Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Category: Health Care

  • Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit raises record $173,000 for Grant Halliburton Foundation 

    Celebrating its 13th anniversary, the Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit on May 29at the Longhorn Ballroom raised more than $173,000—a new record—for Grant Halliburton Foundation with 640 in attendance. The evening included a VIP party for sponsors with food from Eddie’s Tex-Mex Cocina where Nadel visited with and took photos with guests. The evening included live and silent auctions and music performances by double headliners The Secret Sisters and Shinyribs. The event was presented by Haynes Boone, and the media sponsor is KXT 91.7.

    Eric Nadel, Texas Rangers Hall of Fame broadcaster and mental health advocate, hosted the annual birthday benefit and welcomed guests.

    “I’m thrilled that you are here to help celebrate my birthday,” Nadel said. “We started off at The Kessler, but we ran out of space because more people wanted to attend. So we moved to the Longhorn Ballroom, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Five years ago, I decided to partner with Grant Halliburton Foundation, a Dallas nonprofit that provides mental health education, resources, and support to children, teens, and their families. The work they do is important, and I want you to know more about them.”

    Nadel then introduced Kevin Hall, Grant Halliburton Foundation president. 

    “Eric, we’re grateful for your courage and inspiration as a dedicated mental health advocate and for the impact you’ve made for us,” Kevin Hall said. “We’re honored to be the beneficiary again. I want all of you to know more about our organization through this video.” 

    After the video played, Ronnie Conger, auctioneer, invited those who purchased beads to stand up to play a spirited game of heads or tails. Then he led the live auction, which included watching a Texas Rangers game with Eric Nadel, a Jazz Cruise getaway with Elvis Costello and Boz Scaggs and a dinner with Texas Rangers Manager Bruce Bochy. 

    Following the live auction, Alabama-based The Secret Sisters played their emotional songs and ended by singing happy birthday to Nadel who joined them on stage. Then, Shinyribs, led by the animated Kevin Russell performed their blend of Texas blues, New Orleans R&B funk and horn-inspired Memphis soul music. Russell even took to the floor dancing enthusiastically with several guests, while others danced.

    source: press release

  • Grant Halliburton Foundation raises 300K at Luncheon

    Grant Halliburton Foundation hosted its 16th annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon on March 25 at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Nearly 600 guests gathered in support of the Foundation’s mission, helping to raise $300,000 for youth mental health and suicide prevention programs across North Texas.

    The morning began with a vibrant welcome reception featuring music by DJ Lucy Wrubel, a celebratory champagne wall, and a variety of engaging activations. Guests connected over coffee, shared messages of encouragement on the “Post Your Hope” wall, and spent time with service dogs in training, Eric and Elvis, courtesy of Patriot Paws. Attendees also browsed an array of exciting raffle packages that included vacations, luxury shopping experiences, unique sports events, and more.

    The 2025 luncheon began with a performance of A Million Dreams by Syncopation, the a cappella choir from Plano West Senior High School—alma mater of Grant Halliburton, the Foundation’s namesake.

    Guests were welcomed by Jenny Anchondo, host and producer of CW33’s Inside DFW, followed by an opening invocation from Father Paul Klitze, rector of Episcopal Church of the Ascension. Guests enjoyed lunch while connecting with friends and supporters.

    Luncheon chairs Chris and Brent Bolding expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Grant Halliburton Foundation staff, committee members and volunteers, as well as luncheon vice chairs Amy and Michael Roseman, and founding luncheon chair Barb Farmer.

    Amy Halliburton McCloskey, co-founder of the Foundation, then presented her mother, Vanita Halliburton, co-founder and chairman emeritus of the Foundation, with the 2025 Beacon Award. In an emotional tribute, Amy spoke about her brother Grant, whose death in 2005 led to the founding of the organization, and the lasting legacy her mother built to support youth mental health. “My mom knew she wanted to do something in his memory to save other families from the tragedy of suicide and help them get the resources they so desperately need. She, my dad, Alan, and I co-founded Grant Halliburton Foundation in 2006 and set out to do just that—to help as many young people and their families as possible to find help, hope and peace of mind.”

