Washington, DC, April 9, 2026 – The Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI) is proud to announce the selection of its eighth cohort of the Healthy Communities Fellowship. The 2026 Healthy Communities Fellows come from the Rio Grande Valley, Texas; Laredo, Texas; and Louisville, Kentucky, bringing expertise in diabetes prevention, maternal health, food security, healthcare access, and mental health. Since its inception, the Healthy Communities Fellowship has built a powerful network of 50+ leaders across the country, working in 17 communities. These fellows are part of AGI’s broader global network, which spans more than 54 countries and has collectively reached over 200 million individuals through fellow-led programs, policy change, and direct services.

“The Healthy Communities Fellowship is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: those closest to the challenges are closest to the solutions,” said Tsion Ghedamu, Deputy Director of Fellowships at AGI. “By investing in leaders with lived experience, we are strengthening communities from within and redefining what innovation looks like.”

Lauren Muir, a member of the 2026 cohort, was also selected as the recipient of the Lola Adedokun Aspen–Doris Duke Award. The Award honors a leader who exemplifies AGI’s late Executive Director Lola Adedokun’s legacy of courageous, values-driven leadership and a deep commitment to advancing more inclusive and responsive mental health systems. “Lola led with vision and generosity,” said Peggy Clark, Founder and Executive Director, AGI. “This award continues Lola’s legacy by investing in a leader who is not only driving systems change, but does so with the integrity, empathy, and courage that defined her life and work.”

MEET THE HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FELLOWS:

The 2026 Healthy Communities Fellows are based in Kentucky and Texas.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS FELLOWS

Moises Arjona Jr. | CEO, Unidos Contra la Diabetes

Sandra de la Cruz-Yarrison | Executive Director, Holy Family Services, Inc.

LAREDO, TEXAS FELLOWS

Marcella Juarez | Co-Founder, Palo Bianco Farm and Ranch

Ray Sanchez | Co-founder and Executive Director, Smiles From Heaven

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY FELLOWS

Cassia Herron | Founder and CEO, Herron Inc; Co-Founder, Louisville Community Grocery

Attica Scott | Director of Special Projects, Forward Justice

Christopher 2X | Executive Director and Founder, 2x Game Changers

Lauren Muir | Co-Owner, Martin and Muir Counseling

These eight leaders will receive tailored communication and narrative skills training, along with leadership development, to expand their innovations, enhance their visibility, amplify their voices, and drive impactful change in their communities and beyond. 

“At Methodist Healthcare Ministries, we are proud to partner with the Aspen Global Innovators Group on the Healthy Communities Fellowship, which invests in leaders addressing the root causes of poor health,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We are excited to expand the program further across South Texas and to support fellows as they scale community‑driven solutions that advance health equity.”

“Advancing strong, locally rooted leadership is essential to improving the health of Rio Grande Valley families. The Healthy Communities Fellowship builds on the meaningful impact of local leaders, equipping them with the tools, perspective, and connections needed to further strengthen and sustain community-driven solutions. We are proud to support and be part of this important work,” said Cristina Trejo-Vasquez, CEO of Knapp Community Care Foundation. 

“We are delighted to support the AGI Healthy Communities Fellowship. The Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana, which serves the Louisville, Kentucky area, strives to cultivate healthy communities for all, especially those who are vulnerable. We need strong, community-based leaders to fulfill this goal, so we look forward to seeing the creativity, innovation, and inspiration generated by this year’s class of Fellows, especially the four from Louisville,” said Anne Monell, Executive Director of the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana.

“Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation is excited and proud of the two Rio Grande Valley Fellows chosen for the 2026 cohort. Both of these leaders are passionate and deeply committed to the work they do and we’ve seen such growth in the organizations they lead due to their innovative leadership style,” said Judy Quisenberry, Executive Director of Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation.

The Fellowship is supported by our generous funder partners Humana Foundation, Knapp Community Care Foundation, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana, and Valley Baptist Foundation.

