Tag: Blog

As Methodist Healthcare Ministries continues to focus on efforts that promote health equity in the communities we serve across South Texas, one of the critical components to support resilient families and thriving communities within its service area across South Texas – are Communities of Solutions. 

What exactly is a Community of Solution? It’s defined as a framework that supports communities in cultivating behaviors, processes and systems that, over time, result in a culture of health and sustainable improvements in health, well-being and equity, according to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Methodist Healthcare Ministries has adopted this valuable framework to help address the challenges faced by the communities it serves – challenges like health inequity, social and economic injustice and structural racism. 

Jennifer Knoulton, vice president of regional operations at Methodist Healthcare Ministries, said, “Social determinants of health contribute more to health and well-being than quality clinical care — it is believed that no more than 20% of our health is due to clinical care. Health and well-being are strongly impacted by the strength of the vital conditions in our communities, things such as humane housing, reliable transportation, meaningful work and wealth, a sense of belonging and civic muscle and basic needs such as safety and nutritious food.”

She said Methodist Healthcare Ministries will provide support in their Communities of Solutions journey through coaching, resources and a learning collaborative, as it recognizes that communities in South Texas are faced with an abundance of health inequities which, for some, can be barriers to achieving health and wellness. 

“In order to improve the balance, various sectors in area communities will need to unite for change. One of these valuable sectors will be Community-Faith Connections—bringing in valuable insight from local church congregations into a Communities of Solutions learning collaborative. The Communities of Solutions and Community-Faith Connections are a way of connecting our neighbors to pursue their health and wellness,” said Knoulton. “These communities will have the opportunity to learn from and with each other, as they engage partners across these sectors, including residents with living experience of inequity which will enable them to learn, plan, and act together.”

Mickey McCandless, director of church connections at Methodist Healthcare Ministries, said, “Faith communities are instrumental contributors to growing a thriving community and have demonstrated to be vital contributors to human and community development, as they shift from charity to equity to liberation in their approach.” 

The Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together Learning Collaborative is the initial means by which Methodist Healthcare Ministries will support participants of Communities of Solutions and Community-Faith Connections, as they engage in community transformation and develop strategies to address social determinants of health, as well as root causes of inequity in their communities. 

Knoulton said Phase 1 of the Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together Learning Collaborative will bring interested communities together for peer learning, coaching, and monthly webinars to expand on skills in leadership, implementation, change management, collaboration and other critical areas. 

“Both Communities of Solutions and Community-Faith Connections are closely aligned with our strategic priorities which are, "Resilient Families" and "Thriving Communities," as they work to address systemic issues,” she said. “Our Community Grants and Policy and Advocacy teams are also working collaboratively within thriving communities to address larger systemic issues.”

She said Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ hope is to walk alongside communities as they become healthier places to live, work, play, and pray. 

“The residents in these communities know what has been tried in the past and are the most knowledgeable about what will likely succeed going forward,” explained Knoulton. “A Communities of Solutions framework acknowledges that while Methodist Healthcare Ministries can accompany communities in their journey toward becoming healthier places for all, true leadership for that journey must come from the people who call those communities home.”

She added that the Communities of Solutions approach will have a lasting impact in our communities for decades to come, as we diligently work together to further our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God.”

The Communities of Solutions work is expected to begin in March of 2021 through the Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together Learning Collaborative in various counties across South Texas. For more information about the application process, please send an email to ThrivingCommunities@mhm.org.

The year 2020 will be well remembered by the McCandless family — yet not in the shiniest of terms. It has been filled with a diagnosis of breast cancer for my spouse, followed by treatment over six months and now recovery and strengthening. The thankful part of that scenario is that by working from home, I was able to continue to engage and complete work virtually. I was also able to be present for my spouse during her treatment and provide physical and emotional support as she was at home. For that, I am very grateful. 

I am also grateful for the prayers so many of my team members and friends provided during our journey and their consistent support. The medical staff at The Start Center and Methodist Hospital gave us quality treatment and support along the way.

I am grateful for the sharing that many of you have done, as I have heard your stories of the challenges during COVID-19 of invasive diseases and the social changes that have shaken foundations within our nation and world. It is through our sharing that we come to know one another heart-to-heart, have compassion for one another, and become community that reflects God’s Kingdom. I am grateful for each of you allowing me to be part of your spiritual journey, as we face together the complexities of life.

I am grateful for my family, First United Methodist Church Kerrville, Peterson Hospice, and especially my siblings as my mom succumbed to pancreatic cancer at home where we could visit with her, comfort her, and celebrate life lived well. It is difficult to lose a parent, yet to see God’s presence and be sustained by God’s caring people was a blessing and another event for which I am grateful.

