Category: Health Care

The Fort Worth Business Press reported on Nov. 28th that the Dallas Council on Alcohol & Drugs and Recovery Resource Council have merged. Discussions began after Debbie Meripolski, CEO of the Dallas Council for 20 years, announced her retirement. The decision was effective immediately on Oct. 25 Given their shared missions of prevention education, intervention and treatment of substance abuse, both Boards of Directors agreed that one larger consolidated organization would be more efficient and effective, strengthening their capacity to serve more youth and adults in the community who are struggling with alcohol, drug or other related behavioral health issues.

The new Recovery Resource Council becomes North Texas’s largest non-residential non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, intervention, and treatment of substance abuse, HIV and behavioral health with offices in Fort Worth, Dallas and Denton. Lead by Eric Niedermayer, the combined organization has a budget of $6.5 million, 83 staff, and a footprint covering 19 counties. The merger will help impact 110,000 lives annually, 70% of those under the age of 18. Their vision is a North Texas full of health and wellness, free of the stigma associated with seeking help, and with fewer individuals suffering from substance abuse and mental health problems.

To learn more visit their website.

Southwest Transplant Alliance announced through a Facebook live stream on Nov. 14th that they are beginning construction of a new state-of-the-art facility in Dallas. Patti Niles, President and CEO, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony about the growth STA has undergone. In the past 45 years they have grown from a 3 person organization with 10 kidney transplants a year, to over 200 employees and upwards of 1200 transplants a year. Last year they took on another goal to find recovery tissue donors, adding to the ways they can save lives through donations and transplants. They also introduced a new innovative software program designed to help streamline the process of finding matches with other local hospitals. Earlier this year they built a new call center, remarking that they are expected take over 50,000 calls a year. To capitalize on the immense growth they’ve undergone they are expanding their reach by creating a new state-of-art facility. The new facility will decrease travel time, increase efficiency and improve transplant outcomes to save more lives. It will feature five state of the art operating rooms, six donor care units, a special room for donor family support, new innovating technology, and a memorial garden to honor donors and their families. The center is scheduled to open Mar. 2020 and construction will start next month. The building will consist of three levels and encompass 77,000 square ft.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST TRANSPLANT ALLIANCE

STA is the bridge between those who make the decision to donate their organs and those in need of a lifesaving organ transplant. STA’s dedicated and compassionate staff work in hospitals to guide grieving families through the donation process and provide the clinical services needed to recover, prepare and transport organs and tissues to those awaiting a lifesaving or life-enhancing transplant.

To learn more visit their website.

A new collaboration between UNT Health Science Center and Langston University seeks to reduce cancer health disparities and prepare minority scholars to perform ground-breaking medical research, as announced in a recent release.

UNTHSC and Langston, a historically black college in Oklahoma, recently celebrated the awarding of a $2.2 million grant by the National Cancer Institute. The institutions will split the money, which will be paid over four years.

There are only four other similar funded projects active nationally, and those involve M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Duke University, Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine.

“We are honored to be among the few institutions selected for this award that will allow our cancer researchers to greatly support cancer education and research at Langston University,” said Jamboor Vishwanatha, PhD, Project Director for the Texas Center for Health Disparities. “Through this partnership, we will share increased knowledge and awareness of the cancer needs in underserved communities and contribute to the fight against cancer and cancer disparities.”

Cancer health disparities are high in Texas and Oklahoma. Health care access, socioeconomics, culture, environment and shifting demographics are all factors contributing to disparities. Meanwhile, there is a shortage of minorities with PhDs in the workforce.

The partnership provides valuable mentorship and networking by matching Langston students with UNTHSC researchers. About 40 Langston students will gain experience in research laboratories on the UNTHSC campus during the life of the grant.

The partnership includes two collaborative research projects. One project is intended to create innovative approaches to increase the immune system’s ability to prevent lung cancer metastases. The other project targets a cell surface expression to prevent prostate cancer bone metastases.

Research will occur at both campuses, said Harlan Jones, PhD, Director of the UNHSC Center for Diversity and International Programs. Langston was previously able to improve its research infrastructure through a NASA grant that it also shared with UNTHSC.

The institutions are long-time partners with a history of success, Dr. Jones said.

“This is a true partnership,” Dr. Jones said. “We have many faculty performing innovative cancer research at UNT Health Science Center, and we are excited to collaborate once again with Langston University.”

Twenty-five years ago, Fort Worth philanthropist Eunice West founded the James L. West Center for Dementia Care in honor of her husband who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. At the time it was only one of three facilities across the country specifically dedicated to treating people affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Since then, the center has served more than 2,500 families and 14,000 caregivers and has been a leader in the field of dementia care. In addition to a 100-person residential program, the center offers a Senior Adult Day Program for people with dementia and training for healthcare providers and caregivers in how to best manage dementia in their loved ones.

