Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Category: Health Care

  • Community Healthcare of Texas raises $100K for end-of-life care

    Community Healthcare of Texas announced the success of its recent fundraising luncheon, Messages of Hope, which raised $100,000 to support care and enhance the quality of life for those in need throughout the community.

    The fundraising luncheon, held on September 13, 2023, at Ridglea Country Club in Fort Worth, brought together a diverse group of individuals, local businesses, and dedicated supporters, all united by a shared mission of providing compassionate care for pediatric and adult patients facing a serious or life-limiting illness. The event featured touching stories from patient families and caregivers who benefited from Community Healthcare of Texas’s services. Their heartfelt words underscored the importance of providing comfort, dignity, and compassion to patients and their families, emphasizing the invaluable role that the community plays in this endeavor.

    The $100,000 raised during the luncheon will directly benefit patients and their families, enabling Community Healthcare of Texas to continue providing essential services such as pain management, emotional support, spiritual guidance, and grief counseling during life’s most challenging moments. These funds will also support programs that enhance the quality of life for patients and help ease the burdens faced by their loved ones.

    Viki Jingle, Chief Executive Officer at Community Healthcare of Texas, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community, saying, “We are profoundly grateful to everyone who attended our Messages of Hope luncheon and contributed to this remarkable achievement. The generosity displayed will have a lasting impact on the lives of our adult and pediatric patients and their families, providing them with the care and comfort they need during their journey.”

    The success of this event would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of volunteers from the Junior League of Fort Worth and the generous contributions from local sponsors, including event underwriter Luther King Capital Management. Their unwavering support demonstrates the power of community collaboration and the shared commitment to improving the lives of those in need.

  • West Center for Dementia Care CEO elected as Chair of LeadingAge Texas

    The James L West Center for Dementia Care announced that its CEO, Cheryl Harding, was recently elected as Board Chair of LeadingAge Texas.

    LeadingAge Texas (formerly the Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging – TAHSA) provides leadership, advocacy, and education for not-for-profit retirement housing and nursing home communities that serve the needs of Texas retirees.

    As a trade association representing the full continuum of mission-driven, not-for-profit aging services providers, LeadingAge Texas is committed to assisting its members in providing the highest quality of services possible to the residents they serve. To accomplish its purpose, the association provides up-to-date information, education, representation, group services, and networking as well as prompt, efficient service to the professional staff of its member communities. The association is comprised of more than 350 members, including approximately 200 of Texas’ finest retirement housing communities, assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement communities, nursing homes, and home and community based services providers. Over 30,000 older Texans reside in LeadingAge Texas-member communities. Thousands more are served through home health services, adult day care centers, and other community out-reach services.

    Cheryl Harding began her position as President/CEO of James L. West Center for Dementia Care in February, 2018.  In addition to overseeing operations of the residential care, senior day program, community education program and fund development for this 30-year-old not-for-profit, Cheryl is charged with strategic planning and business development to assure a healthy and sustainable future. As a result of her leadership, the James L. West Senior Day Program expanded its reach into Southwest Fort Worth through the acquisition of building that triples the number of persons served. 

    Cheryl has served in the senior housing and services business for over 35 years.  She has also taught full-time at the University of North Texas in Denton and as an adjunct professor at Texas Woman’s University, Hardin Simmons University, Abilene Christian University and currently at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.

    Cheryl graduated from Texas Woman’s University in Denton with a Ph.D. in Family Studies with an emphasis in Gerontology in 1991.  She grew up in Louisiana and received her undergraduate and master’s degrees at The University of Louisiana at Monroe.  She is also a licensed Nursing Facility Administrator. 

  • NAMI North Texas to offer no-cost mental health support programs to schools and universities

    To help schools and organizations serving youth and their families address mental health, NAMI North Texas, a chartered affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), offers a no-cost program called Ending the Silence a tool in raising awareness, improving understanding and reducing stigma. Ending the Silence delivers a message of hope and recovery, helping to end stigma and empower safe, open communication around mental health conditions.