God has accompanied me during this year and reminded me of God’s sustaining power to face the future unafraid. Thanksgiving 2020 will be filled with less food and people in one place than in years past, yet it will be celebrated with a deeper sense of gratitude than many that have preceded it. May you remember this year and find those people and events for which you are thankful. Especially, I give thanks for God and God’s love always for all of God’s children.

I lost my grandmother in September 1995 to Alzheimer’s Disease. My mother predicted back then that she would probably also inherit the disease. Many decades later, she sought the advice of a neurologist at the first signs of the disease. Initially, symptoms were small things like forgetting why you went to the grocery store or not finding your purse for weeks. Then it turned into constantly repeating the same things, being a danger to herself and others in the kitchen, forgetting how to swallow or how to walk and, ultimately, being unable to recognize us as her family. My mother was taking all the known medications for Alzheimer’s Disease.

Alzheimer’s affects the family and caregivers in ways not many can fully comprehend. You come to understand that as the days go by, you will see less and less glimpses of the real person behind the disease. You learn how to let go a little more each day of that which you can no longer control. It is truly heartbreaking. Regardless of the things mom would say or do, I would try to find humor in the situation or distract her in some way to not make her aware of how the disease was progressing. Even while living five hours away, I tried to visit as often as I could and do the things that we always enjoyed doing like having lunch together, gardening and having a snow cone or ice cream. Quality time was everything.

Supporting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is extremely personal to me. Like my mom, I too am aware that this is genetic and that at some point in the future my memory may also fail me. I’ve learned that staying physically active is one way to delay the onset of the disease, which is probably why I am so passionate about fitness. Two years ago, I joined the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in honor of my mom and grandmother. I baked cakes, breads, and pies in exchange for donations. What better way to honor the two ladies who taught me how to cook than to share their baking legacy?

The walk this year will be done virtually with the convenience of doing the walk wherever you desire and with or without a small group. Please join us in raising awareness and funds to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. My life literally depends on it.

Dr. Angelica Lozano is a dentist at Dixon Health & Wellness Center. She and her husband, René Nieto, have been married for two years. The couple has two furry friends – Max Ivan and Daisy Dukes. She and her husband enjoy gardening, hiking, and working-out, together.

You can help support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s by joining Team MHM. Methodist Healthcare Ministries is proud to serve as a Presenting Sponsor for the third consecutive year and honored to be partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association. Together, we can help find a cure for this disease. Click hereto register.

Can we count you in?

The coronavirus pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the wellness of every American. It has changed the way we live, work and pray and introduced extraordinary measures we as responsible citizens are now taking to safeguard the health and wellness of our families and communities. And now, it threatens to negatively impact communities across the country over the next ten years if we don’t take decisive action to ensure a complete and accurate 2020 U.S. Census count. 

Each new decade, the United States Census Bureau conducts a census to make sure we have an accurate population count, as required by the U.S. Consitutuion. Those results are used to make important funding decisions for dozens of federal programs, including deciding how much money each state receives in response to a disaster. This has been especially critical during the coronavirus pandemic as Texas received billions in funding through the relief bills passed by Congress. The funds have come in the form of assistance to hospitals, unemployment assistance benefits, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for small business, increases to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars and much more.

To pick an example from our current Census funding cycle, in 2015 the federal government distributed $675 B to over 132 programs supporting services and activities Texans rely on every day. Those critical dollars provide the essential infrastructure and opportunities to support resilient families and sustain thriving communities across Texas.

To lay out where the impact can be seen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds SNAP Benefits, as well as funding for national school lunch programs. For many hard-working, low-income Texas families, these programs ensure nutritional meals for children who might otherwise go without.

The U.S. Department of Education awards funding for Title 1 Grant dollars for local education agencies, as well as funding for special education programs that support children with special abilities. With educational attainment levels increasingly being recognized as a critical social determinant of health—programs like these are essential in shaping how our children learn and grow to reach their full health and potential.

Similarly, the Small Business Administration (SBA) allocates funding for its Small Business Development Centers using census data. Thriving communities where small businesses get the support they need to flourish contribute significantly to a strong local job market and economy.

Even the Department of Transportation utilizes census data to allocate monies for highway planning and construction, as well as highway safety grant programs. This is especially important outside of metropolitan areas, where access to care is connected by the roads the state build and maintains—more and better roads means increased opportunities to provide quality care.

With just about every federal agency looking to census data to make decisions about how much funding each state receives to operate these types of critical programs, the case for a complete census count becomes clear.

As of August 20, Texas ranks 39^th in the United States in response rate to the census. 38 otherstates are doing a better job of making sure its residents are counted. Being undercounted means that Texas stands to lose billions in vital federal funding dollars. We must do better.

To crystalize the criticality of a complete count, after the 2010 Census, enrollment in Hidalgo County’s Head Start Program capped at an enrollment of 3,600, however an estimated 14,000 children qualified for that program. That’s over 10,000 children that were left out of this empowering education program, which then hinders their ability to succeed in school and beyond.

