Blog – Page 7 – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

A Love Letter to Dianne Dorsett

DW Admin on January 11, 2020

Dear Dianne,

You were the first team member employed by Methodist Healthcare Ministries — the same year this organization began its mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God.” Your eyes have seen so much through the years. You were there when Methodist Hospital became the Methodist Healthcare System, organized through a new partnership with HCA Healthcare, in 1995. For the past 25 years, you have devoted your time, talents and treasures to fulfilling the mission and vision of this organization. Dianne, you have played a critical role in developing and implementing the processes and procedures that have enabled us to give back millions of dollars in healthcare services in 74 counties across South Texas.

From the beginning, you have served in a leadership role, helping shape the future of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. You first served as the Director of Administrative Services and even stepped-in as interim Director of Human Resources, then later became the Director of Board and Public Relations, and most currently, the Board Liaison.

In your role, as the leader in public relations and communications, you built the department from the ground up. You pioneered the department’s role in establishing effective strategic communications, inside and outside the walls of the organization. You were also the driving force in creating strong and lasting relationships with the news media. You are responsible for paving the way for future communicators whose careers have led them here to further the mission of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. You have crafted the first stories ever told on how people’s lives have changed for the better because of this organization’s dedication to humanity. You have planted seeds that will continue to grow, as we carry on in spreading the good news about this organization’s commitment to healthcare for the underserved. Because of you, our story has beautifully been told and will continue to be echoed in the airwaves of newscasts, digital and print publications, and social media feeds.

As the board liaison, you have been the person most directly responsible for connecting our board members to the senior leadership team. You have been an invaluable resource that keeps the board organized and have supported them as they carry out our mission. And, you take tremendous pride in making sure that our organization is recognized accurately and responsibly for the good work done for those we are passionately and dedicated to serving.

Your selfless commitment to being of service to others embodies a kind spirit and nurturing soul. Your passion for mentoring, leading, connecting, and faithfully answering the call to ministry by bringing the words of John Wesley to life in your daily walk: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can,” is evident in all you do. You have served as an extraordinary ambassador for Methodist Healthcare Ministries and have helped make this organization become a beacon of hope for those who need us the most.There’s no doubt that you will leave a legacy of integrity, commitment, and passion, for generations to come. You have definitely left your mark of excellence across this organization, and beyond.

God placed you here to bless others, as He has graciously blessed us with you. Thank you for faithfully serving and leading us into this new decade. You have helped build a strong foundation that will remain firm for years. Thank you for loving God so much and sharing His love in all you do for humanity. You are our champion, historian, connector, servant-leader, friend, and sister-in-Christ.

We will miss you. We love you!

—Your Methodist Healthcare Ministries family

Legislative Update, December 26

DW Admin on December 26, 2019

In this issue:

Federal Updates

Appeals Court Rules ACA Mandates Unconstitutional
House Passes Healthcare Provisions in Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations Act
House Passes Legislation to Lower Drug Pricing
House Energy & Commerce Committee Pushes to Extend Coverage for Moms

State Updates

Texas House and Senate Release Interim Charges
House Select Committee on Statewide Health Care Costs
HHS Releases Blueprint for a Healthy Texas
New Report Shows High Poverty Rates for Children in Webb County
RGV Equal Voice Network Hosts Access to Specialty Care Summit

Upcoming Hearings

Upcoming Events

View our 2019 Legislative Outcomes & Analyses

Advocacy

Bill Tracking

Research

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Federal Updates

Appeals Court Rules ACA Mandates Unconstitutional

Since its inception in 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has sought to address gaps in the health coverage system by making it more accessible to low-income individuals and adding key provisions that keep children covered longer and guarantee coverage for those with preexisting conditions, just to name a few. On Dec. 18, a federal appeals court in New Orleans struck down a major part of the Affordable Care Act, a decision that could jeopardize health insurance for millions of Americans. The court, in a 2-to-1 decision, ruled that the ACA’s individual mandate provision is unconstitutional, but punted on deciding whether the rest of the landmark healthcare law should be tossed out. Rather than strike down the entire law, the appeals court sent the case back to district court for additional analysis on whether the individual mandate can be severed from the rest of the statute. For now, it’s important that consumers know they are not affected by the court’s ruling this past week.

The case is expected to progress to the Supreme Court, which previously upheld the ACA in a narrowly divided 2012 ruling. The requirement for coverage, often referred to as an individual mandate, was inserted into the law to provide insurers a wide pool of customers since they were now required to cover people with chronic medical conditions. The impact of this healthcare repeal lawsuit could be devastating to many Texans. If courts move to strike down the ACA, roughly 1.7 millionTexans would stand to lose their healthcare coverage.

House Passes Healthcare Provisions in Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations Act

On Dec. 17, House lawmakers voted 297-120 in favor of H.R.1865 “Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020,” that appropriates $540.4 billion in discretionary funds to federal agencies and programs. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Senate must approve the legislation before the Dec. 20 funding deadline to prevent a government shutdown.

This governmentwide spending package is covered by eight appropriation bills for fiscal year 2020 and would include increasing funding for numerous programs and agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Health (NIH), and medication-assisted treatment programs. The largest healthcare appropriation made under H.R. 1865 was $828.3 billion for CMS and $475.6 million for opioid overdose prevention and surveillance at the CDC. The bill continues to support critical research initiatives including Alzheimer’s disease research, suicide prevention, and increasing funding to improve maternal and child health.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries continues to demonstrate their commitment to advocate for public policy that ensures the longevity and ability for agencies and programs to provide access to healthcare services to Texans most in need.