    Founded in 1982, NAMI North Texas, a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible nonprofit organization, advocates for equitable access to mental health services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community of hope for all of those in need. Serving Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Rockwall counties, NAMI North Texas provides essential and free education, advocacy and support group programs.

    As the summer break comes to an end, students around the world are preparing to head back to school. While this transition marks a return to academic learning and social interactions, it also presents a crucial opportunity to address and prioritize children’s mental health. Beyond academic achievements, a focus on emotional well-being within the school environment can significantly impact a child’s overall development, enabling them to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

    The Importance of Emotional Well-being in Education

    Emotional well-being is an integral aspect of a child’s growth and plays a vital role in shaping their learning experiences. When children feel safe, supported, and emotionally secure in the school environment, they are more likely to engage actively in their studies and form positive relationships with peers and educators. Moreover, promoting emotional health can foster a positive school culture, where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to express themselves.

    Creating a Safe and Inclusive Learning Space

    To enhance children’s emotional well-being in schools, educators and administrators must prioritize creating a safe and inclusive learning space. This involves establishing clear expectations for behavior, implementing anti-bullying policies, and providing training for teachers on recognizing and addressing emotional struggles in students. By nurturing a sense of belonging and safety within the school community, children are more likely to develop the confidence to explore their academic potential and build meaningful connections with others.

    Promoting Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

    Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs have gained recognition for their positive impact on students’ mental health and academic performance. These programs teach essential life skills such as self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. By incorporating SEL into the curriculum, schools can equip students with the tools they need to cope with stress, manage emotions, and navigate social situations effectively. Moreover, SEL fosters empathy and understanding among students, reducing the incidence of bullying and promoting a more supportive environment.

    Encouraging Physical Activity and Play

    Physical activity and play are vital components of a child’s overall well-being. Encouraging regular exercise, both in physical education classes and during breaks, can have a profound effect on children’s mental health. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, promoting positive emotions and reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, unstructured playtime fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional expression, allowing children to decompress and recharge during their busy school day.

    Identifying and Supporting Students’ Emotional Needs

    Every child is unique, and their emotional needs can vary greatly. Teachers and school staff play a crucial role in identifying students who may be struggling emotionally and providing appropriate support. Implementing regular check-ins with students, individualized counseling sessions, or peer support programs can offer a safe space for students to express their feelings and receive guidance. By taking a proactive approach to emotional support, schools can address issues early on, preventing them from escalating into more significant challenges.

    Engaging Parents and Guardians

    Parents and guardians are essential partners in nurturing children’s emotional well-being. Schools can facilitate this partnership by engaging parents in their child’s education and emotional development. Regular parent-teacher conferences, workshops on emotional health, and open communication channels can help parents better understand their child’s needs and contribute positively to their well-being both at home and in school.

    As children head back to school, it is crucial to recognize that their mental health and emotional well-being are fundamental to their success as learners and individuals. By creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment, promoting social and emotional learning, encouraging physical activity and play, and actively addressing students’ emotional needs, schools can play a pivotal role in nurturing emotionally resilient and confident young individuals who can thrive academically and in life. Ultimately, by prioritizing children’s mental health, we can empower the next generation to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling and successful lives.

    For middle school, high school and college/university students, there is NAMI On Campus, which are student-led clubs that raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma on high school and college campuses through peer-led activities, education, and events. NAMI On Campus connects students with their local community and supports them in creating a culture free of judgment and accepting of reaching out for help; a more aware and mental health-supportive school culture.

  • Southwestern Medical Foundation onboards 6 new board members

    Southwestern Medical Foundation onboards 6 new board members

    Southwestern Medical Foundation announced six new Board of Trustees members for 2023 – 2024, confirmed at the organization’s recent annual meeting. Southwestern Medical Foundation is a public charity and a registered 501(c)(3) organized in 1939 and was created to rally citizens in support of the highest quality health care possible in the Southwestern US. Southwestern Medical Foundation is guided by four core principles: Service to Community, Vision of Excellence, Mindful Stewardship, and Best Outcomes.

