News – Page 12 – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Celebrates National Nurses Week

DW Admin on May 5, 2015

In 1982, President Ronald Regan signed a proclamation proclaiming a National Recognition Day for nurses to be May 6, while the American Nurses Association instituted the first weeklong observance. Today, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) joins countless others across the country in honoring the professionals who dedicate themselves to quality nursing care during National Nurses Week (May 6-12).

The theme for 2015 is "Ethical Practice. Quality Care." It recognizes the impact ethical nursing has on patient outcomes. According to annual Gallup surveys, the nursing profession has been ranked as the top profession for honesty and ethical standards for 13 consecutive years. It is that trust that acts as a foundation for the care provided by MHM's nurses. MHM applauds our nursing professionals for their commitment to their patients and their dedication to their profession. In celebration, MHM will feature a series of team member spotlight videos on its social media sites recognizing the professionals who make up MHM's Nursing department along with holding a recognition luncheon for all nursing team members.

Nurses are an essential part of our team. We are looking for qualified nurses to join us. To learn more about current openings within MHM's Nursing department, visit the Career's page.

Multimillion Dollar Investment in South Texas Proves to be Strong Medicine for Local Healthcare Providers

DW Admin on May 4, 2015

Seven organizations from the Rio Grande Valley, Coastal Bend and Laredo selected as inaugural cohort of Methodist Healthcare Ministries' Sí Texas Project

McAllen, TX – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM), the largest private, faith-based funding source for healthcare services in South Texas, will announce its first cohort of sub-grantees as part of its Sí Texas Project: Social Innovation for a Healthy South Texas. A total of $13 million will be invested in this unprecedented, collaborative effort to improve rates of depression and diabetes in high-poverty communities in the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo and the Coastal Bend areas.

In 2014, MHM received a federal grant from the Social Innovation Fund (SIF), a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), to grow the impact of innovative, community-based solutions that have compelling evidence of improving the lives of people in low-income communities throughout the United States. MHM is the first-ever faith-based organization to receive funding from the SIF.

During the news conference, MHM will unveil the seven sub-grantees of the Sí Texas Project and announce the amount of funds each organization will receive. All sub-grantees will be introduced with a brief description of the innovative models they will explore to effectively address chronic illness and behavioral health needs in their communities. A ceremonial check representing the complete monetary investment in South Texas will be presented.

WHO: Kevin C. Moriarty, president & CEO, Methodist Healthcare Ministries; Rebecca "Becca" Brune, senior vice president of strategic planning & growth, Methodist Healthcare Ministries; Rev. Laura Merrill, district superintendent for the El Valle District of the Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church
WHAT: Presentation of $13 million investment in seven South Texas organizations with ceremonial check presentation
WHERE: McAllen Convention Center (700 Convention Center Blvd. 78501)
WHEN: May 5, 2015, 2:30 p.m.

Reserved seating for members of the media. Speakers will be available for interviews immediately after the news conference. To schedule an interview, contact Jessica C. Muñoz at jmunoz1@mhm.org or (210) 776-4525.

About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing medical, dental and health-related human services to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas. The mission of the organization is "Serving Humanity to Honor God" by improving the physical, mental and spiritual health of those least served in the Rio Texas Conference area of The United Methodist Church. The mission also includes MHM's one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest healthcare system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. For more information, visit www.mhm.org.

About The Corporation for National and Community Service

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service and champions community solutions through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund, and Volunteer Generation Fund programs, and leads the President's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

MHM Sponsors Building the Bridge Out of Poverty Dinner & Simulation

DW Admin on April 21, 2015

Corpus Christi, Texas–Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is proud to be a sponsor of Mission 911's annual Building the Bridge Out of Poverty Fundraising Dinner and Poverty Simulation on Thursday, April 30th at 6:00 p.m. at The Summit Church (5801 McArdle Road). Proceeds from the interactive event strengthen Mission 911's programs that benefit the homeless and working poor in the coastal community.

During the event, attendees participate in role-play during a simulation activity where they have the opportunity to experience firsthand the challenges of providing basic necessities for themselves and their families with access to minimal income. While the scenarios and money exchanged during the evening may be fictitious, the struggles and challenges faced by the participants are very authentic. The copyrighted poverty simulation tool is more than a simple activity; it is a glimpse at the hardships those in need encounter every day.