    A tribute video honored Vanita’s leadership in raising awareness and changing the conversation around mental health in North Texas. With her father, Alan Halliburton, by her side, McCloskey took the stage to present her with the 2025 Beacon Award—now renamed the Vanita Halliburton Beacon Award in her honor. Vanita received a standing ovation from the audience in recognition of her legacy and impact.

    Vanita shared about Grant:

    ·      “As a teen, he once spent his entire savings ($65) on groceries for a friend’s single mom battling cancer and having financial troubles. 

    ·      Another time, he jumped off the school bus to gather a boy’s crutch that some pranksters had thrown out the window. Then he ran between houses to hop back on that bus.”

    ·      She used that analogy about jumping off the bus to help others who need help—students, teachers, parents, staff, mothers, fathers. 

    ·      “Sometimes, you have to jump off the bus to come alongside those who need help, information, and resources.”

    The Foundation’s mission video played next, followed by remarks from Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation. He reflected on the theme “We Are Grant Halliburton Foundation” and reminded the audience that hope is at the heart of all the Foundation does. “I love that video. We are not just an office or a staff. We are a movement—a collective force of educators, parents, students, volunteers and advocates who believe that mental health should never be an afterthought.” He added, “Vanita, your vision has shaped not only this organization, but also the lives of countless people who will feel your impact every single day. Because of you, WEare Grant Halliburton Foundation.” 

    The final video shared the Boldings’ story and their journey following the loss of their daughter, Eleanor. “We’re pretty sure that every person in this room knows someone struggling with depression, anxiety, or even suicidal thoughts. Please take a moment to remind them that they are not alone. There is help. There is hope,” Brent said. They asked for people to generously donate to stop the loss of lives.

    Eric Nadel, Texas Rangers Radio Broadcaster, introduced a video that shared Drew Robinson’s story. In 2020, Robinson, then a Major League Baseball player, miraculously survived a suicide attempt, resulting in a new-found purpose of helping others and destigmatizing mental health. After playing 12 seasons of professional baseball, he retired following the 2021 season to pursue a full-time role as a mental health advocate, the first of its kind in MLB. Leveraging his tagline, Strength Isn’t Always Physical®, Robinson is dedicated to sharing his journey and showcasing vulnerability to prevent suicide and promote mental health care.

    Nadel served as the moderator. Following are some takeaways from their conversation:

    Thoughts and Depression:

    ·      Robinson: “Your mind is your servant, not your master. Use our minds to serve us, not tear us down. We control our minds (meditation helps).” 

    ·      Nadel: “Choose the thoughts that are meaningful to you. Having gone through the black hole myself, it’s like your brain cells have gone out of control.”

    ·      Robinson: “I was feeling so off, so I got tested, and it was normal. I was the last person I was thinking about. I took care of things, and I was thinking of my family. People don’t fake being depressed. They fake being okay.” 

    Robinson’s Service Dog:

    Robinson: “Ellie (his eight-year-old service dog) is a major antidepressant.”

    Mental Health Advocate: 

    After Robinson’s suicide attempt, he pitched with one good eye for the San Francisco Giants. His situation opened a lot of doors with his teammates to have discussions of mental health and depression. The Giants saw that and offered him an opportunity to be an advocate off the field. He remarked that it’s been “a very fulfilling role.” 

    Gratitude: 

    Robinson: “I’m grateful I survived. I am using this horrible decision to help others.”

    Nadel: “Be grateful for the little things. Talk about it (depression, anxiety) and get it off your chest.”

    Nadel asked, “Why do you think you survived?” Robinson replied, “Because I’m supposed to help people.”

    Robinson’s trifecta to maintaining his mental health: 

    Regular exercise, therapy and journaling. 

    source: press release

  • Communities Foundation of Texas awards $6 million grant to the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute

    Communities Foundation of Texas has awarded a $6 million multi-year grant through the W.W. Caruth, Jr., Fund to the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute to implement a comprehensive initiative that provides support to children and youth who have witnessed or experienced violence or other crimes. 

    The award enables the creation of the North Texas Handle With Care Network to help identify at-risk children and their families who have experienced violence and connect them to community health services that can improve their mental health and mitigate the psychological harm and risk of suicide that can occur from exposure to violence. Handle with Care (HWC) is a national model that was first piloted in 2013 and has been replicated across the country.  