    Board Chair Jere W. Thompson, Jr. will continue in his role. New Trustees Tucker Bridwell, Ken Hersh, Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill, Christopher Kleinert, Marshall Payne, and Jennifer Scripps will bring their unique experiences and leadership expertise to support Southwestern Medical Foundation and see its endeavors flourish.

    “We are thrilled to welcome these new Trustees as active members and partners in the work of the Foundation,” said Jere W. Thompson, Jr., Chair of Southwestern Medical Foundation. “This distinguished group brings new inspiration to our vision, and we are grateful for their service.”

    Southwestern Medical Foundation is a public health care charitable corporation advancing progress in medicine, primarily at UT Southwestern Medical Center and its related institutions. The Foundation connects donors with innovative programs, manages philanthropic funds, and builds broad engagement on the need for quality medical education, research, and clinical care.

    “Our Board plays a crucial role in how we advance the medical community across our growing region,” said Michael McMahan, President and CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation. “Without their dedicated engagement, we would not be able to continue broadening the depth and impact of our mission to catalyze and sustain the highest quality health care possible in the Southwestern U.S.”

    New Board of Trustees Members

    Tucker Bridwell

    Tucker Bridwell is President of Mansefeldt Investments and the Dian Graves Owen Foundation in Abilene, Texas. Additionally, he manages MDJ Minerals, one of the largest private mineral holdings in the Permian Basin. Previously, he was on the boards of Concho Resources, Inc. and First Financial Bankshares and served as lead director of both companies. He has been instrumental in Abilene’s economic development efforts and is active in local and state politics. He has received the Outstanding Citizen of the Year in Abilene, the Distinguished Citizen Award by the Boy Scouts of America, and an Honorary Doctorate from McMurry University. He is also a member of SMU’s Board of Trustees and chairman of the Cox Executive Board. In 2019, Bridwell and his wife, Gina, established the Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom at the Cox Business School.

    Ken Hersh

    Since 2016, Ken Hersh has served as president and chief executive officer of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, a nonpartisan institution housing the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the George W. Bush Institute. He is the Co-Founder and former CEO of NGP Energy Capital Management, one of the largest natural resources private equity investment firms, managing over $20 billion of cumulative committed capital since its inception in 1988. In addition, Mr. Hersh serves on the Board of Overseers of the Hoover Institution and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the National Council of the American Enterprise Institute, and the Dean’s Council of the Harvard Kennedy School. Mr. Hersh is also very involved in the nonprofit arena both nationally and locally through the efforts of the Hersh Foundation. He sits on the boards of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, the Dallas Citizens Council, and the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation, and serves on the Advisory Council of The Asian American Foundation. In 2019, Mr. Hersh received the Henry Cohn Humanitarian Award, presented by the Texoma region of the Anti-Defamation League for his work in advancing the cause of human rights, dignity, and equal opportunity, and in 2023 he received Stanford’s Ernest C. Arbuckle Award, the business school’s highest honor recognizing excellence in the field of management leadership.

    Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill

    Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill is serving in her 13th year as the Catherine M. Rose Head of School at The Lamplighter School in Dallas, Texas. Her commitment to excellence in teaching and learning for the youngest of students is central to her educational philosophy. Dr. Hill’s leadership reflects her belief in the importance of advocacy for students and independent school education. Her dedication to innovative and inclusive learning is evident throughout Lamplighter’s nationally-recognized childhood education faculty and programs. She holds a doctorate in Education with an emphasis on Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from John Carroll University, and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communications with minors in management and marketing from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

    Chris Kleinert

    Chris Kleinert is CEO and president of Hunt Investment Holdings, LLC – a subsidiary of Hunt Consolidated, Inc. and the holding company for Hunt Realty Investments, Hunt Investment Group, and Hoodoo Land Holdings. Chris serves on the Board of Trustees of the Communities Foundation of Texas, the Dallas Advisory Board of Directors of Amegy Bank, the Executive Board of Directors of the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, and the Neeley School of Business International Board of Visitors at Texas Christian University. Chris served as the inaugural chairman of the Men’s Advocacy Group (MAG) of New Friends New Life, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering victims of sex trafficking. In 2017, Chris and his wife, Ashlee, co-founded The Good Foundation to understand and address social issues, with a focus on sex trafficking and vulnerable populations in our community.