Mission 911 is a nonprofit organization in the Corpus Christi area that is dedicated to helping those in crisis. To learn more about Mission 911 or for more information about the 2015 Building the Bridge Out of Poverty Fundraising Dinner and Poverty Simulation, visit www.ccmission911.org.

Webinar available for Sí Texas Project applicants

DW Admin on April 16, 2015

On April 2, 2015, a second grant cycle opened for Methodist Healthcare Ministries' Sí Texas Project. The Sí Texas Project is aimed at identifying innovative, local solutions that improve physical and behavioral health in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy, Kenedy, Brooks, Jim Hogg, Zapata, Duval, Jim Wells, Kleberg and Webb counties. The competition will run April 1, 2015, through May 29, 2015, 5 p.m. CDT, and grants awarded during the second cycle will begin Aug. 1, 2015.

If you're interested in learning how to apply as a grantee, register for the webinar hosted on April 21, 2015. A repeat of the webinar will be hosted on April 24, 2015. The webinar will cover the request for proposals, eligibility requirements and grantee expectations.

For more information about the Sí Texas Project, visit www.mhm.org.

We all can play a part in making meaningful connections

DW Admin on April 10, 2015

April Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

San Antonio, TX – Today Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) was blanketed with hues of blue shirts, pins and apparel in support of victims of child abuse and neglect. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

This month and throughout the year, MHM encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Bexar County a better place for children and families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to care for their children, we can help promote children's social and emotional well-being and prevent child maltreatment within families and communities.

Research shows that when parents possess six protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for children, youth and families are promoted. The six protective factors are nurturing and attachment; knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development; parental resilience; social connections; concrete supports for parents; and social and emotional developmental well-being.

"April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children," explains Kevin C. Moriarty, President & CEO. "Everyone's participation is critical. Focusing on ways to build and promote the protective factors, in every interaction with children and families, is the best thing our community can do to prevent child maltreatment and promote optimal child development."

In support of these efforts, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, its Child Welfare Information Gateway, the FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention, and the Center for the Study of Social Policy – Strengthening Families have created Making Meaningful Connections 2015 Resource Guide. The guide, designed for service providers who work throughout the community to strengthen families, is available on Information Gateway's website: https://childwelfare.com/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/resource-guide/.

For more information about child abuse prevention programs and activities during the month of April, and throughout the year, contact info@mhm.org.

Second grant application cycle opens for the Sí Texas Project

DW Admin on April 2, 2015

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc's (MHM) Sí Texas: Social Innovation for a Healthy South Texas project is opening a second cycle grant competition to further our commitment to the Sí Texas Project service area and to identify innovative, local solutions that improve physical and behavioral health. This competition will run April 1, 2015, through May 29, 2015, 5 p.m. CDT, and grants awarded during the second cycle will begin Aug. 1, 2015.

MHM seeks applications from organizations that seek to improve and expand delivery of integrated behavioral health services in the Sí Texas service area (Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, Cameron, Webb, Duval, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Brooks, Kenedy, Zapata and Jim Hogg counties). Eligible organizations provide services in the Sí Texas service area, propose an evidence-based integrated behavioral health intervention, are nonprofit or public entities, and meet the organizational budget and level of evidence minimums.

MHM will provide technical assistance to assist with the application process, including conference calls, webinars, office hours with project and FAQs.

To demonstrate evidence of the effectiveness of their proposed project, applicants must establish their incoming "level of evidence" in their applications. A "preliminary" level of evidence is an eligibility requirement, and MHM's official determination of the level of evidence will affect the maximum award size for which an applicant is eligible.

Levels of Evidence: Guidance for Sí Texas Applicants from Methodist Healthcare Ministries on Vimeo.

The second cycle competition is the result of MHM's commitment to several Sí Texas goals. Since the first cycle competition, which ran from Oct. 31, 2014 to Feb. 6, 2015 will not award the anticipated $6.5 million per year, we seek to identify additional high-performing organizations in the second cycle competition and mobilize this full amount to improve health in the Sí Texas service area. In addition, we seek to engage more fully all 12 counties in the Sí Texas service area. The second cycle will include targeted launch efforts in counties that are underrepresented by first cycle Sí Texas projects. Finally, we recognize that the financial award requirements of the first cycle competition excluded organizations with smaller budgets. Because many innovative solutions originate from the grassroots level, we are taking steps to engage these organizations in the second cycle.