House Passes Legislation to Lower Drug Pricing

The rising costs in prescription drugs, according to Health Affairs, can be blamed primarily on price increases, not from expensive improvements to existing drugs or new therapies as pharmaceutical companies often claim. On Dec. 12, House Democrats passed H.R. 3, the “Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Act,” that would restrain the cost of prescriptions by allowing the government for the first time to negotiate the price of drugs. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, however, quickly declared the bill dead in the Senate saying the bill would result in dozens of fewer therapies coming to market. With a House version passed, it is now up to the Senate to pass its own drug pricing reform alternative.

The House vote on the bill passed 230 to 192, with two republicans breaking rank in support. H.R. 3 reinvests in improving Medicare for seniors and people with disabilities by placing out-of-pocket limits for prescription drugs, requiring manufacturers to adjust prices based on inflation, and allowing the government to negotiate prices for 50 to 250 drugs using an international price index. The price determined by the negotiation process would then be available to the commercial market, not just Medicare beneficiaries, ensuring out-of-pocket costs for all Americans are contained. In addition, the House bill would expand Medicare benefits to include dental, vision and hearing aid coverage. Projected cost savings would appropriate the additional funding to the National Institute of Health Innovation Projects, the FDA, and the Opioid Epidemic Response Fund. The bill would improve the overall health and well-being of millions of working families by removing the barrier of having to decide between lifesaving treatment and paying their bills.

House Energy & Commerce Committee Pushes to Extend Coverage for Moms

An estimated 700 women in the United States annually die from pregnancy-related complications within the first year after giving birth, despite 60 percent of these deaths being preventable with appropriate care. On Nov. 20, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced legislation by voice vote, H.R. 4996 , “Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services Act” (Helping MOMS Act). In an effort to prevent maternal mortality, the bill incentivizes states to extend Medicaid or CHIP coverage for up to one year for low-income mothers by offering a 5 percent federal match in the first year.

Last year, Texas’ health department and the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee found that almost 400 Texas mothers died between 2012 and 2015. The committee created by the Governor and the Texas Legislature concluded that extending Medicaid coverage from 60 days to a full year would help more Texas mothers’ gain access to primary, specialty and behavioral care during a critical window of time following the birth of their baby. In support of the continuation of funding and strengthening of current programs to achieve healthy outcomes for women and children, Methodist Healthcare Ministries has co-signed a letter of support in collaboration with our funded partner, Texans Care for Children, advocating to increase coverage for low-income mothers and encouraging the House to include the Helping MOMS Act in its end of year bill package.

State Updates

Texas House and Senate Release Interim Charges

Following the conclusion of the 86^th legislative session earlier this year, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen have published their respective Senate and House interim committee charges. Over the course of the next year, the Texas House of Representatives and Senate committees will meet to discuss and hear from stakeholders on key issues in preparation for the next legislative session. Their findings will affect actions taken during the 87^th Texas Legislative Session which begins Jan. 12, 2021.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries submitted topics for consideration to the state delegation related to improving access to healthcare services for Texas families. To deliver care for our uninsured and underserved families, we will continue to monitor charges and legislation during the interim that affects our four priority areas: access to care, behavioral health, healthcare workforce and women in children. A key priority for Methodist Health Care Ministries is addressing the rising cost of healthcare. We will be monitoring charges related to increasing access to affordable and quality healthcare, access to mental health care services through telehealth and the progression of the San Antonio State Hospital (SASH) Phase II committee work, expanding Texas’ current and future workforce pipeline to closing skill gaps, as well as providing recommendations to developing a postpartum care package for new mothers to develop strategies to ensure continuity of care.

House Select Committee on Statewide Health Care Costs

House Speaker Bonnen also moved to create and appoint Texas House members to the House Select Committee on Statewide Health Care Costs . The committee is comprised of 11 members that will examine the primary drivers of increased health care costs in Texas, study opportunities to better coordinate how public dollars are spent on healthcare, as well as identify emerging and proven delivery system improvements and sustainable financing models that could reduce the cost of healthcare. The committee is required to submit a final report on their findings before the start of the 2021 legislative session.

HHS Releases Blueprint for a Healthy Texas

The Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) unveiled its inaugural business plan in November 2019, Blueprint of a Healthy Texas, which provides measurable initiatives to improve the lives of more than 7 million Texans who rely on the services provided by the agency. The business plan includes 12 initiatives and 72 goals focused on providing a transparent framework for how HHS will move forward and improve services to Texans.

It is estimated that one in five Texans have mental health needs, with more than 1 million suffering from a Serious Mental Illness (SMI). Meeting the mental healthcare needs of Texans requires critical policy analyses to ensure coordinated systems of support and services are effective and appropriate. The HHS business plan hopes to address the gaps in behavioral health and meet a person’s need in the most integrated settings.

The inaugural business plan works to improve health outcomes for women, mothers, and children by enhancing access to long-acting reversible contraception, increasing prenatal and well-child visits, and addressing disparities in breastfeeding and breast cancer. Additionally, FY 2020 initiatives also focus on improving accountability and sustainability of supplemental and directed payment programs to achieve positive outcomes.

New Report Shows High Poverty Rates for Children in Webb County

In a new report commissioned by Methodist Healthcare Ministries and produced by the Center for Public Policy Priorities, data findings conclude children in Webb County are not faring as well as Texas children overall, lacking access to health care at greater rates and scoring poorer on many indicators of health, education and financial security.

The 2019 State of Texas Children in Webb County report highlights that although Webb County is a vibrant binational landscape and has one of the best employment rates across the state, nearly 70 percent of children live in high poverty neighborhoods (compared to 17 percent in Texas overall). As a result, children are less likely to have access to doctors, quality schools and groceries. Additionally, children living in Webb County were three times as likely to be undercounted in the census as in Texas overall. An undercount of children in the upcoming 2020 census could mean fewer federal dollars flowing into the county for education, Head Start, SNAP and Medicaid/CHIP programs.

