Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Category: Health Care

  • Southwest Transplant Alliance Breaks Record for Lives Saved in 2017

    Southwest Transplant Alliance, a Dallas-based nonprofit organ procurement organization, announced Jan. 2 that it made a record 1,267 organs available for transplant during 2017. Those organs were available because of the “selfless, lifesaving gifts of 385 organ donors” a press release stated.

    “It’s inspiring and humbling to know that thousands of lives have been saved and enhanced because of the families that made the incredibly generous decision to donate and those who registered to be donors,” Patti Niles, CEO and president of Southwest Transplant Alliance, said in a news release. “We are grateful to all those who have made life possible.”

    D Magazine reported that Southwest Transplant Alliance is the largest of 58 federally designated nonprofit organ procurement organizations in the U.S.

    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.

    The organization works with 11 transplant centers and more than 200 acute care hospitals throughout the state of Texas. Find out more here.

  • Cook Children’s Medical Center’s Dr. Jamye Coffman interviewed for 20/20

    Dr. Jamye Coffman shared her knowledge of Muchausen syndrome with Amy Robach recently for ABC 20/20’s Jan. 5 episode. Dr. Coffman is the medical director of The Center for Prevention of Child Maltreatment at Cook Children’s.

    The Jan. 5 episode centered on the story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who is currently serving a prison sentence after being convicted of the 2015 murder of her mother Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard, who many believe was suffering from Muchausen syndrome. You can view the full episode here.

    According to an article on Cook Children’s website, “Medical child abuse is the diagnosis given to a child whose parent or guardian is suspected of lying about their medical history, leading to unnecessary treatments and procedures. This condition was formerly known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy. The abuser has what’s known as factitious disorder imposed on another.” The article reports that the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office has investigated 19 reports of medical child abuse since January 2009.

    ABOUT THE CENTER FOR PREVENTION OF CHILD MALTREATMENT AT COOK CHILDREN’S

    The Center for Prevention of Child Maltreatment is working to make North Texas one of the safest places to raise a child.

    Child maltreatment includes all forms of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, development or dignity. The youngest children, age 0-3, are the most vulnerable.

    Find out more here.

  • Heroes for Children receives $75,000 donation from Richardson-based Service King Collision Repair

    Service King Collision Repair, founded in Dallas and headquartered in Richardson, raised $125,000 through its 23rd annual DFW Charity Golf Tournament for local nonprofits including Heroes for Children.

    “The Service King gift could not have come at a better time – right before the holidays,” said Larissa Linton, executive director and co-founder of Heroes for Children, in a press release. “This year, Heroes for Children was hit with some extraordinary unforeseen requests due to Hurricane Harvey. Our organization serves the entire state of Texas and one-third of our requests come from the Houston area.”

    ABOUT SERVICE KING COLLISION REPAIR CENTERS
    Service King Collision Repair Centers, with more than 40 years of experience in the automotive repair industry, is a leading national operator of comprehensive, high-quality collision repair facilities. The organization is consistently recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction, quality workmanship and giving back to the industry through innovative training and recruiting initiatives. Read more about the company here.

    ABOUT HEROES FOR CHILDREN
    Heroes for Children depends on donations in their mission to advocate for and provide financial and social assistance to families with children (0-22 years of age) battling cancer. With the community’s help, Heroes is making a difference by ensuring that no family with a child battling cancer will ever fight alone. For more information, go to www.HeroesForChildren.org.

  • Sons of the Flag’s Stars & Stripes annual luncheon reports record attendance

    Sons of the Flag, a Dallas-based nonprofit organization that supports military, first responder and civilian burn survivors through funding for innovative research, treatment and education, held its fourth annual Stars & Stripes Luncheon presented by Clay Cooley Auto Group on Friday, Nov. 10, at Dallas Country Club. The luncheon was sold out and had record attendance of nearly 400.

    Along with the luncheon, Sons of the Flag also hosted its annual Stars & Stripes Film Festival, presented by Stripe-A-Zone, Nov. 9-12 at Highland Park Village Theatre. The film festival featured five military-themed movies, each of which was followed by a discussion led by an expert on the particular movie’s content or historical background, a press release stated.