On November 6, 2018, the James L. West Center will celebrate with a 25^th anniversary luncheon  at the Ridglea Country Club in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price will provide opening remarks with Kathryn Childers serving as the keynote speaker.

Childers was one of the first five female U.S. Secret Service Special agents hired in 1970 who conducted counterfeit investigations and protected presidents, the First Family and foreign dignitaries. Notably, she protected Caroline and John F. Kennedy, Jr. while traveling with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis around the world.

She recently lost her husband of 45 years to Alzheimer’s disease and will address the life lessons she’s learned as both a Secret Service Special Agent and a caregiver.

“The mission of a Special Agent in the U.S. Secret Service is to protect and serve,” Childers said. “Not unlike the role of a bodyguard, I found my job as my husband’s caregiver a time to use skills honed in the Secret Service to keep him safe, happy and comfortable.”

Looking ahead, the Center will continue to find new ways to engage those affected by dementia and educate caregivers on how to best help their loved ones.

The Center recently launched a first-of-its kind “dementia friendly” seven-concert series. The series, funded by Gary Cole and the Nina Maria Cole Music and Arts Fund, is receiving concert support from the Fort Worth Arts Council and the Gary Patterson Foundation.

Participating performing arts organizations include DVA Productions, the Fort Worth Opera/TCU Lesley Artists, Cliburn, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Boys Choir and Texas Ballet Theatre.

“We believe those with dementia deserve to be treated with dignity and in a way that maximizes their remaining abilities,” said Cheryl Harding, President and CEO of the West Center. “Until there’s a cure, we’re here to care.”

Tickets to the luncheon can be purchased here.

The University of Texas at Arlington announced in a release that its researchers are working on a pilot intervention program that will combine interactive and hands-on interventions for new moms and premature babies.

UTA researchers believe a combination of maternal, infant and home assessments, education, and use of an interactive, hands-on intervention taught to the mother can aid in infant development, strengthen relationships between mother and infant and subsequently reduce depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in mothers of pre-term babies.

The researchers are working on a pilot intervention that will test 40 new mothers of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit at John Peter Smith Hospital. The interventions will continue over a 12-month period with a final assessment at 18 months following birth. Improvement of the infants’ developmental skills, attachment and the mothers’ mental health will be the key measurements of success. The Philip and Carolyn Evanson endowment is funding part of the pilot program.

Mothers who give birth to pre-term babies are vulnerable to mental health issues, such as PTSD, which may affect the attachment between the mother and the baby, and subsequently delay the infant’s development. An interactive, hands-on intervention plus education and regular assessments by health care professionals during frequent follow-up home visits may go a long way in helping those mothers overcome PTSD.

Improving health and the human condition is one of the four guiding themes of UTA’s Strategic Plan 2020: Bold Solutions | Global Impact.

Read the full release here.

ABOUT UTA

An educational leader in the heart of the thriving North Texas region, The University of Texas at Arlington nurtures minds within an environment that values excellence, ingenuity, and diversity. UTA is dedicated to producing the lifelong learners and critical thinkers our region and nation demand. Find out more here.

On September 18 nearly 300 guests attended the 4th Annual Outlive Yourself Awards in Trinity Groves. The event was presented by The Liver Institute at Methodist Dallas, The Transplant Institute at Methodist Dallas and Methodist Transplant Specialists, and funds raised support Taylor’s Gift. The event lineup for the evening included event Chair Robin Bagwell, co-founders Tara and Todd Storch, Joe Winters, husband of Taylor’s heart recipient, and Kristin Cooper whose husband, Tim, was able to save lives when he suddenly passed and donated his organs.

Taylor’s Gift made an exciting announcement that they will be partnering with Southwest Transplant Alliance (STA) in the creation of “Taylor’s Place”, a special area in the upcoming new STA organ and tissue recovery center in Dallas. Taylor’s Place will be a special part in the building just for organ donor families.

“As one who has been given a second chance at life through organ donation, Norm feels that Taylor’s Gift Foundation is a difference-maker offering hope and support in the most difficult of situations. We were honored to serve as chairs of this year’s event,” said Robin and Norm Bagwell, event co-chairs.

2018 Host Committee Member Elizabeth Hughes, 2018 Event Chair Robin Bagwell, and Guest Sandra Estess

The highlight of the event was celebrating the two amazing honorees Dr. Liza Johannesson, a transplant surgeon, and Mrs. Meg Bacino, a living organ donor.