The report noted Webb County can capitalize on its strengths and invest in child-well-being by ensuring workers receive family-sustaining wages, expanding access to comprehensive health insurance, improving access to family planning, and promoting an accurate 2020 census. Working with local officials and state lawmakers to support equity-focused policies will ensure all children have access to the basic building blocks to reach their full potential. On Nov. 21, Methodist Healthcare Ministries and CPPP shared the report's findings with the Laredo Health Coalition, City of Laredo Health Department, Webb County Commissioner Rosaura Tijerina and other elected officials.

RGV Equal Voice Network Hosts Access to Specialty Care Summit

Rio Grande Valley residents continue to face challenges in accessing health care due to serious economic barriers, a shortage of providers, and a lack of health insurance coverage. Many low-income working families rely on the local safety net clinics to receive low-cost primary care. However, when patients are referred to specialists for more serious ailments, such as cancer, surgery or dental care, nearly two out of five residents said they could not access the specialty care they needed.  On Dec. 12, the RGV Equal Voice Network Health Working Group held a summit in Weslaco, Texas, where they laid out 18 recommendations to help address the lack of access to specialty care in the RGV. Over 150 healthcare administrators, community organizers and regional leaders were in attendance, including State Representative Armando Martinez, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, and Hidalgo County Commissioner Ellie Torres.

Rep. Armando “Mando” Martinez delivers keynote address at EVN’s Access to Specialty Care Summit.

During the summit, the EVN Health Working Group identified the economic and environmental barriers limiting access to specialty health care services. The data gathered from over 600 individual surveys and 12 focus groups found that most individuals needed referrals to obstetrics/gynecology, dental and optometry/ophthalmology. They also found that three-fourths of households stated cost as the primary barrier to seeing a specialist. Proposed solutions included increasing collaboration between safety net clinics and the UTRGV School of Medicine, increasing residency training slots, increasing transportation options for patients living in rural areas and studying the feasibility of establishing a public hospital district in the RGV. Details on these recommendations will be shared in a white paper scheduled to be released this coming spring.

This project, funded by Methodist Healthcare Ministries and the Marguerite Casey Foundation, will help elected officials and community organizations develop robust public health agendas with concrete goals and actions aimed at reducing inequities and increasing access to care for vulnerable individuals living in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley region.

Upcoming Hearings

Posted Agendas for House Committees
Posted Agendas for Senate Committees

Upcoming Events

Jan. 26-27: Texas Impact – United Methodist Women Legislative Event (Austin)

Jan. 29: The Texas Tribune – Future of Health Care: A Daylong Exploration of Health Care in Texas (Edinburg)

Feb. 3-6: San Antonio Chamber of Commerce – 2020 SA to DC (Washington, D.C.)

Feb. 13-14: Texas Hospital Association – Annual Conference and Expo (San Antonio)

Feb. 16-18: Texas Impact – Texas Interfaith Advocacy Day Conference (Austin)

Mar. 2: Texas Association of City & County Health Officials – 2020 Premier Public Health Conference (Houston)

For more information on health care research, policy or advocacy, please contact Chris Yanas at cyanas@mhm.org.

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Grief in the Midst of the Holiday Season: Staying healthy while coping with loss

DW Admin on December 17, 2019

The holidays are a joyful time of the year for many, but it can be a difficult one for others, especially after experiencing loss. Grief can be overwhelming for some people, which not only impacts your emotional health, but it can also impact you physically, according to Dr. Parachur Nivedita, a physician with Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Celina Gonzalez, behavioral health counselor and Dr. Parachur Nivedita, physician, of Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Dr. Nivedita said it’s very important to pay close attention to your body during the grieving process. Grief can impact the immune system by weakening it, which can lead to illnesses and infections like colds and the flu, as well as angina (severe chest pain). Those going through grief who are managing chronic illnesses like diabetes or a heart condition, tend to sometimes neglect their health.

“People who are managing an ailment and then faced with a loss can become very ill when they stop taking their medications and seeing their doctor. A person can become so overwhelmed with grief that it can sometimes lead to serious complications, which can be life-threatening if not addressed,” said Dr. Nivedita.

Celina Gonzalez, a behavioral health counselor at Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Dixon Health & Wellness Center, said grief is often caused by a great loss, which can include the death of a loved-one, close friend, animal companion or losing a job, ending a close relationship, divorce and the health deterioration of a family member or your own.

“When depression kicks-in that feeling of helplessness and hopelessness happens. There’s a stress hormone called cortisol and it’s released by the adrenal glands. When cortisol levels go up, your energy decreases which causes tiredness, as well as changes in diet and sleep,” explained Gonzalez. “The reason folks get sick as they grieve, is because they stop taking care of themselves.”

Dr. Nivedita said some people experience body aches, pain or other symptoms that are linked to grief. “When I learn that a patient has lost a loved-one, I will let them know about our grief support group that is available to help to help them cope, as well as counselors who can help them as they face the loss. It’s so important to take care of yourself during a life-changing event like the death of a loved-one.”

Gonzalez said people who are grieving sometimes become isolated. Their lives come to a halt during their season of grief. “They stop socializing with family, friends and co-workers. They stop eating healthy foods — weight loss or weight gain can occur. They sleep too much or not enough. These behavioral changes can impact, not only their emotional health but also their physical well-being.”

Dr. Nivedita said staying on track with your health is vital. “It’s important to keep taking your all of your medications and, if you have scheduled doctors’ appointments, you should keep them and not skip any of them.”

Coping with the Holiday Blues

The holiday season can include plenty of parties and gatherings, but Gonzalez said that it’s perfectly fine to skip them. “You can skip the parties or the invite to drive with friends to see Christmas lights downtown, but don’t stop caring for yourself. Keep track of your health and stay in touch with your circle of friends and family members.”