Second cycle Sí Texas grantees will join the first cycle of grantees in serving their communities by providing integrated behavioral health services, receiving and providing capacity building services through peer learning networks and evaluation collaboratives and participating in rigorous evaluation to build evidence of the effectiveness of their projects.

To learn more about the Sí Texas Project or to apply, visit www.mhm.org/sitexas.

Coverage Expansion Would Help Your County

DW Admin on March 27, 2015

from the Center for Public Policy Priorities Better Texas Blog

Do you know how many local jobs would be created in your county if Texas closed the health care Coverage Gap? It’s easy to find out with our new fact sheets for every county in Texas.

With the support of Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., we’ve created customized fact sheets that outline the economic and health benefits for county residents if Texas accepts federal funds to expand health care coverage.

In Harris County, for example, expanded health care coverage would create 60,000 new jobs per year and pump up to $935 million into the county economy. Data come from recent estimates by respected Texas and national experts, including the U.S. Census, economist Dr. Ray Perryman and former Texas Deputy Comptroller Billy Hamilton.

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Using the same data sources as the fact sheets, our online Health & Wealth County Checkup tool allows you to compare benefits across counties.

Just as several other conservative states have developed a plan to expand coverage and close the Coverage Gap, Texas leaders should, too. A growing number of business leaders, health care leaders, and other Texans are educating them about the benefits for uninsured workers, their families, and the economy. These new fact sheets provide important data in making the case for coverage expansion. Our state leaders should accept our share of the billions of dollars in federal health care funds to connect uninsured workers and parents with an affordable insurance option.

One million uninsured U.S. citizen adults in Texas stuck in the Coverage Gap are waiting for Texas leaders to act. A strong, diverse coalition including business groups, chambers of commerce, and county judges is calling for a Texas approach to expanding health care coverage to more Texans. These county fact sheets can help demonstrate the economic and health benefits such an expansion would bring, and we encourage concerned Texans to share these with their county leaders and state officials.

To view the original article, click here.

Rio Grande Valley Communities are Unidos Contra Diabetes Through Collective Impact

DW Admin on March 19, 2015

Unprecedented effort to prevent diabetes in the RGV seeks a Backbone to support Community Partners

San Antonio, Texas – Over the last year, over two dozen Rio Grande Valley healthcare providers and institutions, non-profit organizations, education institutions and other civic and business leaders have been coming together to address what they see as an epidemic in South Texas: Diabetes. Those efforts have taken shape through a steering committee, aptly named 'Unidos Contra Diabetes,' and evolved through a Collective Impact process, to seek a systematic way of combating and ultimately preventing diabetes by addressing the underlying behavioral health challenges faced by those diagnosed with the disease or at-risk of succumbing to it. Unidos Contra Diabetes is now seeking an organization or collaborative partnership to sustain a "Backbone" to serve as the entity that will formally coordinate the implementation of a long-term, regional effort to carry out the efforts goals in the Rio Grande Valley. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued today to solicit a Backbone and is available for download at www.mhm.org.

The Unidos Contra Diabetes Steering Committee is currently comprised of community leaders from hospitals, community clinics, academia, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations; Methodist Healthcare Ministries, the Meadows Foundation, and the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute support it. This Steering Committee is not final, and will change and evolve as the effort grows. In the future, the group plans to involve more organizations and partners in the Rio Grande Valley however, a full-time Backbone is necessary to facilitate this expansion.

Within this cross-sector, collaborative effort the Backbone will provide the supporting infrastructure to coordinate work among partners. The term Backbone refers to a set of dedicated staff whose job is to help facilitate and manage the work of the collective impact effort.

The RFP contains a full description of the collective impact effort, the roles and responsibilities of the Backbone, as well as a self-assessment and list of short response questions for interested applicants.