Contact: Ladin Bacakoglu, Communications and Events Manager
ladin.bacakoglu@aspeninstitute.org

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The Aspen Global Innovators Group

For more than 15 years, the Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI) has championed health and development leaders and innovators from 54 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the United States of America to design, champion, and advocate for innovative programs, policies, and partnerships that result in a safer and healthier future for all people and communities. Our network of 7600+ individuals and organizations has served 200 million people, improving health and well-being. We identify and amplify the voices of visionary, proven, and impactful local leaders, advocates, and practitioners. For more information, visit us atwww.aspenglobalinnovators.org/.

Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation 

Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation (VBLF) is a private foundation with a mission to improve the health and well-being of all communities in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas by investing and serving as a catalyst for ideas, partnerships, medical education, research and programs. The Foundation defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. The Legacy Foundation works with other organizations to measurably improve the health of those living in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy Counties, supporting programs that promote healthy lifestyles and providing increased access to healthcare for all.  For more information, visit www.vblf.org.

Knapp Community Care Foundation 

The Knapp Community Care Foundation (KCCF) is a private foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in the Mid-Valley region of the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Established in 2013, KCCF continues the legacy of Knapp Medical Center’s mission by investing in initiatives that improve health outcomes in surrounding communities. Recognizing the profound impact of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), KCCF focuses on key factors such as education, access to nutritious food, housing stability, economic opportunities, all elements that shape overall well-being. By investing in these areas, the foundation hopes to foster healthier, more resilient communities. Visit here: https://www.communitycare.today/

Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana

The Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana (LFK) cultivates healthy communities for all, especially those who are vulnerable, through impact-driven philanthropy. The Foundation makes charitable grants in six Louisville, Ky.-area counties: Jefferson, Shelby, Bullitt, Nelson, and Hardin in Kentucky, and Clark in Indiana. LFK is part of Saint Joseph Health in Lexington, Ky., which is part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health care systems.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of healthcare by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. Using its earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare, the organization strives to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. This is accomplished by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, the organization fulfills its mission of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God’ by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals and families living in its 74-county South and Central Texas service area can thrive.

The Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

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

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

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

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

Grantmaking 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strategic Initiatives 

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

MHM’s 2026 strategic initiatives include support for: 

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

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

Direct Services 

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

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

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

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. 

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

San Antonio, TX (March 4, 2026) – Eight community coalitions from across the Rio Grande Valley have been selected for the fifth cohort of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together (PJTT) Learning Collaborative. Representing Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron counties, the coalitions will begin a six‑month learning collaborative in March 2026 to explore frameworks that will help them develop and implement a health equity strategy tailored to their communities.

PJTT supports communities in shifting and sharing power to accelerate their journey toward health equity. Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) strongly believes that communities are best equipped to improve their health and well-being. The ultimate goal of this collaborative is to provide coalitions with the knowledge and resources to strategically advance health equity, utilizing the Pathways to Population Health framework as a guide.

“The Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together program is one of the ways that we advance our strategic focus of strengthening communities,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “It has been an invigorating experience for our team as it allows us to have a stronger and deeper level of engagement where we learn and co-create the solutions with people who live, work, pray, and play in the communities we serve.” 

This is the fifth cohort of MHM’s PJTT Learning Collaborative and the first time the program is included in the Rio Grande Valley. 

The coalitions selected for the cohort include:

Rio Grande Valley Region

• Coalición El Poder de Las Flores
  • Frontera Arts in Bloom, Las Malcriadas Fronterizas, Resistencia Fronteriza
• La Causa Coalition
  • Trans Asylum Seeker Support Network, Organización Latina Trans in Texas, Trans Barber
• RGV Arts & Culture Coalition
  • Trucha, ENTRE Film Center & Regional Archive, Voces Unidas, Museo 956
• South Texas Coalition for Change
  • South Texas Equality Project, GenTex, South Texans for Reproductive Justice
• Agenda RGV
  • IDRA, ARISE Adelante, PossAble Foundation
• Delta Strong Coalition – Building Health, Safety & Housing Stability in the Delta Region
  • Proyecto Azteca, Hidalgo County Emergency Services District No. 2, Caso Law Firm
• Mind, Body, and Soul: Growing Together
  • Hope and Help Center of Starr County, Starr County Precinct 3 Food Pantry, La Casita Volunteer Fire Department
• RGV Heat Justice Community Coalition
  • ARISE Adelante, Border Workers United, University of Texas at San Antonio

