Blog – Page 18 – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Arthur Nagel Community Clinic: The Caring Clinic

DW Admin on November 15, 2012

Guest Blogger: K. Irene Stone
Executive Director, Arthur Nagel Community Clinic

The man turned to our staff and volunteers as the EMS technicians loaded his injured wife onto the stretcher, and said, “You’re the clinic who cares.” He had come into our small medical facility in a panic, fearful for his wife who was suffering head trauma from an accident at home. They weren’t patients, they were just visiting their vacation home in the area, and this was the only place he knew to go. We got his wife into an exam room, started first aid treatment, and called EMS.

“The clinic who cares.” Perhaps not grammatical, but the words were heartfelt and crystal-clear. Those words still echo down the clinic hallway, the same hallway where I braved claustrophobia two years ago to walk down as the new Executive Director of the Arthur Nagel Community Clinic. I came because I believed this was the clinic that cared. I had no office, at least not one I could call my own, and as I walked through the narrow hallways, it became very clear that in order to keep caring we (1.) needed more room, and (2.) needed it now. That was then when we were only averaging 13 patients a day. We average 21 patients a day now, and that number continues to grow. There are 7,000 people in Bandera County who qualify for our services. They have no health insurance and little or no income. They may work, but they cannot get ahead or they are part of the recent unemployed because of the recession. We currently see a fraction of those who qualify, but if only a third of them suddenly descend on our little clinic, what will we do? Where will we put them? Who will treat them?

Last year we provided medical services to the Bandera community valued at $1.14 million. Over $500,000 of that was a free medication from our Prescription Assistance Program. With more patients come more supplies, prescriptions, paperwork, medical waste, and more healthcare professionals. The list grows as the numbers increase. But where do we put everything and everybody? We need more storage space, more offices, and more exam rooms. And we need safer work areas and better privacy for our patients. We have healthcare professionals who are willing to donate their services or write grants to cover their costs, but where can we put them? I have people eager to donate medical equipment and supplies, but I have no room to store their in-kind donations. I cannot fit all the volunteers who want to help in the current building so I made a waiting list. Foundation officers come for a visit, and we have to meet in the kitchen where we interrupt the staff’s normal routine. The list goes on and on.

I’ve adjusted to the tight space, and I converted an exam room for temporary office space, so I don’t feel claustrophobic anymore, but the underlying need to expand keeps intensifying. If we are to continue as “the clinic who cares,” we must complete the funding for the clinic’s expansion as soon as possible. To date we have received $237,000 toward the expansion and remodeling of the clinic, and are working hard to secure the remainder of funds needed to support this project.

In the long run, the clinic’s expansion will benefit your friends, neighbors, church members, and maybe even loved ones. To learn more about the Arthur Nagel Community Clinic in Bandera, Texas, visit www.nagelclinic.org.

Since inception, MHM has provided nearly $500 million in healthcare services through our clinics and programs, as well as through our partnerships. MHM is proud to partner with organizations that share our mission and organizational objective of delivering healthcare and social services to the least served in the South Texas region. By strengthening other organizations’ capacity to provide services, we achieve our overarching goal of increasing access to care.

The Arthur Nagel Community Clinic joined MHM’s family of funded partners in 2009. The Clinic provides free primary, preventive, mental, and dental healthcare services to the underserved residents of Bandera County. To date, MHM has provided over $266,000 in in funding to support the Arthur Nagel Community Clinic.

MHM Challengers, Step Out to Stop Diabetes

DW Admin on November 7, 2012

Submitted by Juan Martinez, Health Education Program Manager

As Health Education Program Manager, I oversee health-related educational offerings and healthy eating initiatives at MHM. MHM's health education program ranges from information on how to handle diseases like diabetes, issues like weight management, to asthma and heart health. An especially critical focus of health education at MHM is addressing concerns related to diabetes. In fact, MHM's Diabetes Self-Management Education was recently named an accredited diabetes education program by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

With this knowledge base, I know all too well the impact diabetes has on the individual, their loved ones and the community at large. That is why when MHM agreed to become a Team Red Sponsor for the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes in San Antonio I was estactic! Naturally, I have a strong connection with the cause. I quickly envisioned the power of people. If we could formulate a team of like-minded walkers and supporters to champion the Stop Diabetes cause, our limits would be boundless. As an added motivation, MHM graciously offered to match all team contributions.