Historically, Texas has a high share of “hard to count” populations, especially minorities, children under the age of five and low-income families that were underrepresented in previous census counts according to a study “The 2020 Census: Why It’s Important.” The impact on our state is real.

At Methodist Healthcare Ministries, we are focused on supporting the wellness of resilient families that make up thriving communities in 74 South Texas counties. That’s why we are invested in doing all we can to ensure every Texan participates and gets counted. We want to make sure Texas receives the funds it needs—and deserves—to help lift up our communities. 

As our communities rightly struggle to manage the impact of COVID-19, it is equally imperative to not allow the coronavirus to take an accurate census count away from us. Texas is counting on you, can you be counted on to complete your census and help shape the future health of our communities? 

Jaime Wesolowski is the President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., a faith-based, not-for-profit organization working to create access to care for low-income, uninsured families through services, strategic grant-making and community partnerships in 74 counties across South Texas.

A version of this OpEd has run in the McAllen Monitor and the Brownsville Herald.

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¿Podemos contar con usted?

La pandemia de coronavirus ha tenido un tremendo impacto en el bienestar de todos los Estadounidenses. Ha cambiado la forma en que vivimos, trabajamos y oramos, e introdujo medidas extraordinarias que ahora estamos tomando para salvaguardar la salud de nuestras familias y comunidades. Y ahora, amenaza con impactar negativamente a las comunidades de todo el país durante los próximos diez años si no tomamos medidas decisivas para garantizar un recuento completo y preciso del censo.

Cada nueva década, el United States Census Bureau realiza un censo para asegurarse de que tengamos un recuento preciso de la población, como lo exige la Constitución de los Estados Unidos. Esos resultados se utilizan para tomar importantes decisiones de financiación para numerosos programas federales, incluyendo la decisión de cuánto dinero recibe cada estado en respuesta a un desastre. Esto ha sido especialmente fundamental durante la pandemia de coronavirus, ya que Texas recibió billones en fondos a través de los proyectos aprobados por el Congreso. Los fondos han llegado en forma de asistencia para hospitales, beneficios de asistencia por desempleo, préstamos del Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) para pequeños negocios, aumentos en los dólares del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) y mucho más.

Para tomar un ejemplo de nuestro ciclo actual de financiación del Censo, en 2015 el gobierno federal distribuyó $675 B a más de 132 programas que ayudan a los servicios y actividades de los que dependen los texanos todos los días. Esos dólares fundamentales proporcionan la infraestructura necesaria y las oportunidades para ayudar a las familias resilientes y mantener comunidades prósperas a través de Texas.

Para mostrar dónde se puede ver el impacto, el U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) financia los Beneficios del SNAP, así como fondos para programas nacionales de comidas escolares. Para muchas familias de bajos ingresos, estos programas aseguran comidas nutritivas para los niños que de otro modo no tendrían.

El U.S. Department of Educationotorga fondos para los dólares del Subsidio Título 1 para agencias locales de educación, así como fondos para programas de educación especial que apoyan a niños con habilidades especiales. Programas como estos son esenciales para determinar cómo nuestros niños aprenden y crecen para alcanzar su plena salud potencial.

Del mismo modo, el Small Business Administration (SBA) asigna fondos para sus Centros de Desarrollo de Pequeños Negocios utilizando datos del censo. Las comunidades prósperas donde los pequeños negocios obtienen la ayuda que necesitan para prosperar contribuyen significativamente a un mercado laboral y una economía local fuerte.

Incluso el Department of Transportation utiliza datos del censo para asignar fondos para la planificación y construcción de carreteras. Esto es especialmente importante fuera de las áreas metropolitanas, porque más y mejores carreteras significan mayores oportunidades para brindar atención de calidad.

Con casi todas las agencias federales buscando datos del censo para tomar decisiones sobre la cantidad de fondos que recibe cada estado para operar este tipo de programas fundamentales, queda clara la cuestión de un conteo completo del censo.

A partir del 20 de agosto, Texas ocupa el puesto 39ª en los Estados Unidos en tasa de respuesta al censo. Otros 38 estados están haciendo un mejor trabajo para asegurarse de que sus residentes sean contados. No ser contados en su totalidad significa que Texas perderá billones de dólares en importantes fondos federales. Debemos hacerlo mejor.

Para materializar la importancia de un conteo completo, después del Censo 2010, la inscripción en el Programa Head Start del Condado de Hidalgo se limitó a una inscripción de 3,600, sin embargo, se estima que 14,000 niños calificaron para ese programa. Son más de 10,000 niños que quedaron fuera de este programa educativo, que luego limita su capacidad de tener éxito en la escuela.