She said, “Grief can be overwhelming for some, especially when many traditions were created with loved ones who are no longer here. Traditions like making tamales, baking cookies, going shopping, watching favorite Christmas movies, attending plays and musicals — the list goes on. These reminders can sometimes trigger specific memories, causing deeper sadness for those grieving.”

Gonzalez said that it’s important to try and honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away, as part of the grieving and healing process. And, you can also decide what traditions you’d like to keep or create new ones in honor of your loved one.

“When you honor a loved one, it helps bring comfort. You can do this in many ways. You can make an ornament that reflects their personality, plant a tree, visit the cemetery with flowers, or prepare their favorite dish,” she said. “It’s about celebrating them in your own way. Give yourself permission to grieve because what you’re feeling is real. Also, there’s no timeframe for grieving. Everyone is different and should grieve for as long as needed but the key is to not neglect your health.”

If you or someone you know has recently experienced a loss, Gonzalez shares a few things you can do to help get through the season.

Draw from your faith in God to help you work through the healing.
Go for a walk, it’ll help clear your thoughts. And, don’t forget to breathe.
If you are currently taking medications, keep taking them, as directed by your doctor.
If you have scheduled doctor’s appointments, be sure to keep them.
Be patient with yourself by giving yourself permission to grieve.
Talk with someone who understands your loss. Perhaps make an appointment to see a grief counselor.
Join a grief support group. It’ll help connect you with others experiencing similar losses.
Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

Gonzalez said it’s important to reach out to family, friends or a professional counselor, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with grief. But most of all, give yourself the gift of allowing yourself to work through the pain and grief, and construct a new connection with the deceased. And, above all, don’t stop taking care of yourself. Listen to your body. Keep taking your medications and seeing your doctor. And, take one day at a time.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries is dedicated to creating access to healthcare for the uninsured through direct services, community partnerships, and strategic grant-making in 74 counties across South Texas. Guided by its mission of "Serving Humanity to Honor God," the organization’s vision is to be the leader for improving wellness of the least served. The mission also includes Methodist Healthcare Ministries' one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest healthcare system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. For more information, visit www.mhm.org.

The BUILD Health Challenge

DW Admin on December 3, 2019

Maybe it all started with a love of Legos? Or maybe it was Lincoln Logs? Or creating an indoor tent and pillow fort with every clean sheet and pillowcase I could find in my house (sorry Mom!)? In short, the inclination to build things starts in childhood. As adults, we start building in other ways. Beyond construction, we develop systemic plans, and we see opportunities to build and work with intention to expand or increase something – make something bolder. Building something bolder–a perfect way to describe Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ new venture with the BUILD Health Challenge.

Launched in 2015, the BUILD Health Challenge is a visionary funding collaborative designed to support local community partnerships. Its goal is to improve the overall health of local residents experiencing significant obstacles to health and health disparities. BUILD is underwritten by several national funders such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation with investments by a select group of regional funders throughout the United States. Methodist Healthcare Ministries is one of those co-investors, bringing the BUILD Health Challenge to South Texas.

BUILD is an acronym for Bold, Upstream, Integrated,Local, and Data-Driven. BUILD focuses on the upstream factors – social, environmental, and economic – also known as the social determinants of health that have the greatest influences on the health of a community. The beauty of BUILD is its boldness; it’s a fundamental shift beyond short-term programmatic work to longer-term systems change such as creating policy that makes a community healthier. Imagine going from building one Lego house to creating an integrated Lego community of nonprofits, hospitals, local mental health authorities, schools, churches, community centers, businesses, and on and on. This is where the challenge portion of BUILD comes into play: how do you address upstream challenges and drive sustainable improvements in community health?

Earlier this year, the BUILD team released a call for applications seeking imaginative and resourceful collaboratives who could design a strategy that adhered to the BUILD principles (bold, upstream, integrated, local, and data-driven), offer novel approaches to improving population health, and work with a health equity lens in all aspects of the project.

[To read more about health equity, please see Tim Barr’s blog “An Introduction to Health Equity” here: : https://news.mhm.org/an-introduction-to-health-equity—part-1/]

After a rigorous two-stage application process, the Hope for Health Collaborative in Kerrville, Texas, was selected as the BUILD grantee for Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ service region. Over the next 2 ½ years (the grant project period) New Hope Counseling Center is leading a collaborative to revitalize the Doyle Community, an historically isolated and segregated African-American and Hispanic neighborhood in Kerrville. Beginning with local policy changes, the Hope for Health Collaborative project is about reconciliation and repairing a century of structural racism. The collaborative plans to address the revitalization of this forgotten neighborhood with a focus on social connection, navigation and resident participation to address their individual and community resources and healthcare needs. This is groundbreaking work that will have population health impact for a community.

As part of a U.S. cohort of designated BUILD projects, New Hope will be on the national stage to share their BUILD story. As a co-investor, Methodist Healthcare Ministries is excited to stand beside some of the country’s most influential foundations to help shape a national conversation about the importance of collaborative funding and what we can build together to improve the health of communities.

To read more about the BUILD Health Challenge, visit www.buildhealthchallenge.org.

Thanksgiving Luncheon 2019

DW Admin on November 27, 2019

On Wednesday, November 27, 2019, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. hosted our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon for the community around our Wesley Health & Wellness Center on the Southwest side of San Antonio. Each year, we provide a tasty and fresh Thanksgiving meal to nearly 500 clients and their families, our neighbors and staff. This annual tradition started back in 2009 and is a fun, festive event that embodies our mission to "Serving Humanity to Honor God."

"Having this opportunity to open our doors and see our patients and clients come in with their family and friends to share a meal together this Thanksgiving really warms our hearts as an organization and is a gratifying example of seeing our mission at work in our community", said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. "As an organization, we are continuously blessed to have such passionate and dedicated team members who are called to do this work and the smile on the faces of the people we serve today, and every day, gives our work more purpose and meaning."