And so, the journey began. In July, I was officially named team captain for the MHM Challengers. The game plan was easy:

Join. With MHM's support, the MHM Challengers officially joined the 2012 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes both as an official Team Red Sponsor and as a corporate team.
Register. Through various onsite events and special promotions we were able to recruit and register over 110 team members making the MHM Challengers one of the largest San Antonio Step Out teams.
Fundraise. With much help from representatives with local ADA representatives, David Whitt and Jose A. Macias, we were able to offer fundraising tips and training to the MHM Challengers team. Their online tools and helpful ideas really guided team members in achieving their personal fundraising goals. In fact, within three short months we had raised over $900 in donations.
Stop Diabetes. On Saturday, November 3rd, the MHM Challengers stepped out with confidence knowing that every dollar raised by the team provided funds for critical diabetes education and research. And although a cure has not yet been determined, we know we are that much closer to stopping diabetes.

To date, the team has raised over $2,200 in support of the ADA Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes.

The MHM Challengers are still accepting donations. To donate, visit: http://main.diabetes.org/goto/mhmchallengers. The deadline to submit your contribution to the team is Monday, December 3, 2012.

Congratulations to Covita Moroney for earning CFRE distinction

DW Admin on November 1, 2012

Covita Moroney, Grants & Research Specialist at MHM, recently earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

The CRFE credential demonstrates an individual’s mastery of the standards set for core knowledge and skills required of fundraising executives after five years of experience.

The CFRE designation is held by only about 10% of all AFP members worldwide. To earn the CFRE, one must document extensive experience and achievement, and must pass an intense, comprehensive examination on all aspects of fundraising including ethical standards. The CFRE is considered as significant a professional achievement for a fundraiser as a CPA is for an accountant.

“This affirms Covita’s commitment to the fundraising profession. With her years of experience and the qualities she brings to her work, we knew she had the skills, but it’s nice to see it recognized,” exclaims Covita’s director, Anne Connor.

Covita has been with MHM since August 2011.

Happy Feet Line Dancing Group Day, One Year Anniversary

DW Admin on October 31, 2012

There was music, merriment and the patter of many feet as El Buen Pastor United Methodist Church’s line dancing group celebrated Happy Feet Line Dancing Group Day on October 4, 2012 in San Marcos, Texas.

One year ago, Mayor Daniel Guerrero of San Marcos proclaimed this date as a day of recognition for Happy Feet’s successes and contributions to the community.

In 2009, the congregation of El Buen Pastor UMC asked their Wesley Nurse, Cindy Ybarra, to start a line dancing class. Cindy, who had never line danced in her life, learned just enough from YouTube to get the class started. Today, the class is still alive and kicking thanks to YouTube and to recruits from other line dancing groups who generously shared their dancing expertise.

Happy Feet Group

Happy Feet, as the group is now called, meets twice weekly and averages 10 participants at each session. Happy Feet specializes in out-of-the-ordinary line dances from many musical and cultural backgrounds. Included in their repertoire are the familiar country/western line dances, but the group especially enjoys dances with Latin, Cajun, Rock n’ Roll and ballroom influences. Sometimes they even throw in a little Scottish and Irish traditional for a change.

Happy Feet is notable for its success as a holistic ministry. It is without a doubt a wholesome, healthy form of exercise, but it is also mentally challenging and socially rewarding.

A typical Happy Feet participant memorizes no less than 25 different dances, and the troupe certainly knows how to have fun! One participant noted that most of the group’s time together is spent in laughter and celebration. “We celebrate our dancing successes, our life events such as birthdays, retirements, comings and goings, and our time together as a group of very diverse but very compatible friends,” explains Cindy Ybarra.

The line dancing classes are free, open to the public.