Históricamente, Texas tiene una gran proporción de poblaciones "difíciles de contar", especialmente las minorías, los niños menores de cinco años y las familias de bajos ingresos que fueron subrepresentadas en los recuentos censales anteriores según un estudio “The 2020 Census: Why It’s Important." El impacto en nuestro estado es real.

En Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. estamos enfocados en apoyar el bienestar de las familias resilientes que forman comunidades prósperas en 74 condados del Sur de Texas. Es por eso que estamos comprometidos en hacer todo lo posible para garantizar que cada texano participe y sea contado. Queremos asegurarnos de que Texas reciba los fondos que necesita, y merece, para ayudar a mejorar nuestras comunidades.

A medida que nuestras comunidades luchan correctamente para controlar el impacto del COVID-19, es igualmente imperativo no permitir que el coronavirus nos quite un censo preciso. ¿Se puede contar con usted para completar su censo y ayudar a dar forma a la salud futura de nuestras comunidades

Jaime Wesolowski es el Presidente y Director Ejecutivo de Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., una organización sin fines de lucro basada en la fe que trabaja para crear acceso a la atención para familias de bajos ingresos y sin seguro a través de servicios, subvenciones estratégicas y asociaciones comunitarias en 74 condados en el Sur de Texas.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. provided two San Antonio youths with a unique opportunity to gain real-world work experience from its experts during this year’s San Antonio Works Summer Internship Program, which started July 6 and ends Aug. 14.

This year might look different, due to the pandemic, but Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ interns were still able to learn what it’s like to work at an organization like the nonprofit, despite not being able to meet their mentors and build a professional network in person.

Nhyla Davis is a high school senior at the International School of the Americas, a magnet school in the Northeast Independent School District, and has been interning at Methodist Healthcare Ministries for the last month. She said the experience is providing her with an edge in the workforce.

“I’ve felt from the beginning that this was the perfect internship for me because lots of my passions are aligned with Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ mission and commitment to serve the underserved,” said Davis.

Davis is grateful for the opportunity to further her career exploration and earn money for her hard work over the summer, while gaining the experience she needs for her future. Interning from home during a global pandemic has been interesting for her, as well.

“With all that is happening in the world – from protests to the pandemic, things can become very stressful and very quickly. Even though nothing has been certain, and things are happening in ways we’d never experienced before, my school decided to stick to yearly traditions and continue to implement the requirements for securing an internship,” she said.

And, despite the challenges a pandemic can bring to our communities, she believes focusing on the positive is extremely important and will pay off in the long run.

“In the beginning, I was worried that I wouldn’t secure an internship because of our world’s current situation. I was turned down from the first two internships that I applied for so when I checked my voicemails and saw that Karla De la Tejera from Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ HR department had left me a voicemail, I was extremely happy and hoped that the third time would be the charm. And, it was,” she said.

Alex Bryant, also a Methodist Healthcare Ministries intern this summer, said he seized the opportunity to participate in the program because he wanted to experience what it’s like to work in the field of information technology and cybersecurity, which is his passion.

“I’m definitely getting real-world work experience and I’m also gaining more communications and computer skills. I’m learning to be more patient as I learn. And, I appreciate that I’m treated like a responsible adult. I’m also getting a nice refresh on Microsoft software and I’m getting to learn new skills as well,” said Bryant.

Bryant is a high school senior at Roosevelt, also in the Northeast Independent School District, in San Antonio. He said interning at Methodist Healthcare Ministries has provided him with the gift to network and connect with IT professionals supporting team members who are working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’m working from home but staying very busy helping the IT team with various computer projects. It’s been great. I review my daily tasks and connect with my mentor, Chris Barron. I also help with imaging computers and serve as technical support to team members having issues with their computers. I really enjoy helping employees get their computers working again,” he said

Davis agreed. She said interning at Methodist Healthcare Ministries has taught her better organizational skills as she tackles assigned projects each day.

“I begin the day by checking my emails and meeting with my mentor to talk about my day and to-do list, then I join online meetings with Methodist Healthcae Ministries teams. I work on flowcharts and other process improvement projects,” she described.

Davis and Bryant both said they are looking forward to returning to school in-person, but they realize they may have to continue to learn virtually in the new school year.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries wishes Nhyla Davis and Alex Bryant a bright future, as they begin the next chapter in their learning experience.

Are you spending any time outdoors this summer? Summer is usually a time when most of us like going outside more often. However, due to COVID-19, for many who planned on heading to the beach, theme parks or participating in outdoor sports and birthday parties at the park, it’s going to take some creativity for fun in the sun this year. So, while you are getting creative with your summer activities, there are ways to keep yourself and your family cool and safe when outdoors.

I’d like to share a few summer safety tips with you, as you plan your outings with family.

