clients within the health insurance marketplace. More recently, we have partnered with EnrollSA to offer education sessions and enrollment assistance. Being a part of this coalition, has given us the opportunity to partner with other community agencies and health care organizations like Methodist Healthcare System, BiblioTech and libraries in San Antonio.

Question: What is the best part of your job?

Answer: As a CHW, I want to save the world, truly. My job gives me the belief that I can. The community and my team help me accomplish this through my daily tasks and assignments.

Question: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Answer: I enjoy watching a good movie, but not romance. I enjoy reading, but have a short attention span. Currently, I am reading The Wisdom of Whores a study on HIV/AIDS; Prince Lestat about a vampire; and Wuthering Heights. They are all totally different stories. And any day of the week, I am always up for karaoke!

Question: What do you love about living in Texas?

Answer: What I love most about Texas is that my family is here. Of course, I also love the hot weather and the beautiful wildflowers in the Spring. I'm glad that our state is so diverse and we have the music capitol of the world in our backyard. I enjoy our Texas beaches in the summer and long Hill Country drives with cicadas singing in the back ground. I can't leave out Selena and celebrating Fiesta for two weeks!

Interview with Brit P., Human Resources Manager at MHM and MHvsMS team member

Editor's note: We are thankful for Brit's candor as she shared some personal thoughts with us about her participation in the Bike MS: Valero Ride to the River event as part of the MHvsMS team. She had some very helpful words of wisdom for new team members or riders who may be thinking about joining the team, "Just do it!"

Question: Why do you ride with MHvsMS?

Answer: I ride to support the people who battle Multiple Sclerosis (MS) every day.

It is my nature, I am always hungry for a new challenge. For years I had heard of the Bike MS event, but I wasn't brave enough to do it on my own. When I learned about the MHvsMS team, it was an exciting opportunity to join a bunch of crazy cyclists like myself wanting to better themselves, enjoy the outdoors and also be part of the wonderful camaraderie of the group. It has been so much fun getting to know new friends.

Question: How long have you been cycling?

Answer: I've been active all my life. As a teenager, I would ride frequently. Within the last ten years, I have become more serious about my health and improving my cardio. I've been cycling mostly in a controlled environment. I love indoor cycling classes! I resumed my outdoor cycling life about three years ago.

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

Answer: The trainings, friendships, laughter, pains and fun we have make the event really memorable. Even day is exciting, but to me, it is the preview to the main event that makes it all worthwhile.

Question: Do you have any tips for new riders?

Answer: Just do it! Don't be afraid! You would be amazed at what your body can do. When riding those tough hills, your mind might be telling you, this can't be done," but if you leave all those negative thoughts behind you and just let your machine work, you will be surprised. In the end, you will be proud of yourself for achieving the highest levels of performance that you first thought you wouldn't be able to do.

Question: Do you have any additional comments?

Answer: Being part of the MHvsMS team is a win-win opportunity. Your fitness will improve, you will be raising funds for a worthwhile cause and you will meet new friends. What else can anyone ask for?

Learn more about the MHvsMS team or follow their progress on Facebook.

By Ann S., RN, Wesley Nurse, Mason

If it's been a while since you experienced life through the eyes of a child, then you are missing some of the best and most revitalizing medicine in the world. Seeing life as a child can renew you and remind you His teachings surround us all.

Teresa W., RN, Wesley Nurse in Mertzon, is my friend and teammate. She has a love for children and a love for God that is inspiring. When she told me about teaching children about His journey, using a dozen Easter eggs, my own love for the Easter story renewed. I just knew I wanted to share her story of those colorful Easter eggs. Not just any Easter eggs, but a set of 12 special eggs known as Resurrection Eggs.

Teresa explained that each egg holds a different symbol of Jesus' journey to the cross for you and me. As Teresa told the Easter story, she cracked open each egg. Beginning with a donkey in the first egg, Teresa walked with the children from Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, to Judas' betrayal, Peter's denial, the Crucifixion on the cross to the resurrection and empty tomb, which was represented by an empty egg. As she held up each object, she read the correlating scripture that told the story.