“Every day is a blessing. Receiving an organ changes a life overnight. I cannot describe how emotional it is to realize another family is grieving while you are rejoicing that your family member is being given another chance. Organ donation is in fact a “Gift of Life” and is the true definition of ‘Outliving Yourself.’” – Mrs. Meg Bacino

“I think many people do not believe they can make a difference. But everyone can, you don’t have to be privileged, advantaged or special to make a difference. Use your specific talent and invest your time and energy not in what is, but what can be.” – Dr. Liza Johannesson

2018 Honoree Dr. Liza Johannesson with a transplant patient

Since its inception in 2010, Taylor’s Gift is on a mission to encourage supporters to “Outlive Yourself.” What does it mean to “Outlive Yourself”? It’s a spirit of giving and a mindset of going above and beyond for others and living selflessly. Taylor’s Gift encourages individuals to register as organ donors as one way to Outlive Yourself.

Pictured in header image: 2018 Host Committee Member Elizabeth Hughes, 2018 Event Chair Robin Bagwell, and Guest Sandra Estess. Photos courtesy of Taylor’s Gift Foundation.

ABOUT TAYLOR’S GIFT FOUNDATION

Taylor’s Gift Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2010, with a mission to “Regift Life, Renew Health and Restore Families” by increasing official organ donor registries. For more information, visit www.TaylorsGift.org.

Aging Mind Foundation announced in a release this week that it set out to raise $450,000 for the Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute at UT Southwestern Medical Center, led by Dr. Marc Diamond.  Following successful fundraising efforts by Aging Mind Foundation, the organization surprised the team at UT Southwestern with a check for $700,000 in the hopes of finding the cause of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

“Alzheimer’s research is imperative as the number of people diagnosed are reaching epidemic proportions,” said Laree Hulshoff, co-founder of Aging Mind Foundation, in the release.  “Aging Mind Foundation chose UT Southwestern and Dr. Diamond’s program, because of the depth and quality of research currently happening at UT Southwestern.”

The most recent discovery occurred in July when scientists at UT Southwestern announced they had discovered a “Big Bang” of Alzheimer’s disease; the precise point at which a healthy protein becomes toxic but has not yet formed deadly tangles in the brain.

“This is perhaps the biggest finding we have made to date,” said Dr. Marc Diamond, Director of UT Southwestern’s Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Professor of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, who holds the Distinguished Chair in Basic Brain Injury and Repair. “We are hopeful the scientific field has turned a corner in identifying the genesis of the disease and we can target the diagnoses at its earliest stage, before the symptoms of memory loss and cognitive decline become apparent.”

The $700,000 grant will fund research to identify molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets that play a key role in the pathogenesis of disease. The research seeks to develop new therapies and diagnostics for Alzheimer’s that will allow diagnosis and treatment in people before the onset of cognitive problems.

Since the founding in 2013, the Aging Mind Foundation has raised more than $2 million to fund high-quality brain research in the North Texas area. Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth leading cause of death for those 65 and older, and one of the most expensive diseases in the nation. There is currently no way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression. Aging Mind Foundation is dedicated to supporting research designed to find the cause of the dementias.

Aging Mind Foundation hosts events throughout the year to raise funds and awareness for brain research, including Brew, Bites and Brain Research; October 24^th and the 4^th Annual Aging Mind Foundation Gala, March 23, 2019. For more information on these events and the Aging Mind Foundation, please visit AgingMindFoundation.org or Facebook.com/AgingMindFoundation.

In an announcement on its website, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children has announced it will soon be opening an Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco.

The announcement states: “Our world-renowned experts have been dedicated to giving children back their childhood for nearly 100 years. While we will continue to provide pediatric orthopedic care at our Dallas campus, this milestone marks our first-ever major expansion.”

The new Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center will be located at the northeast corner of the Dallas North Tollway and Lebanon Road.

As a result of the new facility opening, the Scottish Rite Plano location will close, with all services moving to the new Frisco location on October 10. Those services include including a fracture clinic; orthotics and prosthetics; radiology; and physical, occupational and sports therapy services. We’re also introducing new services such as MRI, a rheumatology clinic, infusion services, imaging facilities and expanded support services from our family services team.

New services include a new sports medicine practice as well as orthopedic care for conditions such as scoliosis; limb differences; and hand, hip and foot disorders.

The facility soon hopes to open a day surgery center, a state-of-the-art movement science lab and an inclusive playground for our patients and the community.

Find out more here.

ABOUT TEXAS SCOTTISH RITE HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children treats many of the world’s most complex orthopedic cases, as well as certain related arthritic and neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. The specialists in our six Centers for Excellence spend a lifetime practicing, researching and pioneering pediatric orthopedic care. Find out more on the hospital’s website.