During the learning collaborative, Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ PJTT team supports the coalitions in developing a multi-sector collaboration that incorporates persons with recent lived experience of the challenges that the coalition is tackling into the coalition’s leadership team. The goal is for community coalitions to identify and focus on one or more vital community condition (such as humane housing or reliable transportation) that contributes to the well-being of the entire community. Each coalition creates a strategic framework or plan of action for advancing health equity. The PJTT team meets regularly with the coalitions, schedules monthly check-ins to build rapport and trust and offer support as the coalitions learn and grow. 

Coalitions that successfully complete the Learning Collaborative will be invited to apply to the Implementation Phase. The Implementation Phase lasts 3 years and includes funding as well as capacity-building resources. Although coalitions will focus their time working in community, they will still be invited to collaborate with each other through convenings and peer coaching & learning. 

For more information on the Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together Learning Collaborative, visit: https://www.mhm.org/thriving-communities/.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

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

[San Antonio, TX, February 20, 2026] – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is proud to announce it has been named a finalist for the 2025 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, one of six organizations nationwide to advance to the award’s final phase. This prestigious recognition reflects MHM’s commitment to performance improvement and marks a significant milestone in its multi‑year excellence journey.

In addition to being named a finalist, MHM has been honored with a Baldrige Best Practice Spotlight, a distinction created to recognize innovative, high‑impact practices demonstrated by top-performing Baldrige applicants. MHM received this honor for its Thriving Workforce strategy, an initiative that strengthens organizational culture, enhances employee engagement, and improves retention through intentional employee listening, responsive policies, and authentic engagement that affirms and builds up the dignity and gifts of each of its ‘Caring Servant’ team members.

MHM President & CEO Jaime Wesolowski celebrated the achievement, “Being recognized in the Baldrige Best Practice Spotlight is a tremendous honor—and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our 588 team members for whom this recognition marks an important milestone in MHM’s excellence journey. Together, we have strengthened our culture, improved our processes, and deepened our impact across the communities we serve, and I am immensely proud of how far we’ve come and energized by the work ahead.”

MHM’s Thriving Workforce strategy is recognized as a best practice for its mission‑centered approach to empowering its ‘Caring Servant’ team members to serve with compassion and excellence. Rooted in intentional listening and authentic engagement, the strategy emphasizes co‑designing transparent systems that ensure employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to thrive.

By empowering, engaging, and equipping its workforce, MHM directly strengthens community well‑being. High team‑member engagement and consistently low turnover preserve service continuity and trusted relationships across MHM’s 74‑county region—critical elements when serving economically disadvantaged populations. This stability drives strong organizational performance, enabling top‑decile clinical outcomes in key indicators such patient satisfaction, depression screenings, and diabetes control. MHM also models economic well‑being through substantial compensation enhancements, reflecting the thriving conditions it seeks to champion in the communities it serves.

Key drivers of the strategy include belonging, transparent leadership, shared decision‑making, meaningful recognition, and work‑life balance—reinforced through initiatives such as the Assembly peer‑recognition platform, Java with Jaime (CEO listening sessions), and organization‑wide town halls with senior leaders. A cross‑functional Thriving Workforce Taskforce provides ongoing insights into emerging needs and informs enhancements to pay, equity, and benefits, including increased minimum wages, paid parental leave, student loan repayment assistance, and expanded bereavement support.

MHM also invests in leadership development through internal programs for all tiers of staff including Ambassador Academy, Leadership Legacy, and Pathfinder, along with generous educational and certification funding available to all team members. Holistic well‑being is supported through wellness days, onsite fitness centers, volunteer time off, and pastoral care—helping position MHM as an employer of choice, recently recognized as a 2023 Top Workplace by the San Antonio Express‑News and Energage.