Sometimes I can get caught up in the busyness of life and take lose sight of the remarkable events Jesus planned for me through His death and resurrection. Jesus understood the concept of seeing life through the eyes of children and speaks to it in Luke 18:16-17, "…Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (NIV)

I admire children's ability to soak in knowledge so readily, and to see life's little miracles—even those as small as a colorful egg. Don't miss the big lessons hidden in seemingly small packages. My hope is for everyone to be reminded of the Easter story and what it teaches us about God's love.

Learn more about resurrection eggs at www.familylife.com.

Interview with Pete O., Technical Services Manager at MHM and MHvsMS team member

Editor's note: We recently had the opportunity to learn more from Pete O., a veteran MHvsMS team member, about his participation in the Bike MS: Valero Ride to the River. The team rides in support of those who battle Multiple Sclerosis (MS). While we weren't surprised by Pete's giving spirit or positive attitude, it was inspiring to hear why Pete rides in his own words.

Question: Why do you ride with MHvsMS?

Answer: I previously played basketball, but age had a chat with me and said that was a bad idea. I still loved to exercise so I began running Triathlons, but running became an issue, which is when I began to focus on cycling. When I began working at Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) a flyer for the team caught my eye. Since I already rode, I figured I should do it for a good cause.

Being part of the MHvsMS team is just fun! The team consists of a great group of people. Leading up to event day, we meet for training rides and the team provides each member with a MHvsMS uniform. On event day, we enjoy a tent full of goodies after the ride. Each year, it seems to get more fun. I look forward to it more and train harder. Being part of the MHvsMS team is very motivating—I get so much more out of the event than I put in!

Question: How long have you been cycling?

Answer: I've been cycling for eight years. This will be my fourth ride with the MHvsMS team.

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

Answer: The people make up my favorite memories. There are people who cheer us on at the starting and finish lines. Many of these cheerleaders have MS. I'm happy to apply something I already enjoy doing into something that is hopefully beneficial for my fellow human beings. This dovetails right in with the mission at MHM. I am very fortunate and anytime I can give back, whether at work or in other venues, it is incredibly fulfilling.

Question: Do you have any tips for new riders?

Answer: Do not be intimidated by the distances. Cycling is something almost everyone can do and there is a distance for everyone. The team has numerous training rides throughout the year. Barry Blackman is our team captain, the driving force of the group. You will be sore when you start, but the sense of accomplishment you get from completing the ride is amazing. For more specific tips, just ask any of the team members who already participate. I would love to answer any questions. Feel free to contact me. I love talking (as everyone is aware who knows me) so I would love to help any way I can.

Question: Do you have any additional comments?

Answer: There are team members who have been impacted by MS, some of them in the most severe and challenging ways possible. The Bike MS event allows you to challenge yourself, both physically and mentally, and in the end come out a better person than when you started. At the same time, you get to contribute in a very meaningful way to a cause that will make a difference in other people's lives and help eliminate the hardships that some of our peers have had to endure. Hard to think of anything that is more powerful than this.

Learn more about the MHvsMS team or follow their progress on Facebook.

By Christine "Chris" Yanas, Director of Government Relations

Sometime before the end of June, the United States Supreme Court will be issuing a ruling in the King v. Burwell case that will decide whether financial assistance to consumers in the form of premium tax credits or subsidies will continue to be available in all states, or whether they will be eliminated from the approximately 36 states that offer insurance coverage through a federal health care marketplace, including Texas.

Should the Court decide to eliminate the premium tax credits for these states, the loss of the subsidies would be devastating to millions of families across the country that were able to secure affordable insurance coverage with the financial assistance of the federal government.

In Texas, as many as 1.4 million individuals, including thousands of children, could go uninsured if the Court rules against the government. Roughly 10 percent of Texas marketplace enrollees are children, meaning more than 100,000 Texas kids could be among those who lose coverage.

With the highest percentage of uninsured people in the country, Texas has the most to gain from the availability of affordable healthcare through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the most to lose if subsidies are taken away.

Infographic: Possible King v. Burwell Rulings

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.'s (MHM) mission is "Serving Humanity to Honor God" by improving the physical, mental and spiritual health of low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas. We support and advocate for federal and statewide efforts to secure affordable coverage for all Texans. We pray that our Supreme Court justices affirm the provisions and intent of the ACA to provide financial assistance to qualifying families regardless of whether the healthcare marketplace is run by the federal government or the states.

Sources: Health Affairs, June 2015; Texas Hospital Association, THA.org.

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.

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.