    Through HWC, if a school-age child is part of a police response, law enforcement can notify the child’s school district that they should be “handled with care.” No information about the event is shared with the school, but school staff are trained on warning signs that may indicate the child is in distress and help connect the child to appropriate care. 

    Over the next three years, the grant will allow the Meadows Institute to catalyze and design a HWC program that supports the most vulnerable students in partnership and collaboration with school districts, law enforcement, and community mental health providers in Dallas County and North Texas. 

    The first two school districts to participate in the program are Irving and Richardson, with a combined enrollment of more than 69,000 students. Both districts began the initial rollout of the program in January 2025.   

    Early intervention can mitigate the long-term effects of violence exposure and loss, ultimately leading to improved mental health, safety, and well-being. By building capacity among community partners, the North Texas Handle With Care Network will strengthen efforts to support children before they reach a moment of crisis.   

    “The North Texas Handle With Care Network is a game-changer for how our community helps children who have experienced trauma,” said Robert Kent, chief philanthropy officer at Communities Foundation of Texas. “By helping schools quickly collaborate with behavioral health providers and public safety officials, children will receive the support and services they need at the right time, leading to better outcomes for youth, their families, and our community.” 

    “This generous grant from Communities Foundation of Texas will allow the Meadows Institute to systematically address child mortality from violence and suicide, starting first with North Texas,” said Andy Keller, president and CEO of the Meadows Institute. “The opportunity to expand access to treatment and services for students who have experienced trauma supports our mission to create systemic changes that allow anyone to obtain the health care they need.”  

    Dallas County and Texas statistics: 

    ·         In Texas, the number of children and youth who died by homicide and suicide more than doubled between 2010 and 2020, with a 22% increase from 2019 to 2020 alone. 

    ·          In 2022, deaths from homicide and suicide were the second and third leading causes of death among Texas children and youth, respectively. Only accidents claim more lives. 

    ·         Dallas County saw a 29% increase in reported violent deaths between 2021 and 2022 among children and youth— far above the 6% increase across Texas statewide.    

    In recent years, the Texas Legislature has made substantial investments to improve access to mental health services for youth. This culminated in 2023 with a historic funding increase for the mental health system that included $11.68 billion for behavioral health funding. These investments have funded critical community services for North Texas, allowing for youth to be connected through the Handle With Care Network. 

    “The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute has provided exceptional training for our school counselors and At-Risk Department in addressing trauma and grief with our most vulnerable students,” said Sofia Lopez, the director of At-Risk and Responsive Services at the Irving Independent School District.

    “The Handle With Care program has helped us with the early identification of students who might be in distress following a traumatic event, and teachers have received the tools needed to address students in compassionate ways. The Handle With Care Specialist will provide the support families need after a traumatic event by connecting them to community resources.”     

    This initiative builds on an initial Handle With Care pilot program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with additional generous support from the Kozmetsky Family Foundation.    

    source: press release

  • Prism Health announces new leadership members

    Prism Health announces new leadership members

    Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX) announced that Larry Martin, MS, has joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer (COO), and William Anthony Hays, MD, LAT, PES, has been appointed as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). The two appointments are significant additions to PHNTX’s senior leadership team. 

    Larry Martin
    Dr. William Hays

    As COO, Martin is responsible for moving the vision and strategic plan forward and integrating all essential business functions.

    He brings more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience, specializing in organizations committed to expanding healthcare access for vulnerable populations. In previous roles, Martin has served in senior leadership roles in large academic medical centers as well as community-based Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in New York City. Larry holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Management from Saint Elizabeth University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Kean University, bringing both strategic insight and operational expertise to this role.

    “I am honored and excited to join an organization with a strong history and commitment to community health, and I look forward to working with our seasoned senior leadership team to establish new services that meet healthcare needs,” said Martin.

    Dr. William Hays has been with PHNTX since 2017, previously serving as a provider specializing in HIV care and primary care at PHNTX’s Uptown Physicians Group. He was named Interim Chief Medical Officer in November of 2023 and was officially appointed to the position of CMO in March of 2024. As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hays leads the organization’s clinical strategy, ensuring high quality, patient-centered care while expanding access to essential health services. He works closely with providers and staff to enhance medical outcomes, integrate innovative care models, and uphold PHNTX’s commitment to community health.