MHM’s recognition by Baldridge comes nearly five years after first embarking on its excellence journey, which included a systematic, organization-wide process of transformation focused on improving quality, innovation, and continuous improvement for how to best serve its patients and counties across its 74-count service area. Throughout the journey, MHM has been acknowledged by the Quality Texas Foundation with its Recognition Level Award in 2023 and the Quality Texas Foundation Governor’s Texas Award for Performance Excellence in 2024.

These milestones laid the foundation for MHM’s 2025 Baldrige Award application, which has now placed the organization among the nation’s top performers in organizational excellence.

The Baldrige Award—established by Congress and administered by NIST—is the nation’s highest presidential recognition for organizational performance excellence. It identifies role model organizations across sectors and promotes the sharing of best practices nationwide. Past awardees include top-performing nonprofits, health systems, educational institutions, and service organizations, all recognized for worldclass leadership, strategy, workforce engagement, customer focus, and results. model organizations across sectors and promotes the sharing of best practices nationwide. Past awardees include top-performing nonprofits, health systems, educational institutions, and service organizations, all recognized for worldclass leadership, strategy, workforce engagement, customer focus, and results. ‑model organizations across sectors and promotes the sharing of best practices nationwide. Past awardees include top-performing nonprofits, health systems, educational institutions, and service organizations, all recognized for world‑class leadership, strategy, workforce engagement, customer focus, and results. 

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM)

Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of healthcare by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. Using its earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare, the organization strives to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. This is accomplished by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, the organization fulfills its mission of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God’ by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals and families living in its 74-county South and Central Texas service area can thrive.

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

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

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

The Blue Zones Approach 

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

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

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

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

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About Blue Zones 

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

About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. 

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

UPDATED: Conditions have improved, and MHM-owned facilities will reopen for operations beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27.

San Antonio (January 24, 2026) Due to expected inclement weather, all San Antonio area Methodist Healthcare Ministries facilities will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026. This includes: Wesley Health & Wellness Center; Dixon Health & Wellness Center; George RicksSchool Based Health Center at Schertz Elementary, Wesley Nurse sites, Northwest Center Office, and the Corporate Office.  Patients with existing appointments for Monday will be rescheduled.  

Operations outside of the San Antonio area will follow the guidelines of local school districts. Please call your local Methodist Healthcare Ministries contact for guidance on programs and services.   

All operations are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, January 27, pending safe commute conditions.  

The safety of our patients, clients, and team members is of utmost importance. Visit mhm.org for the latest updates.  

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Release Dates:  

• Part 1: January 14, 2026  

• Part 2: January 28, 2026  

To watch the first episode, click here.  

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

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

About Methodist Healthcare

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

About Spurs Sports & Entertainment 

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

San Antonio (August 25, 2025) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) announced a $1.26 million grant to St. Mary’s University, powering the School of Law’s Real Estate Clinic and Consumer Protection Clinic through 2026. This strategic partnership tackles a critical community need: promoting housing stability and strengthening consumer protection by delivering vital legal assistance and education to limited-income residents across San Antonio and South Texas. 

Safe and affordable housing stands as a fundamental social determinant of health, a key vital condition essential to family health and well-being. Housing insecurity creates a devastating ripple effect on quality of life, as mounting costs from eviction and relocation drain resources needed for basic necessities like food and health care. The consequences add up quickly: evictions damage credit scores, making future rentals nearly impossible, while forced relocations often push families into deteriorating neighborhoods. Homeowners facing foreclosure teeter on the edge of homelessness. Children bear a particularly heavy burden, as frequent moves disrupt their education and development, while the chronic stress of housing instability takes a severe toll on mental health across all family members. Stabilizing housing for both tenants and low-income homeowners emerges as a critical strategy for building healthier communities. 

“Ensuring that our patients and clients have a safe and affordable place to live can have a positive impact on their health and well-being as they will be able to focus their time and energy on reaching their fullest potential for health and life,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of MHM. “Through this partnership with St. Mary’s, we are excited to not only address a critical social determinant of health for many in our community but also contribute to the training and development of future legal professionals who can provide the guidance and counsel clients desperately need.” 