The event is a true team effort and begins weeks in advance with our kitchen staff ordering the food and supplies needed to prepare the feast, which takes days to prepare. Staff from across the organization, including our corporate officers, volunteer in different ways to greet our guests and serve them a warm meal that this year included turkey, ham, corn, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more.

It remains one of our team members' favorite traditions at Methodist Healthcare Ministries as it allows our patients and clients from all walks of life the opportunity to come together for a special day of thanks, grace and community. Seeing joy on the faces of the families we serve, particularly the children, reminds us of why we do the work we do and fills us all with gratitude.

In the spirit of the holiday, many blessings to you and your families. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

For a video with highlights from our 2018 luncheon, please click here.

Congratulations to Dr. Phillip Brown, DDS

DW Admin on November 8, 2019

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.’s Senior Vice President of Dental Services, Dr. Philip Brown, has been inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists (ICD). Dr. Brown was honored for his extraordinary service and leadership at the ICD’s 85^thAnnual Convocation, held in San Francisco, California, Sept. 6.

Dr. Brown was presented with a membership plaque, a gold lapel pin and gold key symbolic of the fellowship for conspicuous service rendered in the art and science of dentistry, during the convocation.

“I was nominated by a colleague to join the organization. I sent in my application and it was approved by the board and then I was inducted into the group,” said Dr. Brown. “It is an honor to receive this recognition and it is humbling. It was overwhelming and I felt like I was graduating from college, again. It is a big honor for me.”

Dr. Brown was among 350 other dentists from around the world to be inducted into the College this year. The College, with representative chapters in more than 123 countries, has over 11,000 members — including 6,500 in the United States.

The ICD members often participate in mission trips to various countries around the globe to provide critical dental care to the underserved.

“I felt like I really fit in to this organization because that’s what Methodist Healthcare Ministries does — we serve the underserved in our communities. It’s our mission field,” said Brown. “We are doing what medical teams on mission trips do — all day and every day,” he said.

His passion for “treating people, not teeth,” which is his mantra, is the driving force behind his commitment to providing the highest quality of care to the least served in our communities. Dr. Brown’s dedicated work and expertise is the epitome of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ mission, “Serving Humanity to Honor God.”

He said Methodist Healthcare Ministries is at the forefront of integrated healthcare which provides care to the whole person by utilizing a high degree of collaboration and communication across the organization. The goal is to make connections to systemic ailments including coronary artery disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, depression, and others, so that a patients’ health needs are better identified and addressed.

“We practice integrated healthcare at Methodist Healthcare Ministries because we invest a lot of our attention to the whole person so that we can provide the best in healthcare to our patients,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons I felt connected to ICD. They too are passionate about bringing wellness to those in need.”

Dr. Brown plans on getting more involved with ICD and hopes to dedicate some of his time to volunteer work. One of his goals is to be part of a mission trip in the future. He said it’s a way for him to give back to others.

He and his brother are both dentists. His brother is in private practice. “We both enjoy working with our hands and we are both artistic,” he said.

When Dr. Brown isn’t leading his dental teams at Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Dixon Health & Wellness Center, Wesley Health & Wellness Center and its two School-Based Health Centers, you can bet he’s somewhere taking photos of whatever captures his eye. His love for photography started in college.

“I take my camera everywhere I go. I like taking photos of my family, as well as places I’ve traveled to,” he said. “One of his most cherished photos is of his parents’ hands. “I was at church with my parents that day and I noticed their hands as they sat together so I decided to capture that image.”

The photo of his parents’ hands is displayed in his office, along with several other images including his travels and family. Aside from photography, he also enjoys scuba diving with his sons.

Dr. Brown and his wife, Elaine, have two sons — Jason, 34, an emergency room physician in Houston, Texas, and Kyle, 29, a firefighter with the San Antonio Fire Department. They also have two grandsons — Braxton and Joshua. His wife, Elaine, is a retired radiologist.

He’s served at Methodist Healthcare Ministries for 24 years. Dr. Brown said serving others and helping improve their lives is a great feeling. “It’s unexplainable. We are not just changing teeth; we are changing lives every day. And, ultimately, we are saving lives. To see a patient, look and feel better is an overwhelming feeling.”

The ICD is the pre-eminent honorary organization of the world’s outstanding dentists involved in “Serving Others.” It is dedicated to the recognition of outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service and the continued progress in the profession of dentistry for the benefit of all humankind.

Improving Access to Water is Critical for the Health of All Texans

DW Admin on October 31, 2019

Having access to clean, potable water, indoor plumbing and a wastewater system is something many Texans take for granted. However, thousands of Texans, mostly living along the Texas-Mexico border in colonias lack these basic amenities. The State of Texas defines a colonia as “a residential area along the Texas–Mexico border that may lack some of the most basic living necessities such as potable water, septic or sewer systems, electricity, paved roads or safe and sanitary housing.”

As President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., I have heard the stories of Texans living along the border who are struggling with access to basic needs, and I’ve witnessed first-hand how the lack of potable water, septic or sewer systems, electricity, paved roads or safe and sanitary housing create barriers to health.

One example is the community of La Presa, a colonia in Webb County near Laredo. La Presa is a community of approximately 300, surrounds a lake at the center of town that is hidden by trees. Most families in this colonia do not have access to potable water and often have to drive to Laredo to pump water for their washing machines, sinks, toilets and tubs. The water isn't clean enough to drink so families must buy water bottles.

It's a tragic situation that many Texans are trying to solve. Webb County is moving forward with a first-ever water dispensary for their community, which is targeted to launch the summer of 2020. And, thanks to a partnership between Texas A&M University’s Colonias Program and the U.S. Department of Defense, the flood-prone road that families in La Presa depend on to get to school and work will be improved. It’s a great step forward, but there are hundreds more communities like La Presa that need help.