Congratulations to our 3rd Quarter Champions for Excellence

DW Admin on October 25, 2012

Congratulations to our 3rd Quarter Champions for Excellence

These individuals were nominated by their peers, and selected by the MHM Board of Directors for their demonstration of the MHM core values, and for being pillars of excellence in all they do on behalf of MHM.

Please join us in celebrating their achievement!

These winners will receive a desktop award and a certificate signed by MHM’s President & CEO and the Board’s Personnel Committee Chair; winners will also be featured on the organization’s website and social media networks.

All winners will also receive a certificate for leave of one-half day (4 hours) to be used at the choosing of the award winner, approved by the supervisor or manager. Finally, all Excellence Achiever of the Quarter winners will be eligible to win the annual MHM ‘Spirit of Excellence’ award to be presented at the December team member Christmas party.

Photography exhibit has a lasting impact on Llano teens

DW Admin on October 22, 2012

Last month the Lutie Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church opened its doors for Michael Nye’s ‘Children of Children: Portraits and Stories of Teenage Parents’ exhibit. This free, multimedia exhibit is a collection of stunning black and white portraits accompanied by audio stories, as told by the individuals featured in the portraits, about how teen pregnancy affected their lives.

Vicki Krcha, Wesley Nurse at the Lutie Watkins Memorial UMC, applied for a transportation scholarship to arrange for the exhibit to be brought to Llano. “Teen pregnancy has a deep-rooted impact on not only the mother and child, but is felt community-wide,” explains Krcha.

To facilitate the showing, Vicki recruited volunteers to assist, placed advertisements in local newspapers and church periodicals, and met with school officials to promote.

An estimated 100 attendees visited the exhibit during the course of its weeklong showing. Among its visitors was Deidre Henderson’s Child Development Class from Llano High School. As a class exercise, Vicki made poster paper available for youth to share their thoughts and feelings after the viewing. These posters were later taken to the classroom to encourage further discussion.

“Visitors to the exhibit were struck by the beautiful photographs and touched by the sentiments shared through the audio recordings. Many people expressed their gratitude for having such an exhibit come to Llano,” exclaims Krcha.

The exhibit was also used as a kick-off for a new Parents Helping Parents (PHP) support group which meets on Wednesdays from 5:30p.m. to 7:00p.m. at the Lutie Watkins Memorial UMC. For more information about the PHP support group, contact Vicki at (325) 247-4009.

For more information about the ‘Children of Children’ exhibit, call (877) 790-0192 or email info@mhm.org.

Hispanic Religious Partnership for Community Health, Inc.: Helping Bexar County residents meet their basic needs since 1997

DW Admin on October 19, 2012

An MHM funded partner since 1997, the Hispanic Religious Partnership for Community Health, Inc. (HRPCH) works to make a difference in Bexar County by engaging in the lives of the disadvantaged, underserved, and those requesting assistance to meet their basic needs.

Founded in 1997 by ten local Hispanic United Methodist Churches in San Antonio, Texas, the HRPCH has a deep-rooted connection with addressing the health and human service needs of families in the community. The founding churches, located in some of the city’s most underserved communities, witnessed firsthand the despair that is brought about from poverty. Lacking the resources to be able to provide the much-needed help as individual congregations, these churches came together to form a partnership to more adequately address this need.

Today, HRPCH operates four distinct programs:

Diaper Bank. Started in 2011, the Diaper Bank assists low-income families by providing access to a reserve of diapers, baby wipes, baby food and formula. This Bank also serves as a distribution center for products that supplement MHM’s Wesley Nurse Health Ministries™ My Healthy Child health education program and the HRPCH Baby Boutiques located St. John’s UMC and Bethel UMC.
Help Program. The Help Program provides emergency food and household utilities assistance, vision enrollment, federal benefits referrals, and job placement assistance along with other vital services. This program is designed to function as safety net for families in need.
Hunger Relief. The Hunger Relief program organizes various food pantries and special outreach events year round. Its goal is to provide nourishment to hungry families throughout Bexar County.
Senior Wellness. The Senior Wellness program is focused on providing healthy alternatives to ensure low-income seniors stay healthy both mentally and physical by participating in an assortment of exercise and nutrition opportunities.