• First and foremost, if you decide to go anywhere (indoors or outdoors), please remember to maintain physical distancing by keeping at least 6 feet between yourself and others and wear a cloth face covering (mask), as mandated by the State of Texas
• Limit your risk of getting the virus by trying to reduce the number of places you visit
• Wash your hands with soap and water often; use hand sanitizer when necessary
• Try ordering food and other items for home delivery or curbside pickup, if possible
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated – health experts recommend drinking 16 to 32 ounces of water every hour when outside for longer periods of time. Also, staying hydrated can help prevent heat stroke
• Dress for the heat by wearing loose, light-colored clothing, as well as a hat
• Never leave a child or pet inside a hot vehicle, not even for a second. Temperatures inside of a vehicle can reach up to 116 degrees. Since 1998, at least 856 children across the U.S. have died from heatstroke while unattended in a vehicle.
• Don’t walk your dog when temperatures are high. Keep in mind that asphalt (pavement) can get very hot during the summer and can burn a dog’s paw pads, causing severe burns and pain. In addition, walking your dog during hot temperatures can cause heat stroke. Try taking your dog for shorter walks early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are lower

If you plan on grilling your meals outside, which is very popular in South Texas, be sure to do it safely. Did you know that grilling fires spark more than 10,000 home fires on average each year? Practice prevention with the following tips.

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when using it. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid, once coals have already been ignited
• Never grill indoors—that includes the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area. Be sure to keep the grill away from your home or anything that could catch fire
• Make certain that everyone, including children and pets, are not close to the hot grill
• Use long-handled grilling tools, especially those made specifically for cooking on grills

So, as you plan your summer outings, please be mindful of your surroundings and try to incorporate some fun but safe activities with your family. Stay safe and healthy!

May 11, 2020

Dear Wesley Nurses:

This week, this month, this year—the spotlight is on you. 2020 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale—pioneer of modern nursing—and has been designated the “Year of the Nurse” by the World Health Organization. More importantly, we are shining a light on you now because of the invaluable role you continue to play in providing compassionate care to the least served during the coronavirus pandemic.

As a young pastor, I served on staff at a church that received one of the very first Wesley Nurses. Since that time, I have observed and worked with Wesley Nurses from a variety of positions. I have seen lives saved through health assessments and prescription assistance. Pastors and other leaders have learned the wisdom of asset-based community assessment. I witnessed a whole congregation as it flipped from dying to thriving, through a nurse’s community connections. I have served alongside Wesley Nurses with gratitude and pride.

Now as a board member for Methodist Healthcare Ministries, I rejoice to see the collective scope and impact of your work. Across the 74 counties within the Rio Texas Conference, your work is nimble, creative, and contextual. All the nurses I have known personally have relished the working environment that allows them to bring themselves fully to the work of healing bodies and spirits, fulfilling the MHM mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God.” The following reflection, written by a friend of the program, is a rendering of that labor of love.

A Wesley Nurse offers:

• healing in the face of hurting,
• compassion in the midst of chaos,
• faith that lifts others out of fear,
• perseverance despite the presence of obstacles,
• hope in the place of despair,
• peace that allows for progress,
• confidence to change circumstances,
• and, most importantly, hands and feet that faithfully follow God’s leading.

We shine a light of celebration and honor on you, Wesley Nurses, because your light shines so brightly amidst our church and communities. Thank you for your faithfulness and your service, which I know at times only God fully sees, and which has blessed us immeasurably. May God inspire and strengthen you, shining the true light from which all goodness comes, reflecting through you always as beacons of divine mercy and love.

 

Grace and peace,

Laura Merrill

Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Clergy Excellence

If you stop and think about it for a second, all of us have been touched by the caring hands of a nurse. From our earliest moments after birth, through our years in school, to any time we’ve had to visit a medical office, hospital or clinic to seek treatment for something that ails us—it’s in these moments a nurse is always there to care for us and lift our spirits.

This week is recognized as National Nurses Week, but 2020 is also the Year of the Nurse—apropos for a year defined by a pandemic—but also the year which marks 200 years since the birth of Florence Nightingale, who pioneered modern nursing. Now more than ever, it’s a time to recognize and give thanks to all the nurses who serve and work in our communities to care for us and provide us with healing comfort.

At Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., we are blessed to have almost a quarter of our workforce comprised of nurses—100+ caring servants whose skillful hands and caring hearts deliver healing and hope to the most vulnerable among us.

At our four clinical locations in and around San Antonio, we have nearly 20 nurses treating patients who traditionally lack access to quality health care. When our patients and clients visit one of our clinics, it’s the face of one of our nurses who provide the most care and attention as they navigate through the programs and services we offer. Many of the patients we serve in those clinics often have complex healthcare needs on top of struggling with poverty, food scarcity and other issues that make prioritizing their health nearly impossible. Our clinical nurses have to be the shoulders for patients to lean on, hands to hold them steady when they are overwhelmed or scared, a confidant for life’s challenges and cheerleaders to encourage them in making sometimes hard choices to get healthy.