According to a study by the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas, there are nearly 500,000 Texans living in nearly 2,300 colonias. 61.4 percent live at or near the federal poverty rate. 73.1 percent are U.S. citizens. In just six Texas counties along the Texas-Mexico border, 38,000 colonia residents do not have access to clean drinking water.

It bears repeating. Thousands of our fellow Texans are living without the most basic living necessities. No problems of this complexity have silver bullets, but there is a tangible way to stand beside our fellow Texans in pursuit of a solution simply by exercising your right to vote.

At Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., our mission calls us to “Serve Humanity to Honor God.” We fulfill our mission in a number of ways, including through the direct services we provide through our clinical operations and the grant funding we award to nonprofit organizations across South Texas – all sharing our commitment to helping increase access to care for the least served. However, we also seek to play a leading role in shaping the state’s policy agenda through our advocacy efforts.

During the Texas Legislature’s 86^th Legislative Session, our organization, alongside other partners, supported the passage of Senate Bill 2452, which became known as Proposition 2 on the November ballot after being passed by both the Texas House & Senate.

Proposition 2 is a proposed amendment to the Texas Constitution that will allow the Texas Water Development Board to issue general obligation bonds for the Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP). EDAP is a program created by the Texas Legislature to assist disadvantaged communities with critical infrastructure projects. The amount of the bonds allowed by Proposition 2 cannot exceed $200 million and would be used to develop water supply and sewer projects in economically depressed areas, such as colonias, of the state.

This is a bill that passed with bipartisan support. However, to become law, it requires approval of the majority of Texas voters this November 5.

What can you do to help? Exercise your right to vote at the ballot box. By voting “Yes” to Proposition 2, you are ensuring that distressed communities across Texas have access to funds that will improve access to clean water.

Early voting started Monday, October 21 and runs through Friday, Nov. 1. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5.

In Texas, we take great pride in being there for one another. Be sure to lend a hand to your fellow Texans and vote “Yes” on proposition 2, so that all Texans can gain access to the clean, potable water we all need to live longer, healthier lives.

Jaime Wesolowski is President and CEO, Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

Delayed Operations

DW Admin on September 20, 2019

UPDATE Friday, Sept. 20 12:30 p.m. Corporate Headquarters Update: CPS Energy has addressed the power outage in the area and our Corporate office is now open. Thank you.

Friday, Sept. 20 7:00 a.m. – PLEASE NOTE: Our Corporate office will open at a delayed time today due to a power outage in the area. CPS Energy is attempting to restore power, but no concrete time estimate is available at the moment. All other facilities will be open as usual. Thank you.

Legislative Update, September 18

DW Admin on September 18, 2019

In this issue:

State Updates

End of Session Wrap Up
Policy Work Continues During the Legislative Interim
We Remain Thankful to the Work and Contributions Made by All

86th Legislative Session Summary Reports

Upcoming Hearings

Upcoming Events

View our 2019 Legislative Agenda

Advocacy

Bill Tracking

Research

2018 State of Texas Children: The Road to a Brighter Future

___________________________________________________________________________________________

State Updates

End of Session Wrap Up

The 140-day Texas legislative session came to a close over the May 27 Memorial Day holiday with Governor Greg Abbott and legislative leaders celebrating significant victories related to school finance and property tax reform. Before swinging the final gavel, lawmakers fulfilled their constitutional duty and passed a balanced budget allocating $250.7 billion for the 2020-2021 biennium, a 16 percent increase over the 2018-2019 budget. Included in the final budget is $84.4 billion for health and human services programs, up just 1 percent from the previous biennium. As has been the custom in past sessions, lawmakers included a $900 million cut to the state Medicaid program through a cost containment rider in the state budget bill. The state’s health care services agency will direct the program reductions over the next two years to achieve these savings.

A total of 7,324 bills were filed this legislative session, with 1,373 bills ultimately becoming law. In a rare move from previous governors, Governor Abbott signed the two-year budget into law without any line-item vetoes.

Working alongside lawmakers and state health advocates over the five-month session, Methodist Healthcare Ministries weighed in on more than 200 new state laws, helping deliver on a number of regional priorities important to families in our 74-county service area. Despite healthcare receiving little attention this legislative session, there were a number of notable accomplishments related to access to care, mental health and women’s and children’s health. Highlights of key bills include:

Access to Care
- Reducing transportation barriers to health care treatment by allow ridesharing companies to provide nonmedical transportation services under Medicaid. (HB 1576)
- Preventing cancer by raising the statewide minimum age to purchase all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21 years of age (exempts military). (SB 21)
- Continuing to support cancer prevention & research initiatives by passing a constitutional amendment which will ask voters on the Nov. 5 ballot for the authority to issue another $3 billion in bonds for the continuation of the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). (HB 39 and HJR 12)
- Incentivizing the purchase of fruits and vegetables by creating a SNAP pilot program and studying existing incentive programs throughout the state. (SB 1834)
- Creating greater flexibility and efficiency for local hospital districts allowing them to better serve uninsured Texans by creating local healthcare provider participation funds programs (LPPFs) in Bexar County and Nueces County. (SB 1545 and SB 2315)
Behavioral Health
- Securing $190.3 million to begin construction on a new San Antonio State Hospital, a 300-bed campus that will improve care for those living in South Texas with behavioral health needs. (SB 500)
- Improving mental health capacity in rural areas through regional coordination between local mental health authorities (LMHAs), requiring them to develop mental health service development plans. (HB 633)
- Increasing access to intensive home-based and community-based mental health services for children enrolled in Medicaid by giving managed care organizations flexibility to provide more cost-effective and evidence-based services as deemed medically appropriate. (SB 1177)
- Improving school safety and mental health promotion by allocating $100 million to create a Child Mental Health Consortium that will leverage the expertise of health-related educational institutions to improve the child mental health care system in Texas and increase access to child psychiatry through telemedicine, and by allocating $100M to create a School Safety Allotment to assist with school safety and security training, prevention and treatment programs related to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and suicide prevention in school. (SB 11)
- Increasing the capacity of school districts and school personnel to support mental health and the healthy development of students by establishing training, policy and planning requirements, use of trauma-informed practices, social and emotional skill development, and comprehensive suicide prevention. (HB 18)
Women and Children’s Health
- Improving access to maternal health care services by creating a pilot program that will allow children to ride with their pregnant or postpartum mothers to their medical appointments under the Medicaid Transportation Program. (HB 25)
- Improving maternal and newborn health for women and children with a drug dependency by expanding the Texas AIM program for hospitals to include bundles for maternal opioid abuse disorder. (SB 436)
- Increasing access to healthcare services after a women’s 60-day Medicaid for Pregnant Women coverage expires by notifying them of their eligibility for the Healthy Texas Women (HTW) program. (SB 2132)
- Improving access to postpartum services by developing a limited postpartum care service package for women enrolled in HTW for up to 12 months postpartum (SB 750), and creating a 5-year strategic plan to improve access to postpartum screenings, treatment and support. (HB 253)
- Helping children stay active and healthy by updating existing nutrition and active play minimum standards at daycare centers & registered family homes to align with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. (SB 952)

Policy Work Continues During the Legislative Interim

Without a doubt, there was little political will this session to address comprehensive health care for our state’s low-income families. Notably, Texas continues to have the highest number of uninsured adults and children in the country, with little talk of a permanent fix or a backup plan to protect patients if Texas succeeds in repealing the Affordable Care Act. Identifying sound proposals that aim to secure healthcare coverage for the millions of uninsured Texans remains a top priority for Methodist Healthcare Ministries as we continue to advocate on behalf of the underserved in our 74-county service region.

We Remain Thankful to the Work and Contributions Made by All

Methodist Healthcare Ministries extends a heartfelt thank you to all of our hardworking elected officials in the Texas Legislature, especially our 10 Senate and 44 House members representing MHM’s 74-county service region. We appreciate allowing us the countless office visits made with lawmakers and Capitol staff, as well as their public endorsement of legislation and policies drafted to improve the health of Texas families. Our efforts were greatly strengthened and expertly led by our funded health care advocacy partners, including The Center for Public Policy Priorities, Children’s Defense Fund, Council for a Strong America, Healthy Futures of Texas, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, National Alliance on Mental Illness – Texas, National Association of Social Workers – Texas, Texas Impact, Texas Doctors for Social Responsibility, Texas Pediatric Society, Texans Care for Children and The Immunization Partnership.

86th Legislative Session Summary Reports

Below are links to additional excellent summaries by our advocacy partners.

· Center for Public Policy Priorities

· National Association of Social Workers – Texas

· Texas Coalition for Healthy Minds

· Texas Pediatric Society

· Texas Hospital Association

· Texans Care for Children

· Texas Impact (Blog)

Upcoming Hearings

Posted Agendas for House Committees
Posted Agendas for Senate Committees

Upcoming Events

Sept. 19-20: Center for Public Policy Priorities & Texas Association of Community Health Plans – Texas State of Enrollment Conference (San Antonio)

Sept. 26-27: Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute – Engage & Excel Conference (Austin)

Sept. 26-28: The Texas Tribune – TribFestival (Austin)

Oct. 3-4: Health Literacy Collaborative – TX Health Literacy Conference (San Antonio)

Nov. 8-9: NAMI Texas – Road to Resilience Conference (Houston)

For more information on health care research, policy or advocacy, please contact Chris Yanas at cyanas@mhm.org.

Back to Top

Notice of Closure

DW Admin on August 22, 2019

Thursday, Aug. 22 8:00 p.m. – PLEASE NOTE: Our San Antonio area clinics, Dixon Health & Wellness Center, Dixon Health & Wellness Center and School Based Health Centers will be closed during regular business hours on Thursday, August 22, 2019 for monthly staff training. Our Wesley Health & Wellness Center will be reopen from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for our regular extended business hours. Operations will resume as usual on Friday, August 23. This notice does not affect the pharmacy, which will operate on its regular schedule.

What I have seen and learned through a tour of our service region.

DW Admin on August 6, 2019

It's been a little over ten months since I joined Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., as President & CEO. It has been an incredible experience so far and I am constantly excited and impressed by the team members and partners I’ve been blessed to meet along the way. One of the first commitments I made when joining the organization was to tour our service area in my first year on the job; it’s a commitment I am making progress on. Thus far, I have visited the Rio Grande Valley, the Las Misiones region, the Laredo/Border region, the Concho Valley, and most recently, the Crossroads region. Each visit has presented me with an opportunity to see firsthand the great work our team members do and to understand the many different "Whys" that makes our organization so special.

During my visits, I've been blessed with opportunities to meet with some of our partners too and see their operations, I am inspired by their collective efforts to improve the health of their communities. From talking about diabetes education with Proyecto Juan Diego in Brownsville, to Integrated Behavioral Health at Mercy Ministries of Laredo or the challenges of addressing mental health with West Texas Counseling & Guidance in San Angelo, I am in awe of their commitment and exceptional performance (while stretching resources as far as they can go.) I have seen how the partners funded by Methodist Healthcare Ministries value and appreciate our support and make every effort to leverage those dollars into increasing access to care for patients in the communities they serve. They do as much as they can, in all the ways they can, as long as they can. It is truly inspiring.