At its core, HRPCH believes individuals and families must have their basic needs satisfied before they can work towards setting and achieving long-term economic and educational goals. HRPCH programs are designed to meet these needs.

In 2011, HRPCH served 7,422 families. This year to date, 9,562 families have been served through HRPCH programs.

To date, MHM has provided over $2.1 million in funding to support HRPCH.

To learn more about the Hispanic Religious Partnership for Community Health, visit http://www.hrpch.org. Join HRPCH on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HRPCH.

Congratulations to our very own for being awarded Executive of the Year

DW Admin on October 12, 2012

Linda L. Lopez, Administrative Manager and Assistant to the President & CEO at Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM), was recently presented the International Association of Administrative Professionals® Alamo City Chapter Executive of the Year Award during the Chapter’s October meeting.

Linda was nominated for this important recognition by her team, and selected by the Chapter in appreciation for the strong support she has shown the administrative staff at MHM, and the administrative profession.

The Executive of the Year Award is given each year in recognition of an executive’s interest and support of administrative professionals and who raises awareness of the critical role administrative assistants play in every organization. The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP®) is the world’s largest association for administrative support staff, with nearly 600 chapters and 40,000 members and affiliates worldwide.

Linda is a champion for her team, always striving to raise awareness for the important role each of the administrative professionals at MHM plays in support of the mission. The entire MHM team applauds Linda for this important recognition, and thanks her for her many years of exemplary service and outstanding commitment to MHM’s mission.

How do we celebrate our team members? Throw a party!

DW Admin on October 8, 2012

Each year MHM's Team Member Appreciation Committee (TMAC) organizes various social and recreational events designed to promote goodwill and enhance team morale. Ultimately, these events serve to honor and appreciate the hard work and dedication of team members throughout the year on behalf of the MHM mission.

Our annual Team Member Appreciation Picnic is one such instance. The theme this year? Awesome 80s!

On Friday, October 5, the entire MHM team convened at Pedrotti's North Wind Ranch for a day of games, team building and entertainment.

Awards were presented to the best dressed 80s Icons with Beetlejuice (Ruth Schmidtka) and Miami Vice's Sonny Crockett (Victor Reyes) making an appearance and Biggest Hair (Donnelle Storrs).

Our 'Gag me with a Spoon' bake off awarded prizes for the Best Tasting (Karmel, Karmel, Karmel Chameleon Apple Cake; Jae Kight) and Most Heathy (Fruit Danish; Sara Campbell). While Madai Chandler's Pac Man Cake took home the title for Best Presentation.

Our 'Totally Tubular Volleyball' tournament helped us work off the Bake Off treats with Revenge of the Nerds (Samantha Andrus, Maureen Lares, Monica Orozco, Nicole Perez, Perry Spindler, Jessica Weaver, Ken Webster, Liz Valerio) taking home the championship trophy.

Thank you to the MHM team for your commitment to 'Serving Humanity to Honor God' through your daily work. A special recognition goes to TMAC for planning and organizing our Awesome 80s celebration!

School Based Health Centers: A mission of MHM

DW Admin on October 3, 2012

Health and counseling services are provided by MHM through School Based Health Centers (SBHC) that provide primary medical and dental services to school-age children enrolled in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City and Marion ISDs and their siblings, up to age 21.

At present, SBHC are located at:

Krueger Elementary (217 West Otto Street, Marion, TX 78124)
Schertz Elementary (757 Curtiss, Schertz, TX 78154)

Through these Centers children, who live in areas where such services are not readily available, are eligible for low cost immunizations, medical care, counseling, and dental care.

A comprehensive range of services are offered to include:

Diagnosis and treatment of simple illness or minor injury
Immunizations
Physical exams for school sports, cheerleading, dance team, Boy Scouts and camp
Well child exams
Health promotion and education
Prescription assistance
Referral to health care providers, specialists and resources within the community
Primary dental care including x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants
Dental treatment including fillings, extractions and endodontic treatment
Individual and family counseling and case management

Assistance with Medicaid, CHIP and Food Stamp applications, and food, housing and utilities is also available.

Charges for medical and dental services vary according to procedure; however, all services are provided on a sliding fee scale. Services will be provided regardless of your ability to pay.