    Marshall Payne

    Marshall Payne has been an active private equity investor for over 30 years, beginning his career at Cardinal Investment Company in 1983 and co-founding CIC Partners in 2004, where he currently serves as a Managing Partner and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Payne and his wife, Dee Ann, are active in civic affairs, education, and health care initiatives. Mr. Payne currently serves on the Board of Impact Dallas Capital which sponsors for-profit social impact investing funds, beginning with the GrowSouth Fund in 2013. He is also a member of the Executive Advisory Council of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Mr. Payne has also been an active supporter and Board Member of the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries, the Library of Congress, and the Stanford University School of Humanities, Arts and Sciences.

    Jennifer Scripps

    Jennifer Scripps, a Dallas native and long-time civic leader, joined Downtown Dallas, Inc. as president and CEO in April 2022. She took the helm of the 90-employee organization at a time when Downtown Dallas is experiencing historic growth, including $6 billion in planned or ongoing development, thousands of new residents, and a string of high-profile corporate relocations. Jennifer previously served for six years as the director of the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture. In her prior role at Dallas City Hall, she oversaw a series of significant initiatives that elevated the arts throughout Dallas and across the country. Prior to her time with the City of Dallas, she served in multiple roles with the Perot Museum of Nature & Science, including overseeing the day-to-day construction and business planning of the museum just north of the Central Business District.

  • Magdalen House to add recovery programs for men

    Magdalen House to add recovery programs for men

    After 36 years of serving alcoholic women and their loved ones, The Magdalen House has announced the introduction of a new initiative to serve alcoholic men. The nonprofit organization will launch a Men’s Community Program for alcoholic men – offering the same quality of services through 12 Step recovery meetings and workshops, Family Support Group, volunteer opportunities, Men’s Community Group, and fellowship events at no cost.

    One in 11 women suffer from alcohol use disorder, but so do one in seven men. To put that into perspective, based on the 2021 population of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, there are an estimated 400,000 men struggling with alcohol in D/FW.

    “Due to the tremendous need in our community and many requests from those who have experienced life-saving services through our current services for women, it was apparent that we needed to expand our services to also include men,” says Lisa Kroencke, CEO of The Magdalen House. “Men suffering from alcoholism deserve access to free, comprehensive services and a continuum of care. Taking a holistic approach to family, our mission is to provide those who suffer from alcoholism with the solution to lifelong recovery and restore families within our communities. The inclusion of both men and women allows for a 100% increase in the individuals served while only increasing operational costs by an estimated 30 percent.”

    Volunteers prepare the new space for men’s recovery services.

    Beginning this July, the Community program will be offered to men. Men’s meetings and workshops, fellowship events and more will be held at Grace United Methodist Church located on 4105 Junius Street in Dallas. The 1,700 square foot campus will be outfitted with multiple offices and meeting spaces to serve men in recovery. The Magdalen House plans to launch its Next Step program for men at the church early 2024.

    The Magdalen House is committed to help individuals achieve long-term, sustainable recovery through the following spiritually based, comprehensive programs.

    • For Women:
      • First Step Program: A two-week, residential program for an alcoholic woman who wants to stop drinking but cannot. The house can accommodate up to 20 women with rolling admissions.
      • Next Step Program: A three-phase, non-residential program that provides support and structure for an alcoholic woman at any stage of recovery.
    • For Women & Men:
      • Community: Solution-focused meetings and workshops open to all alcoholic women and men at every stage of recovery. Services are currently offered for women 365 days a year and the men’s schedule is available online here. Additionally, Family Support meetings are available to the families and loved ones of alcoholics and addicts.
      • Resources and Education: Education about the disease of alcoholism and community partnerships that help connect alcoholic women, men, and their families to resources such as sober living, women’s and men’s health, and counseling.