Moving outside our clinics and into our 74-county service area, we are fortunate to have 87 Wesley Nurses rooted in communities large and small across South Texas. The Wesley Nurse program was one of the first initiatives that Methodist Healthcare Ministries launched over 20 years ago and it is our largest geographic outreach program. Wesley Nurses are Registered Nurses who practice faith-based, community nursing and are located in churches and communities. Wesley Nurses are trained to treat the mind, body and spirit of patients they encounter and they are embedded into the fabric of the communities they serve.

Our nursing team embodies our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” on a daily basis by going above and beyond to provide quality, compassionate care – especially now. In these difficult times, they have become catalysts for creative care that reaches past the physical distance caused by this pandemic. From the onset of the coronavirus, our clinical nursing team quickly pivoted to HIPAA-compliant virtual care solutions to ensure our patients and clients didn’t miss the care they need to stay healthy. At a time when operations at most businesses and medical practices have been affected, our Wesley Nurses sprang into action to organize community relief efforts necessary for people to survive amid this COVID-19 reality. From volunteering with food banks and organizing food distributions to spending hours driving through their communities delivering needed supplies such as medicines or diapers to those with transportation challenges—they are working diligently to protect and improve the mental, physical and spiritual health of the uninsured across South Texas.

Across our city and around the world, you can find a nurse hard at work in hospitals, medical offices, urgent care centers, schools, nursing homes, behavioral health centers and more. Nurses are part of the engine that keep our health care system moving forward. They are smart, creative, resourceful, compassionate, caring and wise. We often encounter them when we are not feeling our best, yet they strive tirelessly to help us through every situation.

I had a job as a nursing assistant through college, which allowed me the chance to appreciate firsthand the work nurses give to their patients and I saw how much how much compassion the job requires. The scale of the impact they have on patients and families is incredible and I’ve been inspired by all the nurses I’ve worked with throughout my career in the health care industry and now, as President and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

During National Nurses Week and throughout 2020, I’d like to ask you to reach out to the nurses in your life and say, “thank you!” Whether it’s someone in your family or someone you encounter while accessing the health care system, please let them know how much they are appreciated. It’s the nurses in the world who are truly leading the way toward our recovery with their care and compassion.

If you’re one of the millions of parents staying home with your children during this challenging season in our world, there are things you can do to help ease tension and stress, as you try juggling work and family.

Normally, working parents are used to waking up early, getting themselves and their children ready for the day which includes preparing breakfast, driving them to school, then heading to the office to tackle their work day.

But for the past few days, parents are having to switch gears by no longer having to drive kids to and from school – their homes have now been transformed into classrooms and workspaces. This new set-up can become overwhelming for parents who need to work and now are faced with serving as temporary educators for their school-aged kids.

Dayanara Santiago, a coordinator for Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Parenting Program, said once she implemented a daily schedule for her children, it added structure to their day. She has four children, ages 18, 12, 13, and 8, at home. She said she and her husband work together to keep their children on track with school work.

Amanda Greer, supervisor for Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Parenting Program, agrees. She said it’s important to have a game plan for each day. While her children are not school-age yet, they require plenty of attention throughout the day. She and her husband collaborate with each other so they can focus on work, while caring for their two little ones, ages three and 18-months.

The following is a list of tips, prepared by Amanda and Dayanara that can help others, as parents across our community and world learn how to adapt to a “new normal” way of life:

• Implementing a daily or weekly schedule/routine and stick to it.
• Preparing healthy meals and snacks. Try preparing meals the night before so you save time during the day.
• Scheduling nap and/or quiet time.
• Staying connected with other parents for support and ideas. Find out what’s working for them and share what’s working for you.
• Staying connected with your child’s teachers and school districts for important school work updates.
• Going outdoors for recreation time – basketball, volleyball, etc.
• Coordinating weekly Bible studies for the family and allowing time for children to express their feelings about the current situation.
• Creating movie nights, watching reruns of your favorite shows and letting children participate in selecting movies and shows.
• Playing board games or trying new online games for the whole family.
• Challenging children to read books and rewarding them for the number of books read each week – check with your local school for free online books available to students.
• Engaging children with fun hobbies like painting, coloring, or creating a garden and planting seeds. There are a variety of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) ideas and guides available online.
• Set aside time during your day for a daily devotional.
• Utilize YouTube videos for ideas on Bible topics for kids.
• Encourage children to write letters or create greeting cards for sending to their grandparents, as well as seniors who are living in a nursing home.
• Assign children to help with housecleaning, especially in their rooms (making their beds every day).
• If you have pets, ask your children to help bathe and feed them.
• Go for walks with your children or get your bikes out and go riding.
• Communicating with your spouse or others helping you at home is key in staying on track with daily tasks. By communicating, you’ll be able to tackle your work projects and attend virtual meetings, as needed to get your work done.