To learn more about MHM's SBHC, visit: www.mhm.org/sbhc.

PHP gains new site in Burnett County

DW Admin on September 29, 2012

submitted by Rosalio (Lio) Luna MBUMC
Parenting Programs Coordinator, Parenting Programs

At a recent PHP Facilitator training I met with Jeanette Pickard and Robin Kaspar, who will be serving as PHP Facilitators at one of MHM’s newest PHP sites located at the Marble Falls United Methodist Church (1101 Bluebonnet Drive, Marble Falls, Texas 78654).

By providing community members with hands-on training, we are able to ensure facilitators are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to carry on the PHP model within their respective communities.

During the course of the six-hour training, Jeanette and Robin were provided with a PHP program history and introduction. As the training progressed, we discussed topics to include setting group norms and expectations, warm-up activities, and meet-and-greet tips.

As PHP Facilitators in Burnett, Jeanette and Robin will work closely with PHP team members to implement the program in Burnett County. Duties for this role include:

Collaborating with community agencies and guest speakers
Planning and promoting the weekly group meetings
Facilitate group meetings, and recruit group members and volunteers
Complete and submit logistical reports after every group meeting

Additionally, Jeannette and Robin plan on working with The Parent Project, another ministry at the Marble Falls United Methodist Church, to help spark interest for the new group.

About Parents Helping Parents

Launched in 1999, Parents Helping Parents (PHP) is a parent support group designed to build stronger, healthier communities by strengthening and encouraging family life. One of three distinct parenting programs offered through MHM’s Parenting Programs, PHP is volunteer-based, built upon the belief that parents are the first teachers and best advocates for their children.

Together, the group identifies a facility in which to meet once per week for 10-12 weeks for a two-hour session. The group then selects at least two volunteers who are willing to be trained and serve as facilitators for the group. These trainings are conducted by our Parenting Programs Coordinators.

In addition to the hands-on training, MHM provides groups with a full program curriculum and ongoing technical assistance, along with making a limited number of stipends available to United Methodist Churches.

MHM Challengers’ Fundraising Superstar, Vanessa Enriquez

DW Admin on September 26, 2012

The MHM Challengers are taking to the track on Saturday, November 3 to participate in the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes benefiting the American Diabetes Association.

The Challengers, with team captain Juan Martinez at the helm, are comprised of MHM team members, clients, and community supporters. Collectively, the Challengers identified a fundraising goal of $1,000 in support of the ADA. What's more, MHM has offered to match every dollar raised by the team!

We sat down with Vanessa Enriquez, MHM Challengers' Fundraising Superstar, to learn more about her connection with this cause:

Why are you participating in the ADA Step Out: Walk to Diabetes?

I am participating because I have several family members affected by diabetes. Last year, we lost my grandmother who was diabetic. In the end, she had heart trouble that led to her passing, but I know that the diabetes contributed to her poor cardiovascular health. My family is very close and personally, I spent my afternoons growing up helping my grandmother make dinner. My parents, brother and I ate dinner during the week with my grandparents so I shared a very close bond with her. In a way, she helped shape my love for food and nutrition, so I partly have her to thank for my career as a dietitian. Since becoming a dietitian I have tried to help my family in whatever ways possible and this is another way I see that I can try to impact those with diabetes or those who may develop the disease.

You've raised over $500.00 so far. Any tips or tricks to share with your teammates?

I emailed all of my family members through the ADA Step Out page. I added that I wanted to raise funds in memory of my grandmother so that one day other families would not have to go through the loss we had because of diabetes. I also emailed my close friends with a similar message. Many of my friends were supporting me during my grandmother’s illness so they saw the impact in had when she passed. Lastly, I post weekly updates on my facebook page. I try to share what my total is and how close I am to my goal. I also add that MHM is matching donations to encourage people to give no matter the amount, as it will be doubled in the end.

We are just five short weeks away from Step Out, and the Challengers are nearing their fundraising goal with close to $900 raised. Please consider joining our team, and helping us stop diabetes.

To join our team, or make a donation to the MHM Challengers, visit our team page.