Most importantly, on each visit I get to meet with our own team. Wesley Nurses, School Based Health Center Staff, Get FIT program staff, and community counselors, community health workers, parenting program staff and more all working diligently in their communities. I value the time we have spent together, oftentimes over a meal where I can hear their personal "why" and examples of how their work brings our mission to life. I also draw a lot of joy from seeing some of our programs in action, such as the Get FIT sites I toured in Santa Rosa, where I saw the types of programming and activities we promote to keep children actively learning everything from dance, to archery, playing sports and planting in a greenhouse. I even get to have a little fun!

All along the way, I am not only learning about how we have supported our programs and partners in the past, but also finding new ways to be of assistance in the moment. For example, I learned one of our partners was interested in having a representative from an area hospital serve on their board. One phone call later, I was able to connect that organization to leadership from a local hospital, so they could continue that discussion. Also, in touring our School Based Health Center in Schertz, I learned that one of the functions we serve is providing no-cost or low-cost vaccines to students. As I serve as the Chair for both the American Cancer Society's South Texas Area Board and their South Region Cabinet, I knew that increasing access to human papillomavirus (HPV) immunizations is an important issue facing school communities. I challenged our team to increase our immunization rates and they responded to that call in a big way. Through collaboration with the San Antonio American Cancer Society, and partnership with H-E-B Pharmacy and the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City I.S.D., we hosted an immunization drive where we provided the HPV vaccine at a local middle school—ninety percent of the kids who participated received the HPV immunization. The immunizations offered to the kids are more than just immunizations needed for school—it’s cancer prevention and I am so proud that we can make such a profound difference in their lives. These are just two examples of ways in which these tours of service have helped to give me a greater sense for ways to support our partners and the patients we serve.

In the coming months, I will complete my promised tour of our service area by visiting the Hill Country region, the Coastal Bend area, and the Capital-area. I get a great deal of knowledge and experience from these visits. I know that as I continue to grow and learn in this position, I will get a better sense of the impact our programs and services have on the communities we serve, as well as how we can better support our team members and partners in their daily efforts to help us fulfill our mission of Serving Humanity to Honor God.

Treating mind, body and spirit: Integrated partnerships support whole-person care

DW Admin on June 11, 2019

Diabetes and depression occur together in the same person, but in American healthcare, they’re treated separately: The brain and the body get healthcare in different buildings, by different doctors, with different billing systems and different health records.

It's confusing, inefficient treatment. It’s also expensive, time-consuming, and if it’s hard for practitioners to navigate, imagine how the patient feels.

Wouldn’t it be better to treat related health conditions together, in a single office visit?

For a growing number of healthcare practices, the solution is Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) – clinics with a combination of primary care and mental/behavioral health services in a single setting, and in many cases, in the same exam room. For example, IBH can help patients with chronic and mental illnesses like diabetes and depression, which often occur together.

Integrating care in vulnerable communities

Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ commitment to whole-person wellness for low-income, uninsured populations, is advanced through its investments in IBH models of care, through work with South Texas partner organizations and in providing direct services to our own clinical patients in San Antonio.

A key component of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ advancement of IBH is Sí Texas: Social Innovation for a Healthy South Texas. The project began in 2014 to help organizations in 12 counties test, improve and grow IBH services. From 2014 to 2019, a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has made up to $20 million available for the Sí Texas initiative to implement, study and scale IBH in clinics serving vulnerable communities along the Texas border. The federal funds were matched 2:1 through partnerships with Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation and other Texas philanthropies.

“All types of providers have long recognized the importance of treating the whole person to achieve better outcomes for the patient.” says Jennifer Knoulton, vice president of regional operations. She explains that the challenges are about improving and aligning fragmented systems of care so integration can thrive.

Treating mind, body and spirit

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is one of eight organizations selected for partnership with Methodist Healthcare Ministries to participate in the Sí Texas project. “IBH puts the brain back in the body,” says Dr. Deepu George, assistant professor of clinical family & community medicine at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine. “It creates health care that’s better at treating the whole person, mind, body and spirit.”

Meanwhile, in San Antonio, Methodist Healthcare Ministries has been working toward integration in its own Wesley Health & Wellness Center and Dixon Health & Wellness Center since 2016.

“Our team-based IBH model allows each team members’ skills to be used at the highest levels,” says Dr. Edward Dick, vice president of integrated health services. “We’re finding higher satisfaction for both our providers and patients in our clinics; we’re also finding that once providers have practiced in a successful IBH program, they wonder why they haven’t been able to work this way in the past. It’s a compelling return on investment.”

Filling gaps, building evidence

In the last decade, widespread evidence has shown that IBH works for patients and providers; however, the research was incomplete for vulnerable populations and local realities. Through the Sí Texas project, South Texas communities are producing specific information about how IBH can work for low-income, uninsured, Hispanic patients in Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs). Throughout 2019, nine research studies that are part of the Sí Texas project are being posted on the CNCS Evidence Exchange and on MHM.org. These studies establish effective, evidence-based models and practices ready to be adopted by other organizations, in communities with similar challenges.

Want to know more about IBH?

If you’re curious about the cost and health impact of Integrated Behavioral Health, here are some helpful online resources:

In Texas

Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization with a focus on mental health resources and services, and policies that impact healthcare implementation and access in Texas.

Hogg Foundation for Mental Health – as part of The University of Texas system, the Hogg Foundation advocates for mental health solutions that go beyond clinical settings into communities.

National Resources

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a national resource for integrated health information.

Well Being Trust is a national foundation that seeks to improve mental, social and spiritual health through a sense of community well-being.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is a federal agency with programs that address health issues related to geographic and economic vulnerability, much like the communities served by the Sí Texas project. The site’s data warehouse allows you to search by state and county for demographic information, existing healthcare programs and workforce information, and more.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a federal agency that administers a wide range of healthcare-related programs and services, as well as regulations and laws governing healthcare. It administers and tracks community access to services and assistance.