    “The Stars & Stripes Luncheon and Film Festival is the most important and impactful event each year for Sons of the Flag, and this year proved that more people than ever are interested in coming alongside us as we work to advance burn treatment, education and funding for military and first-responder burn survivors,” stated Ryan “Birdman” Parrott, former Navy SEAL and founder of Sons of the Flag.  “We are so thankful for all of the sponsors and attendees who helped make this another year of continued growth in support of this vital mission.”

    Kris “Tanto” Paronto, who as a member of the CIA annex security team that responded to the terrorist attack on the US Special Mission in Benghazi, Libya on Sept. 11, 2012, helped save more than 20 lives, kicked off this year’s events on Nov. 9 with a discussion following the screening of “13 Hours.” Along with Dallas Film Society Artistic Director James Faust, Paronto provided insider details for nearly 100 VIP supporters about how the movie accurately portrayed the Benghazi attack, which was captured  onscreen by director Michael Bay.

    Luncheon festivities began Nov. 10 with a VIP reception in the Dallas Country Club’s Founders Room, at which attendees got to meet Paronto.  Luncheon co-chairs Billie Leigh Rippey, Paige Rippey Locke and Tricia Rippey Besing were among the many VIP reception attendees, as were luncheon presenting sponsor Lisa and Ciara Cooley of Clay Cooley Auto Group, and film festival presenting sponsor the Sargent Family of Stripe-A-Zone.

    VIP Reception attendees then went to the Dallas Country Club’s main ballroom, where luncheon emcee, former Channel 8 anchor Shelly Slater, began the proceedings. Kenzie Coppin led the attendees in a rendition of the national anthem, followed by the opening invocation, given by former US Navy SEAL Jon Iadonisi. Slater then thanked all the veterans in attendance, recognized the luncheon chairs and sponsors and mentioned the film festival opening.

    As the audience finished lunch, Dr. Stephen Burgher, the recipient of last year’s Legacy Award from Sons of the Flag, introduced a short video presentation about this year’s Legacy Award winner Major Richard Agnew, an Army paratrooper during the Korean War and a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross.

    Parrott then rose to present the organization’s new promotional video and make a call to support their lifesaving and life-changing work.

    “Your support will help us train more doctors and nurses to deliver the specialized care burn victims need. Your support will help us embrace rather than turn away somebody who doesn’t have the means to buy the products they need for proper wound care post burn. Your support will help heal a brave veteran who, in addition to other injuries, must go through continual treatment and surgery for burns suffered in combat. And your support will help a firefighter who was burned while saving your home or place of business. Without your support none of these things is possible, and we ask for it today.”

    Kris Paronto then regaled the audience with a near “shot-by-shot” account of the 13 hours he and five other brave security team members spent protecting more than 20 government employees as hundreds of attackers moved in on the State Department and CIA Annex facilities.  “We came from different military backgrounds, but our training led us in a common mission to protect those whose lives depended on our efforts,” said Paronto.

    After Paronto concluded his remarks, Shelly Slater brought the luncheon to a close by thanking the audience and encouraging them to go thank a veteran in celebration of Veteran’s Day the next day.

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas awards nearly $1.8 million in grants

    Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas announced today that 10 statewide organizations have been awarded nearly $1.8 million in Healthy Kids, Healthy Families grants to help raise awareness around the prevention and early detection of chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

    The grants, awarded following an extensive evaluation process, will anchor Richardson-based BCBSTX’s new community investment focus to battle CKD and COPD – two conditions greatly impacting the life span, productivity and quality of life of Texans, a press release stated. November is the national awareness month for COPD and diabetes, the most common cause of CKD.

    As a physician-led organization, the investment is part of BCBSTX’s ongoing commitment to improve health and wellness across populations that most need it, as well as effecting sustained behavioral changes that lead to better health outcomes for all Texans.