“My husband and I find that it’s extremely important to keep the communication line open between us so that we are on the same page,” explained Amanda. “Talking with each other about what’s on our minds, whether its frustration or anything else, will help prevent miscommunication or arguments from occurring.”

Dayanara said it’s important to talk to your kids about what’s happening in our world. Being honest and open is best. “I take time to listen to my kids and their concerns. If they ask me about the virus and how it is impacting our world, I will try to explain as best I can. By doing this, it will help ease their fears and worries.”

She also said that if your child needs help with a school assignment, allow yourself to stop working and go help them. “If my child needs help, I’ll go and help them. If I see that it’s going to take longer, we will skip it and come back to it later.”

Amanda said, “You have to become strategic in how you manage your day. Do your best to stay on track but also be realistic. Don’t’ be hard on yourself.”

“It’s getting easier as the days pass. We are coming along as a family. On the positive side, I love that we are together and dedicating more time with each other and I’m saving gas since I don’t have to drive anywhere, except for necessary items. I know that God is with us through this time,” said Dayanara.

News updates about the coronavirus (COVID-19) are happening all day and every day. All you need to do is turn on your TV or connect to your preferred social channel, and you’ll learn the latest on the situation impacting our world.

The news can become overwhelming – causing stress, fear, and anxiety in these uncertain times. These feelings can escalate quickly if not effectively managed, according to Celina Gonzalez, a behavioral health counselor at Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

She said as more individuals are also having to make home their new work sites – juggling work and family at the same time can lead to an increase in stress.

“It’s important to learn how to cope, especially if you’re working from home surrounded by family staying with you,” said Gonzalez. “People start to worry about the future and start to become fearful and anxious. There are things that we can all do to help us manage these emotions.”

Gonzalez has put together a list of tips that can help individuals and families manage stress and anxiety, while at home. The list includes the following:

• Self-Care
  • Go for daily walks and don’t forget to take deep breaths along the way (remember to practice social distancing during your walks). Take your furry friend with you, if you can.
  • Get plenty of sleep (at least eight hours).
  • Commit to praying/meditating at least 10 minutes during your day. Daily devotionals are always helpful.
  • Listen to soothing music during short breaks throughout your day.
  • Don’t skip meals – choose healthy options for meals and snacks.
  • Keep a journal of your day-to-day tasks and/or prayers.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Protect your health and the health of your loved ones by staying home.
  • Dance with your kids and other family members to help stay positive! Get out those fun tunes and start moving. This is also great exercise!
  • Catch up on reading. If you have a book you’ve been trying to read, now is a good time to start.
  • Start a new hobby. Watch stories on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube for fun tutorials and ideas.
  • Create a movie night with your family. Make a list of the movies you’d like to watch together!
  • Limit your time on social media. Also, try following only positive and encouraging social channels, as well as credible news sources.

• Stay Connected with Others
  • Use technology to stay connected with loved ones – FaceTime, email, a quick phone call, or consider brief chats through communication platforms with friends and family living away from you.
  • Write notes or letters of encouragement to friends, family, neighbors or church family.
  • Share fun online games or pull-out board games, if you have them around the house – practice social distancing.
  • Create an online photo album
  • Share tasty and fun recipes with each other. Maybe start videotaping some cooking demos of your favorite meals and share with others on social media.
  • Do some spring cleaning around the house and save for donating later to those in need of clothing and/or household items.

Gonzalez said you can successfully manage your thoughts and actions by practicing a variety of healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety. She says you can be as creative as you want in making your surroundings positive and calming, as we work together as a community through this challenging season.

“Taking good care of yourself means you will be able to better care for those you love and cherish,” she added. “Make time for yourself, as we all take one day at a time.”

Celina Gonzalez serves as a behavioral health counselor at Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Dixon Health & Wellness Center in San Antonio.

Stay informed by visiting our COVID-19 Information Hub for important updates, resources, and support.

One of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ main focuses moving forward is to support resilient families. According to the Buncombe ACE Learning Collaborative, resilience is the ability to adapt well, or “bounce back” in response to difficult life events. When families experience hard things and stressors, says Buncombe, they need good experiences and resources to help balance the scale. That’s where trauma-informed care comes in.