    Dr. Hays attended Ross University School of Medicine, completed his residency training in Family Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Regional Programs, and also holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters of Science in Exercise Science with an emphasis on Performance Enhancement. With more than 12 years of HIV care and family medicine experience, he is passionate about delivering comprehensive, affirming healthcare, and ensuring that every patient receives the support they need to thrive.  

    “I’m honored to serve as CMO and continue PHNTX’s legacy of compassionate, high-quality care,” said Dr. Hays. “Having been part of this team for years, I’ve seen our organization grow to meet the evolving needs of our patients. My focus is on expanding access, improving health outcomes, and ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care.”


    In August of 2024, PHNTX was named a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike (FQHC-LAL), granting its 11 locations designation as FQHC sites serving Dallas County. FQHCs are critical in addressing health inequities across the country, providing care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, offering a sliding fee scale based on household income. A lack of primary care services for the general public has been a persistent issue in many parts of Dallas, leading to increased hospitalizations, higher rates of chronic diseases, and poorer health outcomes among all ages. By becoming an FQHC-LA, PHNTX has expanded its capacity to address disparities and ensure that more individuals receive the preventive and ongoing care they need. Martin and Hays will be essential in supporting PHNTX’s pursuit of these goals. 

    “We are excited to welcome Larry Martin as our Chief Operating Officer, bringing valuable experience in leading operations of large community health centers, and to see Dr. Hays rise to Chief Medical Officer, recognizing his years of service and commitment to our patients,” said Dr. John Carlo, CEO of PHNTX. “Together, they will play a key role in driving our continued growth and improving care for our community.”

    source: press release

  • Earl Young’s Team honors blood cancer advocates

    On Oct. 24, more than 140 cancer survivors, generous blood stem cell/bone marrow donors and advocates gathered at Arlington Hall for the inaugural Earl Young’s Team (EYT) Breakfast of Champions. EYT is a nonprofit dedicated to defeating blood cancer through increased awareness about joining the donor registry. The inspiring event highlighted the life-saving impact of blood stem cell transplants and the critical role that donors play in giving those with blood cancer a second chance at life.

    “The goal of our first Breakfast of Champions event was to bring attention to the incredible need for joining the blood registry, while honoring those who have been the greatest advocates for this mission,” said Earl Young, Earl Young’s Team founder, Olympic Gold Medalist and leukemia survivor. “Each year, thousands of patients, including myself, rely on the selfless generosity of donors to find a match so that they may receive lifesaving transplants for a second chance at life. We are celebrating these heroes and issuing a call to action for others to join our team in the fight.”

    Young, an Olympic Gold Medalist, was the recipient of a blood stem cell transplant in 2012 from a donor in Germany. He founded EYT in 2015 to heighten awareness about the potential lifesaving impact donors can have in joining the registry. Since its inception, EYT has registered more than 27,000 donors at over 300 swab drives across the U.S., which has resulted in 136 matches for patients battling leukemia, lymphoma and blood disorders.

    EYT’s mission hit home for many guests in attendance, including the event’s emcee, Chip Waggoner of FOX4, who shared how his own family was impacted by blood cancer. In 2016, his mother-in-law received a blood stem cell transplant, giving his family 18 additional months with her. He also shared the story of Pike Peterson, a 14-year-old bone marrow recipient, who passed away in May 2024 from complications. 

    Co-chaired by Suzanne and Randy Baird and Donna and Reed Cagle, the Breakfast of Champions brought together donors, recipients, and supporters in a powerful show of unity and hope.

    “Each one of us has an unrelated genetic twin and only 4 out of 10 patients find matching donors,” said Reed Cagle. “Young donors provide the best patient outcomes, which is why EYT focuses on donor drives on college campuses, where there are thousands of young people. Raising awareness about joining the registry is crucial, making EYT’s work invaluable.”

    During the event, EYT champion and actor, Sheree J. Wilson, presented a surprise award to Nikki Solomon, a cancer survivor, in recognition of her continued advocacy and support for the organization’s mission.

    At the end of the program, there was an emotional meeting between a donor and the grateful recipient whose life he saved. This was the first time the donor, Justin Bertelsman, and leukemia survivor, Susan Day, met face-to-face. The pair embraced as they came onstage, overcome with emotion as they told the audience their story.