    “Our new community investment strategy requires collaborations with organizations that have proven results reaching the populations that we want to impact with our new initiative,” stated Dr. Dan McCoy, president, BCBSTX. “Our claims data, relative to CKD and COPD, informs us that we have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of thousands of Texans. We are honored to partner with these outstanding organizations on this important initiative.”

    This year, the HKHF initiative received numerous applications from organizations across the state. Each application was vetted on the basis of impact, feasibility, capacity, collaboration and sustainability. Grant recipients share BCBSTX’s goal to raise awareness around the prevention and early detection of CKD and COPD.

    “In deciding on this year’s awardees, we landed on organizations that have demonstrated success in executing programs that move the needle against CKD and COPD,” stated Dr. Esteban López, chief medical officer, BCBSTX. “I am confident that we will be able to make a measurable difference in improving the health of Texans with our new investment strategy targeting these two chronic diseases.”

    This year’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Families grantees include:

    • American Lung Association: Has the led the fight for healthy lungs and air as well as on eliminating tobacco use and related lung disease for more than 100 years.
    • National Kidney Foundation: Dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease.
    • It’s Time Texas:  An organization focused on dramatically improving the landscape of health and wellness in Texas.
    • Texas Medical Association:  Serves Texas citizens in matters of medical care, prevention and cure of disease, and the improvement of public health.
    • State of Texas Kidney: Fights kidney disease through awareness, education, and prevention resources.
    • Bexar County Community Health: Uses a synergistic approach to solving critical community health needs, while efficiently utilizing resources in the Bexar County region.
    • Migrant Health Promotion: A national nonprofit organization that implements and runs Community Health Worker programs that provide peer health education, increase access to health resources and bring community members closer.

    Launched in 2011, HKHF started as a three-year initiative designed to improve the health and wellness of at least one million children through community investments. The program was extended as BCBSTX’s ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of the children and families across Texas.

    To date, the HKHF program – which centers on nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention and management and supporting safe environments – has impacted the lives of millions of Texas children. Since the program’s inception, BCBSTX has awarded more than $8.8 million in HKHF grants.

  • Report finds women of color underrepresented among doctors, face barriers

    Women of color are only 11.7 percent of doctors

    A new report from The Greenlining Institute and Fort Worth-based nonprofit Artemis Medical Society finds that women of color are severely underrepresented among U.S. physicians and face serious barriers to entering medicine and succeeding in the field. This, in turn, means millions of Americans of color lack access to culturally competent care from a provider with whom they feel comfortable.

    The report Breaking Down Barriers for Women Physicians of Color is based on in-depth interviews with 20 women physicians from California and other parts of the U.S., a press release stated.

    “America needs doctors as diverse as our population, but we don’t have them due to a flawed system,” stated AMS President Dr. Myiesha Taylor in the release.

    “We know that doctors who understand their patients’ communities and cultures can provide better care,” stated AMS Vice President Dr. Deonza Thymes. “Having more diverse physicians means better care for everyone.”

    Key findings of the report include:

    • Many physicians interviewed described a lack of support from high school and college counselors, college professors and graduate students. Forty percent of interviewees recalled a high school or college counselor attempting to discourage them from pursuing a medical career, while over half had questioned their prospects of succeeding as a physician because they had never met a physician who shared their racial identity. These factors no doubt contribute to the fact that women of color are severely underrepresented in medicine, representing just 11.7 percent of physicians.
    • In addition to a lack of diversity among medical school faculty, participants cited incidents of overt racism. Several cited specific instances when lecturers casually referenced racist tropes to describe unruly patient interactions. Many interviewees described unequal treatment during medical school and residency, including instances in which male students were encouraged to voice their opinions while women were more likely to be silenced.
    • Interviewees also cited financial barriers, including the expense of applying to medical schools, which cost each interviewee several thousand dollars.

    “Health sector employers, universities and foundations must all step their effort to diversify the physician pipeline and make cultural competence a core element of medical schools and residency programs,” said Greenlining Institute Health Policy Director and report co-author Anthony Galace. “Medical schools and institutions must strengthen anti-discrimination and reporting policies to make sure that those who suffer discrimination feel safe in reporting it.”