First, some definitions:

• What are ACEs? ACEs are Adverse Childhood Experiences, traumatic events that disrupt a child’s healthy development and change the way their brains and bodies respond to stress. ACEs may include abuse, neglect, exposure to mental illness and addiction, and witnessing violence at home or in the community. ACEs are common! Some 60 percent of adults report having at least one ACE in their history and 25 percent of adults report experiencing three or more ACEs.
• What is Trauma-Informed Care? Trauma-Informed Care, or TIC, is an approach that understands and recognizes the role of trauma. TIC practitioners ask the client, “What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?” TIC is focused on creating a safe, trusted environment that will not re-traumatize people. It is focused on helping ACE survivors build resilience and develop coping strategies.

Why does Methodist Healthcare Ministries care about ACEs? ACEs are an underlying cause of many painful, destructive and expensive health problems. They are associated with struggling, rather than thriving. Families cannot be resilient if caught in a cycle of trauma. Communities cannot thrive if families are suffering. If we could help people unpack their ACEs baggage and become more resilient, they could live happier, healthier lives.

Negative health outcomes associated with ACES can last throughout the life span. The more ACEs somebody experienced as a child, the higher their risk of various co-morbidities throughout their adult lives. Four or more ACEs are associated with: A twelvefold risk of suicide attempts; an eigthfold risk of alcoholism; a fivefold risk of chronic depression. But it’s not limited to behavioral health issues. There’s also a fivefold risk of perpetuating domestic violence, a fourfold risk of COPD, a twofold risk of any cancer, a twofold risk of heart attack or stroke and at least a twofold risk of obesity. ACEs are also tied to risk for general life dissatisfaction; approximately 67 percent of life dissatisfaction in the U.S. population is probably attributable to ACEs.

The link between ACEs and health problems was originally discovered by a physician in a weight-loss clinic, trying to figure out why patients who seemed to be doing well on BMI reduction suddenly started regaining their weight. His follow-up study found that emotional abuse was a strong predictor of obesity. Frequent verbal abuse increased the risk of having a BMI of 40+ by 88 percent. Frequent physical abuse increased that risk by 71 percent and sexual abuse increased it by 42 percent.

How is Methodist Healthcare Ministries philanthropically involved in trauma-informed care? Methodist Healthcare Ministries' community grants team has been involved in the ACEs/TIC approach since 2018, inspired by an internal screening of the film, Resilience. Our philanthropic involvement focuses on three initiatives:

1. South Texas Trauma-Informed Care Consortium and setting standards: The Consortium celebrated its one-year anniversary in September 2019.

• Methodist Healthcare Ministries is actively involved in the Consortium, and making a grant, to help set standards for TIC. The Consortium is a cross-sector collaboration, with 12 workgroups and over 100 organizations represented. Dr. Edward Dick (senior vp of integrated health services) and Anne Connor   (director of community grants) both serve on the steering committee and are co-chairs of different workgroups. Chris Yanas (director of governmental affairs) serves on the workgroup focused on communication and advocacy.
• The Philanthropy Workgroup created guiding principles for trauma-informed funding, which include “Don’t fund programs that will re-traumatize people.”
• It became apparent to the entire consortium that standards and training are needed to transform TIC from a buzzword to a reality. In response, the Consortium is working to create a unique and powerful solution that addresses teh need in Texas.

2. Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC) and Transforming FQHCs: Methodist Healthcare Ministries helped to facilitate funding for a huge opportunity for system change.

• TACHC launched an initiative in 2019 to start converting all FQHCs (Federally Qualified Health Centers) in Texas to Trauma-Informed Care Centers. The program involves multiple, in-depth, ongoing activities such as training, podcasts linking ACES to current events, and peer meetings, to engage each cohort of community health centers. The program uses PDSA-like “decision points” to review and improve the program before starting each new cohort. The goal is to treat TIC as a “universal precaution,” assuming that every patient who walks in has probably experienced some level of ACEs. FQHCs will create an atmosphere of trust and caring, from front-desk staff to medical providers.
• Methodist Healthcare Ministries is a voting member of the Texas Behavioral Health Funders’ Collaborative (TBHFC). TACHC received a $100,000 grant for 2019 and another $100,000 grant for 2020, from TBHFC, for this TIC transformation project. Both grants were initiated by requests from Methodist Healthcare Ministries, leveraging the organization’s membership dues in TBHFC 4:1. 

3. Building Funder Awareness: The more funders who understand ACEs and TIC, the more support there will be for programs that build resilience.

• Anne Connor serves as one of the co-chairs of the Philanthropy Workgroup of the South Texas Trauma-Informed Care Consortium, and is actively recruiting additional grantmakers to this workgroup.
• She also serves on the planning committee of the San Antonio Area Funders’ Group. She was instrumental in bringing the 45-minute film about ACES, Resilience, to a screening for about 40 grant funders at the February 2019 meeting of the Funders’ Group.

Resilient Families: Methodist Healthcare Ministries aims to create the conditions in which families in our service area can be resilient, contributing to thriving communities and moving toward health equity. Trauma-Informed Care is a critical part of that effort.