    Guests in attendance were able to join the registry on-site, swabbing their cheeks to see if they could be a lifesaving match for someone suffering from blood cancer or a blood disorder. In addition to registering people onsite, the Breakfast of Champions raised more than $175,000, which will fund donor drives hosted on college campuses.

    source: press release

  • Texas Health Community Hope launches first university-based food pantry at Texas Wesleyan

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that one in three college students experiences food insecurity nationwide. For some, it comes down to buying books or buying groceries. That’s a choice Texas Wesleyan University students don’t have to make, thanks to a food pantry initiative supported by Texas Healthy Community Hope, where Texas Health lives its mission to improve community health.

    University food pantries are nothing new, but grocery costs can make it difficult to stock fresh produce and other healthy items. That was the case for Dr. Allison Simons, a Texas Wesleyan professor who started the campus pantry in 2016 when she recognized a growing need among students. In the fall of 2023, Simons’ efforts got a boost when Texas Health Community Hope began to make weekly deliveries of fruits and vegetables through its Good For You healthy hub program. Last school year alone, the pantry served over 10,000 individuals, including students, faculty, and other university employees, providing nearly 30,000 pounds of fresh produce.  

    Texas Wesleyan senior Mikaela Rivera, who has volunteered for and shopped at the pantry, said it’s a great resource for students.

    “Instead of depending on Ramen noodles, students can pick up a piece of fruit before class or take home some vegetables for an evening meal,” Rivera said. “There are even cooking demos to teach us how to make specific dishes. I know I’m eating a lot more fruits and vegetables because of the pantry.”

    The Good For You healthy hub program began in 2019 and has grown to more than 20 locations, including area elementary and middle schools and community centers. The healthy hubs differ from traditional pantries because they focus on providing fresh produce — sometimes through Texas Health Community Hope’s Farms to Families program, which purchases unsold produce from local farmers and donates it to the healthy hubs. Healthy staples, as well as other items needed by the community such as clothing, toiletries, or diapers, are also provided. Beyond this, the hubs are also dedicated to fostering a healthier community by including resources like nutrition education and other activities aimed at empowering students and their families to make informed healthier decisions.

    To date, the program has provided nearly 805,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables and served over 139,000 people at 20 locations across Tarrant County. Texas Wesleyan is the first university-based Good For You location.

    “Research tells us fresh fruits and vegetables are critical to physical and mental health,” said Matt Dufrene, a vice president with Texas Health Community Hope. “Our efforts are focused on making sure no one lacks access to that basic necessity to live a healthy life.”

    According to an online survey conducted by the University of California, college food pantries can substantially improve students’ mental health. Students who visited a food pantry more frequently each month reported improved physical and mental well-being, including better perceived health and fewer symptoms of depression.

    “We see a lot of enthusiasm for the pantry from students and others who work on campus,” Simons said. “It’s meaningful to know that we are helping feed their bodies with healthy foods so that they can focus and do well in their educational pursuits.”  

    The Good For You program is just one way Texas Health Community Hope is working to build a stronger, healthier food ecosystem. Other initiatives include funding and support for school gardens, support for farmers markets and urban farms, and Double Up Food Bucks, which enables Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit participants to double their savings on fresh produce at participating farmers markets and grocers. In addition, the Culled Produce Recovery Program, a partnership with local urban farms and grocery stores, gives new life to unsold produce.

    source: Press Release

  • Prism Health North Texas names Chief Marketing & Development Officer

    Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX) announced that Kim Burgan is joining the organization as Chief Marketing and Development Officer (CMDO). In the newly created role, Burgan brings 20 years of experience in developing growth marketing strategies and enhancing brand sentiment to create positive, patient-centric experience and increase community engagement.

    A transformational leader and former Fortune 500 executive, Burgan has guided high-performance teams to unprecedented growth through innovative approaches and steadfast dedication to emotional intelligence in the workplace. Her diverse industry experience ranges from luxury retail to arts and entertainment, providing her with unique insights into the importance of building authentic connections with clients and financial supporters.

    “In creating the role of Chief Marketing and Development Officer, PHNTX is planning for long-term financial health that will enable us to expand our services and reach more people at a time when affirming quality healthcare is becoming harder for people to access,” said Dr. John Carlo, CEO of PHNTX. “In Kim, we found the ideal combination of deep connection to our mission and proven experience engaging new communities, building trust, and deepening relationships.”