MHM currently operates a groundbreaking Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) in collaboration with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), serving its patients and clients with integrated care. This innovative partnership creates a direct pipeline, allowing MHM to refer patients seamlessly to the St. Mary’s University School of Law’s Real Estate Clinic and Consumer Protection Clinic. The MLP’s mission centers on promoting housing stability through comprehensive legal assistance and community education targeting low-income residents throughout San Antonio and South Texas. 

Through this collaboration, law students will deliver hands-on legal representation to clients who would otherwise face the legal system without counsel. These emerging attorneys will receive intensive training in housing-related legal advocacy, creating a multiplier effect that increases pro bono representation capacity both immediately and for years to come. The clinic will also develop accessible, client-friendly educational materials that translate complex legal concepts into clear, and actionable guidance, reaching potential clients before they reach a housing crisis point. This comprehensive approach promises to dramatically expand pro bono legal services for this chronically underserved population. 

“St. Mary’s University is grateful for both the investment being made by Methodist Healthcare Ministries and the opportunity to join this partner organization in supporting those who experience a variety of housing crises,” said Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., President of St. Mary’s University. “This gift ensures our School of Law Clinics can continue this important work, furthering St. Mary’s University’s mission as a Catholic Marianist University to serve the common good.” 

The partnership extends beyond traditional clinic walls, as the Law Clinics will forge strategic community partnerships to serve clients in rural and underserved areas across the region. Students will engage in intensive field work, traveling directly to meet clients and dismantle legal barriers where they live. Additionally, the Law Clinics will produce impactful scholarly research and presentations documenting the partnership’s outcomes, creating a roadmap for similar initiatives and demonstrating the transformative potential of this integrated approach to legal aid and community health. 

The partnership will deliver services through December 2026. 

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. 

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

About St. Mary’s University 

St. Mary’s University, founded in 1852, is the first institution of higher learning in San Antonio and the oldest Catholic university in the Southwest. It offers 75 programs, including doctoral and law programs. Its vision, as a Catholic and Marianist liberal arts institution, is to become one of the finest private universities in the region, a gateway for graduates to professional lives as ethical leaders in Texas, the nation and the world. 

San Antonio (July 31, 2025) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) announced the addition of two new members to its board of directors.  These individuals will help guide the nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to improving the well-being of the least served since 1995. The new board members began their three-year term on July 1.    

“We are excited to welcome these outstanding individuals to our board where they’ll join an incredible group of caring servants, equally committed to helping this organization advance health equity across our 74-county service area ,” said Mike Porter, Chair of the Board of Directors for Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “I look forward to seeing the impact they will make on this organization as we continue to fulfill our mission of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God.’”  

The two new board members include:  

• Larry Wilson Howard, Real Estate Development 

• Dr. Pamela E. Ray, Director of Service Learning & Career Development at Texas Lutheran University 

MHM board members play a vital role in setting the direction and guiding the organization to advance a more level playing field for health in 74 counties across Texas. Since 1995, Methodist Healthcare Ministries has provided more than $1.66 billion in health care services through its clinical programs, as well as through partnerships, and is one of the largest private funding sources for community health care to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas.  

As a 50-50 co-owner of Methodist Healthcare, MHM board members play an important oversight role in the governance of the healthcare system ensuring it provides quality care to all regardless of ability to pay. The earnings from the co-ownership of the health system allows MHM to fund efforts that strengthen communities and families, provide clinical care to the uninsured and the economically disadvantaged, and promote a more level playing field for healthy living—now and for generations to come.  

Board members serve three-year terms and may serve up to three consecutive terms. In addition to serving on the general board, they also serve on one standing committee, such as the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Governance Committee, Mission Committee, Investment Committee and Operations Committee. The board currently has 26 regular board directors and may have up to 27 at a given time. The board bylaws also dictate that at least 60 percent of the regular directors be members of The United Methodist Church.  

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

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.  

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