    Austin Shook will serve as Director of Men’s Programming at The Magdalen House. He has been active in the 12-Step community and has sponsored new men in his personal time since 2017. In this role, he will lead the charge to establish and grow the men’s programming initiative for The Magdalen House. The goal is to offer the same programming that already exists for women in recovery at The Magdalen House but for men. Shook will ensure that The Magdalen House offers men’s community programming such as meetings, a community group, events, and family support. He will lead the Men’s Charter Group, which is an internal group consisting of 20 men that have been selected to help establish the men’s programming initiative. Members of this group are responsible for chairing and creating meetings, volunteering, establishing committees and much more.

    Austin Shook, Director of Men’s Programming

  • Mercy Clinic plans to demolish Berry Theater for new health center. What now?

    by Juan Salinas II, Fort Worth Report
    July 19, 2023

    Fort Worth business owner Rudy Avitia was saddened but not surprised to learn that Berry Theater will be demolished.  

    He owns The Barber, next to the theater along Hemphill Street. 

    “The community will lose a part of its aesthetics,” he said.  

    Mercy Clinic announced July 19 its plans to move forward with the demolition of the theater, which was built in the 1940s. The nonprofit had a community meeting to listen to residents’ input on the theater. 

    The cost of saving the theater was too high for the nonprofit, according to officials.

    “Even potential federal grants for historic preservation would not bring this cost down enough not to pull funding from the Mercy Clinic mission,” Aly Layman, Mercy Clinic executive director, said in a statement. 

    A demolition date has not been set.

    Avitia said he had a feeling the clinic board of directors had already made its decision before the community meeting. The Berry Theater has been listed five times as one of the city’s most endangered places, according to Historic Fort Worth.

    Mercy Clinic bought the theater in 2021. The clinic also purchased the three lots next to the theater in 2016, according to a published report. The clinic plans to expand its free clinic to serve more people in south Fort Worth with free medical, dental and spiritual care, Laymen said. 

    “Mercy Clinic has been a part of the health of this community for a decade. A new clinic facility will show this community many more decades of Mercy,” Laymen added. 

    A new medical center would be a good thing for the Southside community,  Hemphill resident Sonia Gomez said.

    The theater began screening Spanish-language movies in 1962, according to Cinema Treasures, which focuses on preserving the history of movie theaters across the U.S. Today the city’s Hispanic population is roughly 35%, according to the latest census data. 

    Jerre Tracy, executive director of Historic Fort Worth, wished the community had more time to find a solution for the theater. 

    “It has happened so quickly that those who could creatively resolve this where it is a win-win, probably don’t have enough time to do it,” Tracy said.

    Tracy was surprised because she thought the theater would be saved after the community meeting. 

    The Berry Theater stands near Hemphill St. on July 14, 2023, in Fort Worth. (Juan Salinas II | Fort Worth Report)

    “This decision does not connect with the meeting I attended,” Tracy said. 

    Fort Worth council member Jeanette Martinez, who represents the Hemphill area, told the Fort Worth Report she was disappointed Mercy Clinic decided to demolish the theater. 

    Martinez wanted the city of Fort Worth to give a historical designation for the theater. This process can be done without an application from the property owners, according to the city’s historic preservation ordinance.

    Martinez and other residents floated the idea of making a historic theater into an art center for the Southside community.

    “I may not agree with the demolition, but I have faith that they also took any and all options into consideration before making this decision,” Martinez said. 

    Juan Salinas II is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at juan.salinas@fortworthreport.org or on Twitter. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.

    This article first appeared on Fort Worth Report and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

  • Prism Health North Texas Dentist receives National Dental Association award

    Prism Health North Texas announced that Jocelyn Kidd DDS, dentist at Prism Health North Texas Dental’s Vickery Clinic, has been named as an honoree ahead of the National Dental Association (NDA) celebrating the 10th anniversary of NDA-HEALTH NOW®, an initiative aimed at disseminating information about oral health to the public through robust healthcare outreach and educational activities.  