    As Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Burgan was charged with developing a younger, more diversified audience, expanding awareness, and improving brand sentiment across the community. This experience closely mirrors PHNTX initiatives to reach younger populations, develop long standing relationships with the community, and engaging community members to improve the organization in ways that will better serve their needs.

    For Burgan, her new role with PHNTX provides an opportunity to use her professional skills in service of a mission and community that she connects with personally. A native of Dallas, Burgan has long been involved in the local arts scene, including serving on the board of directors for the Turtle Creek Chorale.

    “HIV and AIDS have touched a number of people in my life,” said Burgan. “I am also the foster adoptive mother of three multi-racial children and understand the unique challenges that these communities face when accessing quality healthcare. I am so grateful and motivated to be part of the solution, connecting people to essential care and services that will enable them to thrive.”

    Beyond her professional endeavors, Burgan is a dedicated advocate and champion for causes close to her heart, including foster care/adoption, HIV/AIDS awareness, LGBTQ+ rights, women/girl empowerment, and supporting the Arts. When Kim isn’t in the office, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods and restaurants, or producing her own art as an accomplished painter.

    source: press release

  • Medical City celebrates 50th anniversaries with $50K donation

    Medical City Healthcare is honoring the 50th anniversaries of Medical City Dallas and Medical City Decatur this month by donating $25,000 each to Dallas College School of Health Sciences and the United Way of Wise County.

    Medical City Dallas and Medical City Decatur colleagues are also celebrating a half-century of caring for their communities by observing 50th-anniversary celebrations.

    “As Medical City Healthcare continues to expand to serve North Texas, we are proud to honor the histories of our system’s largest hospital, Medical City Dallas, and one of our most recent additions, Medical City Decatur,” says Allen Harrison, president of Medical City Healthcare. “I know that our compassionate colleagues will continue their commitment to excellence always for the next 50 years and beyond, demonstrating in every aspect of their work that they care for our patients like family.”

    Men with shovels breaking ground for construction of Medical City Dallas, which opened in 1974.
    Three men looking at a scale model of the future Medical City Dallas building, circa 1972.

    Medical City Decatur colleagues participated in anniversary festivities on Thursday, Oct. 10, celebrating the hospital’s 1974 opening as Decatur Community Hospital, including a proclamation from Decatur Mayor Mike McQuiston recognizing that day as Medical City Decatur Day. The hospital originally opened with 50 patient beds and two operating rooms. The original hospital expanded over the years and became part of Medical City Healthcare in December 2023. Today, Medical City Decatur is licensed for 150 beds, has ten operating rooms and offers services for the entire family, including emergency services, women’s care, labor and delivery, orthopedics and cardiology.

    Medical City Dallas will commemorate its 1974 founding with special festivities on Oct. 23. The hospital has grown from its original 367 patient beds to 909 beds and from 78 physicians on the medical staff to today’s 1,500. Numerous buildings and facilities have been added, including Medical City Children’s Hospital and Medical City Women’s Hospital Dallas, with more than 5,200 babies delivered in 2023 – up from 449 in 1975. Medical City Spine Hospital and Medical City Heart Hospital, both departments of Medical City Dallas, opened in 2019 to provide advanced spine and cardiovascular care. More than 500 open-heart surgeries are performed annually, compared with 20 in 1975.

    source: press release

  • Prism Health North Texas adds condom vending machines to Nice Package program

    Prism Health North Texas announced the installation of three Nice Package vending machines offering free condoms at three strategic locations in Dallas-Fort Worth including an area college, bar, and retail community space.

    The machines were purchased as part of the implementation of a Texas Department of State Health Services grant aimed at HIV and STI infection prevention. With rising rates of STI and HIV infection across the country and in Texas, condoms remain one of the most effective measures for infection prevention though recent times present financial barriers to regular, safe access to them. 

    “Condoms are a tried and true prevention method, though cost and access continue to be an issue,” Januari Fox, Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement for PHNTX said. “Vending machines as a means of delivering Nice Packages are accessible, safe, and innovative. The Nice Packages cannot be tampered with before being distributed, which is a common concern for publicly available free condoms.”