    The full report is available at breaking-barriers-women-physicians-color.

  • Dallas-based Texas de Brazil donates more than $149,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

    Texas de Brazil announced a donation of more than $149,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It will directly benefit patients with childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

    The Dallas-based restaurant partnered with St. Jude in a campaign that allowed guests to donate directly to the cause at the bottom of guest checks. No purchase was required. For every $5 donated, Texas de Brazil provided a $5 bounce-back certificate as incentive. The finale luncheon in October and funds from a silent auction of items donated by vendors and hospitality associates also were added to the final tally to support St. Jude in its life-saving mission.

    Photo: Hannah Thompson, director of marketing and public relations for Texas de Brazil, and a special guest presented $145,000 to St. Jude’s Anthony Rauseo during an October charity luncheon that raised over $4,000 more for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (PRNewsfoto/Texas de Brazil)

     

  • Hamon Charitable Foundation’s $10M gift supports Alzheimer’s research at UT Southwestern

    A $10 million gift from the Hamon Charitable Foundation to UT Southwestern has established an endowment to support the new Laura and Jack Roach Center for Translational Research in Alzheimer’s Disease.

    The Hamon Charitable Foundation gift will fuel translational research to move scientific discoveries with the potential for better ways to treat Alzheimer’s and delay its onset from the laboratory into clinical practice, a UT Southwestern press release stated.  Ninety percent of what is known about Alzheimer’s has been discovered over the past 20 years and UT Southwestern is working on a variety of scientific fronts to find more effective therapies.

    “This magnificent gift from the Hamon Charitable Foundation will strengthen the infrastructure for translational research within the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute,” stated Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, president of UT Southwestern, in the press release. “Already, work at UT Southwestern is leading to promising new therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. A strengthened translational research program will bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical care and accelerate progression between today’s medical challenges and tomorrow’s cures.”

    Translational researchers work closely with basic research scientists to identify promising new discoveries, then translate that knowledge to clinicians as they test the effectiveness of new treatments. Translational researchers also take new discoveries that develop through clinical trials back to scientists for further investigation.

    “We’re hoping for a cure and that researchers can slow progression of the disease,” stated Kelly Roach, president of the foundation. “We believe $10 million will get us a step closer in the right direction. It’s a difficult disease to watch – they call it ‘the long goodbye.’ We hope other families don’t have to experience what we’re experiencing.”

    The Hamon Charitable Foundation trustees created the endowment to honor the Roaches after Laura was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Jack, a practicing lawyer for 66 years, has served as an officer of the Hamon Charitable Foundation since its creation and as a proud trustee of Southwestern Medical Foundation for nearly 40 years.

    The Roach family planted deep roots and emerged as a driving force to strengthen the Dallas community by supporting education and health care causes. Mr. Roach became a highly trusted counselor to many major philanthropists in Dallas, helping them distribute their funds to worthy causes. He worked closely with and became a faithful friend to Nancy B. Hamon, who established the Hamon Charitable Foundation in 1998. Hamon was a San Antonio native who worked in Hollywood during the 1940s, before returning to Texas and marrying legendary oilman Jake Hamon in 1949. She grew to be one of Dallas’ most generous philanthropists who supported education, arts, and health care causes.

    This latest gift from the foundation boosts its total giving to support activities of the O’Donnell Brain Institute to $25 million, which includes an earlier gift of $15 million to support neuroimaging initiatives of the Advanced Imaging Research Center.

    The foundation’s longtime support of UT Southwestern includes a $25 million donation to the Medical Center’s Fund for Molecular Research. Part of the gift – $15 million – established the Nancy B. and Jake L. Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, the Nancy B. and Jake L. Hamon Center for Basic Research in Cancer, and two distinguished chairs in those fields. The remaining funds were used to help construct the Nancy B. and Jake L. Hamon Biomedical Research Building on the North Campus.

    Other gifts include $10 million for the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine; a $4 million challenge grant to launch a campaign to build the Bryan Williams, M.D. Student Center; $1 million to help establish the George N. Peters, M.D., Center for Breast Surgery; and $1 million for the William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital.