FSG, a mission-driven consulting firm, is helping the Unidos Contra Diabetes Steering Committee during the RFP process. If you have questions about the RFP, wish to find out more about the role of the Backbone, or are curious in learning about the Unidos Contra Diabetes effort, please contact Matt Duffy from FSG at matt.duffy@fsg.org.

About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

About FSG

FSG is a mission-driven consulting firm supporting leaders in creating large-scale, lasting social change. Through strategy, evaluation, and research we help many types of actors – individually and collectively – make progress against the world's toughest problems. To learn more about FSG visit www.fsg.org.

To download a PDF of the RFP, click here.

Two informational webinars will be held for prospective applicants on March 26th and April 9th from 1:00-2:30PM Central Time. This webinar will be hosted by FSG, a mission-driven consulting firm who is helping the Unidos Contra Diabetes Steering Committee with the RFP process. The webinar will consist of a 30 minute presentation by FSG on the RFP process followed by 60 minutes of open Q&A from participants. The content will be the same on both dates. Participants can join by the webinar to see the presentation, or simply call into the conference line for audio-only participation.

MHM Supports National Social Work Month

DW Admin on March 19, 2015

March is National Social Work Month. Since 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has celebrated social workers with an official monthly observance. This year, the theme is "Social Work Paves the Way for Change." It promotes the accomplishments the profession has achieved during the past six decades, including its positive changes in society and for individuals.

During the month of March, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) will honor the professionals who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others—social workers and counselors. We will celebrate National Social Work Month with activities to express our gratitude for the social workers at MHM who are committed to the betterment of the least served in South Texas. Festivities include a recognition luncheon and commissioning ceremony for members of our clinical behavioral health services team. MHM's community counselors will be commissioned later this year.

We congratulate our team members on their continued impact in the lives of the adults and children in our communities affected by mental illness. Our staff's faithfulness to MHM's core values, dedication to the social work profession and compassionate care make us proud to work with the best team in South Texas.

Since our founding, MHM has taken action to help pave the way for change. In 2015, MHM invested $8,298,846 through community grants in the area of mental and behavioral health.

"The need for quality mental health care is great in South Texas. I applaud the team of devoted social workers and counselors who are committed to meeting the needs of the least served by helping to improve mental and behavioral health outcomes. Their professionalism and enthusiasm is unmatched. They are changing lives everyday," shared Kathryn Jones, Director of Behavioral Health Services.

Connect with us on MHM.org as we spotlight our social workers on MHM social media during March.

MHM welcomes new Director of Human Resources, Bridget Lamme-Kerr, PHR

DW Admin on March 9, 2015

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is pleased to welcome Mrs. Bridget Lamme-Kerr, PHR as its new Director of Human Resources (HR). Mrs. Lamme-Kerr is an engaging professional with over 18 years of HR experienceand brings with her a proven record of delivering results and influencing change. Her career includes a recent role as vice president of human resources at Harland Clarke (formerly Clarke American, Inc.). As Director of Human Resources, Bridget is responsible for the organization's human resource operations for over 350 team members.

Bridget's recognized leadership talent, coupled with her proven professional successes, make her an ideal fit at MHM–a private, faith-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing medical and health-related human services to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas.

Bridget earned a bachelor's degree from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas and holds the prestigious Professional in Human Resources (PHR) designation. She is an active member of the Junior League of San Antonio where she currently serves on the Goodwill Partnership Committee.

Bridget and her husband Sam live in Seguin, Texas.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Supports TLU’s Nursing Program with $250,000 Gift

DW Admin on March 9, 2015

Grant will provide specialized, geographic workforce training for TLU students

The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies estimates the state will need 293,000 registered nurses by 2020. With a $250,000 foundational gift, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. supports Texas Lutheran University's RN to BSN degree track by recognizing the state's growing demand for nurses. Recruiting new nurses and retaining current ones is key for Texas, as is impacting underrepresented rural areas by creating a 21st century health care workforce.

"This grant from Methodist Healthcare Ministries is vital to our nursing program," said TLU President Dr. Stuart Dorsey. "By using innovative educational strategies, advanced technology, and targeting active RNs to improve their knowledge, skills and competencies at the baccalaureate level, TLU can produce nursing graduates to better serve a diverse and rural South Texas. The RN to BSN degree track also adds to TLU's longstanding reputation of strong programs in the sciences and health professions."