    The vending machines are part of a larger strategy by PHNTX’s PACE department to utilize grant funding to maximize the reach and results of preventive programming. The location for each of the three machines was strategically selected based upon the surrounding populations, income levels, and health care access. By selecting three community spaces, a bar, a university, and a retail center, Nice Package will be directly available to a variety of age, gender, and ethnicity demographics. The initial three machines will serve as a pilot program, with the usage data for each used to consider funding and locations for additional vending machines.

    Nice Package vending machines can be found at:

    • Dallas Woody’s at 4011 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas 75219. The machine is located on the first floor of the bar, replacing an existing cigarette vending machine.
    • The Shops at RedBird at 3662 West Camp Wisdom Road, Dallas 75237. The machine is located in the Dallas College Workforce Center at RedBird.
    • A local university’s student center, accessible to enrolled students of the university.

    Texas has the largest population of uninsured individuals in the United States, making prevention-focused, affordable resource programs like Nice Package essential for protecting and reducing healthcare costs. By preventing new infections with the utilization of condoms, PHNTX aims to reduce the burden of treating infections on the local and state healthcare systems. The Nice Package program distributed 154,245 condoms and 330 at-home HIV tests between September of 2023 and March of 2024 via the free online ordering and delivery system across the state of Texas.

    “We’re thrilled to have the Nice Package vending machine here at Woody’s, it’s a big improvement on the methods of distributing free protection from the past,” said Brian Jones, General Manager. “The machine is tamper proof, offers everything our patrons need and is engaging and fun to use. We’ve seen a great reaction from our visitors and are proud to have this amenity for safety and health with us.”

    “Meeting people where they are and reducing stigma for seeking sexual health services as much as possible is key to successful prevention efforts,” Marquesse Banks, Community Engagement Manager for PHNTX said. “The discreet design of the machines and the Nice Packages themselves will allow users to engage comfortably without feeling stigma, and with machine usage data being instantly reported to our team, we will be able to make strategic adjustments to their locations. A major benefit of this medium is the mobility of the unit to move to higher traffic areas.” 

    More information about the Nice Package program can be found at freenicepackage.com where users can also order free, discreet condom and at-home HIV test packages to be delivered anywhere in the state of Texas. 

    source: press release

  • Men of Nehemiah awarded gold seal accreditation from The Joint Commission

    Dallas-based Men of Nehemiah (MON), a nonprofit that helps rebuild the lives of men torn apart by addiction, has been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval® from The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest standards- setting and accrediting body in health care. This prestigious accreditation verifies that MON complies with the highest national standards for safety and quality care.

    The Men of Nehemiah program helps each man deal with his addiction towards the goal of reuniting a mentally healthy man with his family and community. Men of Nehemiah uses a structure based on Biblical discipleship, clinical counseling, and military structure.

    “Achieving this accreditation is representative of the outstanding team we have put together to help men and their families overcome addiction,” said Jim Ramsey, CEO of Men of Nehemiah. “The evaluation team examined all aspects of our operations: from clinical staff and procedures to the cleanliness of the kitchen and facilities to the residential spaces. Passing their arduous inspection and receiving this accreditation is a major step forward for our program.”   

    To earn The Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission, Men of Nehemiah underwent an extensive on-site inspection by a Joint Commission survey team. During the on-site visit, a team of JCAHO reviewers evaluated 1,200 checkpoints of compliance spanning numerous areas including regulations, patient care protocols, and overall organizational practices.

    According to the examiner, what set Men of Nehemiah apart from other recovery organizations was their investment in clinical, biblical, and military components. The evaluator recognized this as a major strength and a distinctive differentiator for the program.

    Men of Nehemiah is a nine-month faith-based addiction recovery program that seeks to help each individual become the person that God intended him to be, then reunite him with his loved ones and community. MON also offers a Sober Living community where men can stay after graduation from the program with other graduates. The men in Sober Living work during the day, then they are surrounded by brothers who understand what they’re dealing with and help hold them accountable. The men can also continue in counseling after graduation.

    In addition to supporting the men in the program, Men of Nehemiah offers extensive counseling services to the families of the men in the program.

    “Our program is successful because we look at the entirety of a man’s recovery,” said Ramsey, “Addiction impacts the whole family, so we work with the family to heal while the man is in recovery.”

    Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 23,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.

    source: press release