    Photo: Laura and Jack Roach

  • Yes! Event fundraiser garners $282,000 for Plano’s The Legacy Senior Communities

    The Legacy Senior Communities, a nonprofit charitable organization, hosted its Yes! Event fundraiser Thursday, Nov. 2, and welcomed reality television star, real estate mogul and self-made millionaire Barbara Corcoran as the guest speaker.

    The event raised $282,000. Proceeds will benefit The Legacy Senior Communities Financial Assistance Fund, which will provide charitable support to future residents of The Legacy Midtown Park – the organization’s rental continuing care retirement community currently under development in Dallas – to help supplement the cost of their care and enrich their quality of life. In addition, the fund assists seniors using personal assistance services – including help with bathing, grooming, dressing, transportation, recovering from illness and transitioning from a hospital stay back home – through The Legacy at Home, the organization’s Medicare-certified, nonprofit home health agency.

    The organization has provided care to seniors and their families in the Greater Dallas area for more than 60 years. The event committee consisted of co-chairs Carol Aaron, Dawn Aaron, Sandy Donsky, Linda Garner, Zona Pidgeon, Jody Stein and Karla Steinberg.

    “We are a mission-driven organization dedicated to making sure seniors in Dallas have the care they need and the lifestyle they deserve,” stated Melissa Orth, president and CEO, in a press release.

    Corcoran became one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country after borrowing $1,000, quitting her job as a waitress and starting a tiny real estate company in New York City. That company grew into a $6 billion dollar real estate business.

    Corcoran is best known as one of the “Sharks” on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” She uses her finances and business acumen to invest in start-up companies and guide them to success.

    In addition, the organization presented The Carmen Miller Michael Award to Adlene Harrison, the first Jewish and first female mayor of Dallas. Harrison has been an integral component of The Legacy Senior Communities since she became a part of the Friends of Golden Acres auxiliary board, which was responsible for raising money and providing special programs during the 1960s.

    The award pays tribute to Carmen Miller Michael, who was dedicated to improving the quality of life for people dealing with the issues of aging, mental health and cognitive challenges. The award was created to pay tribute to a member of the Greater Dallas community who displays the special qualities that Carmen Miller Michael possessed: a pioneering spirit and an unshakeable sense of justice and compassion.

    Lead photo: Barbara Corcoran

  • Northwestern Mutual – Dallas Clay Shoot to raise money to combat childhood cancer set for Thursday

    The seventh annual Northwestern Mutual – Dallas Clay Shoot returns to the Dallas Gun Club on Thursday for another year of outdoor fun in support of TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation.

    The Northwestern Mutual – Dallas Clay Shoot begins with a 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. start time and 1 p.m. lunch and finishes with an awards ceremony at 2 p.m. To register or learn more about Northwestern Mutual – Dallas Clay Shoot, visit nmclayshoot.org.

    “This is a unique event for people with a passion for outdoor sports to help children with cancer,” stated Kathryn Copple, executive director for TeamConnor, in a press release. “It’s great when people combine their personal interest with an opportunity to help kids who are battling this horrific disease. Every day 43 children are diagnosed with cancer, which translates into more than 15,000 kids a year. Of those diagnosed every year, nearly 2,000 children do not survive. Working together, we can change those statistics.”

    Sponsors for the event include Northwestern Mutual Dallas, WebTPA, BenefitsTexas, Partners National Corporate Real Estate Services, Vilhauer Enterprises, Forte’ Benefits, Frisco Gun Club, The Beck Group, Diversified Metroplex Investors, Frost Bank, Thompson Pipe Group, Motorcars of Dallas, Mullis Newby Hurst, ASI, Blake Brawner, and Freedom Powersports.

    TeamConnor is the legacy of 8-year-old Connor Cruse of Frisco, who lost his four-year battle with neuroblastoma in 2009. Since 2008, TeamConnor has awarded more than $2 million in funding for childhood cancer research and patient programs across the country.

    For more information, visit teamconnor.org.