With this foundational gift, TLU nursing students will receive specialized and geographic workforce training through collaboration with local hospitals and colleges like Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, Baptist Health System's Resolute Health, and Alamo Community Colleges. This specialized training can lead to better job placement, increased wages, and job retention by targeting traditionally underrepresented nurses who need to improve their knowledge, skills and competencies to meet the demands of today's health care market. The established RN to BSN track allows students to adapt seamlessly into the program. TLU's Director of Nursing, Dr. Kathie Aduddell, has extensive experience directing similar programs in rural settings at Kennesaw State University, Victoria College, Radford University and Fullerton College.

"We at Methodist Healthcare Ministries are proud to partner with TLU and support their efforts to create opportunities for RNs to earn their BSN degrees," said Kevin C. Moriarty, president and chief executive officer at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. "Nurses are often the first set of hands that help when we are in crisis, and we know there aren't enough of these critical helping hands in our state for those who need care. This partnership is part of Methodist Healthcare Ministries' overall strategy to increase the number of health care professionals in Texas, which to date has included a total investment of more than $19 million in support of programs like TLU's and championing legislation to address the nursing shortage at the state level."

About Methodist Health Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing medical, dental and health-related human services to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas. The mission of the organization is "Serving Humanity to Honor God" by improving the physical, mental and spiritual health of those least served in the Southwest Texas Conference area of The United Methodist Church. The mission also includes MHM's one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest health care system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. For more information, visit www.mhm.org.

This article originally appeared on the Texas Luthern University website, to view click here.

Despite Some Gains, 25% of Texas Kids Live in Poverty

DW Admin on March 5, 2015

New report finds expanded Pre-K, health care coverage among policy solutions that could help make Texas the #1 state for kids

AUSTIN – One in four Texas children lives in poverty, threatening their potential and the state's continued prosperity. According to State of Texas Children 2015, a new Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP) report released today, slight improvements in health care and school nutrition don't compensate for inadequate investments in education and child protection.

Detailed data are available for every county in Texas. Please contact Bernstein@cppp.org for child well-being data for your county.

"Texas is consistently ranked one of the nation's worst states for children, but we can make our state the best place for kids if we enact smart public policies now," said Ann Beeson, Executive Director of CPPP. "With 1 in 11 U.S. kids living in Texas, the future of young Texans will determine the future of our country."

Key findings include:

One in four Texas children lives in poverty. For a family of four, that's less than $24,000 per year. The high child poverty rate combined with a relatively good parental employment rate means that many hard-working Texas parents aren't earning enough to provide adequately for their kids.
Despite modest gains for kids, Texas is ranked 49th for the percentage of children with health insurance (13 percent uninsured). Kids are more likely to be uninsured when their parents are uninsured, and Texas continues to have the highest rate of uninsured adults in the nation.
Nearly two million Texas kids live in households where access to nutritious food is limited and uncertain, threating children's health and ability to learn. Expanded school nutrition programs have successfully provided more meals to students, keeping kids healthier and helping them learn.

Key policy recommendations:

Invest sufficiently in public education to meet student needs.
Expand Pre-K statewide to high quality, full-day programs for currently eligible students.
Close the Coverage Gap, and expand health insurance coverage options for families.
Provide more support for informal kinship caregivers, and streamline the process for accessing kinship care benefits.
Raise the state minimum wage, and change the state law that prohibits Texas cities from setting their own minimum wage.

Lawmakers have a tremendous opportunity this legislative session to adopt policy solutions that can help children and all Texans. From expanded early childhood education to health insurance coverage that protects children and families, policy solutions are available to lawmakers now that can improve the state for Texas children.

"The decisions legislators make at the Capitol have major implications for our children," said Jennifer Lee, Research Associate at CPPP and the lead author of State of Texas Children 2015. "It's time for all of us to stand up for Texas kids."

State of Texas Children 2015 is part of Texas Kids Count, a project of the Center for Public Policy Priorities, and is supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. The report was released at a breakfast presentation in Austin today attended by over 300 child advocates, policy makers and concerned Texans. Click here for a livestream and archived video of the presentation. Click here to read the full report.