    As the Founding Local Director of NDA-Health Now-Dallas®, Dr. Kidd’s leadership was instrumental in laying the foundation for programs aimed at increasing oral health and oral healthcare access in North Texas and beyond. 

    “Helping increase the understanding of the importance of oral health is a lifelong passion of mine and I’m proud to receive this honor from NDA for NDA-Health Now-Dallas®,” Dr. Kidd said. “In 10 years, we have provided much needed information to help improve the oral and overall health of our underserved and vulnerable populations. I look forward to continuing the work of NDA-HEALTH NOW.”

    Dr. Kidd’s work with NDA-Health Now-Dallas® and Prism Health North Texas Dental Care has made strides in serving children, senior citizens and others with barriers to health and oral care, increased health care access, reduced disparities, increased health literacy, and promoted prevention in underserved and vulnerable populations through public and private partnerships. 

    Prism Health North Texas Dental Care operates three dental care clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and offers dental services for the entire family from pediatric to senior patients. The program utilizes Medicaid, CHIP, and other grant funding to provide quality oral care to underserved communities. 

    Dr. Kidd will be presented with her award at the NDA Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana at the 29th annual WHS Dr. Allison P. Riddle-Fletcher Awards Luncheon on Saturday, July 22, 2023. 

  • Hope Cottage and HHM Health announce new Maternal Health Clinic

    Hope Cottage, a 105-year North Texas nonprofit announced plans for a new maternal health clinic in partnership with HHM Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and nonprofit that provides cost-efficient medical services.

    The George and Fay Young Foundation is investing $2 million to fund the clinic that will bring prenatal care to underserved women. The facility, to be located at Hope Cottage in East Dallas near downtown, will be named in honor of George and Fay Young’s late daughter, Carol Young Marvin, whom they adopted through Hope Cottage.

    Leadership from Hope Cottage and HHM Health shared the news at Hope Cottage’s 105th Anniversary Celebration at its headquarters in East Dallas near downtown, located at 609 Texas Street in June. 

    Stephanie Bohan, Chief Executive Officer for Hope Cottage, said, “Strong families begin with healthy births. Yet here in Dallas and across the state we are seeing a crisis in maternal health, with many mothers unable to access prenatal care, putting them and their children at risk. We are thrilled to partner with HHM Health, which shares our commitment to helping pregnant women get the services needed to deliver healthy babies.” 

    Texas ranks 49th in the nation for women’s health, according to a new study from the Commonwealth Fund analyzing publicly available data released today. Thirty percent of women received no early prenatal care in the first trimester, putting Texas last on this measure. The 2022 Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee report estimated that 90% of maternal deaths in Texas may have been preventable and named increasing access to health services during pregnancy as a top recommendation for improving outcomes for mothers and babies.

    “HHM Health recognizes the need for better women’s healthcare in the great state of Texas. So many of our patients are part of vulnerable communities and often don’t know where to turn. We have made a commitment to continue to step up and be that resource for women in Dallas. Partnering with Hope Cottage allows us to reach more mothers and help them deliver safely,” said Brian Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer at HHM Health.

    The clinic will be located at Hope Cottage’s location at 609 Texas Street in the Wilson District, adjacent to Deep Ellum and downtown Dallas. On-site, HHM Health will offer low-cost pregnancy testing, Medicaid enrollment and prenatal care. In coordination, Hope Cottage will provide mothers with parenting education, case management and access to community resources during and after their pregnancies, as well as adoption information and counseling for women who wish to explore that option. Women served at the clinic will be referred to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas for labor and delivery. After delivery, HHM Health will continue to care for mothers at its Women’s Health Center in Vickery Meadow and babies at its Pediatric Clinic off Walnut Hill Lane.

    The $2 million gift from The George and Fay Young Foundation will fund renovations to create the clinic space on Hope Cottage’s first floor, plus five years of Hope Cottage’s pregnancy program costs. Construction on the clinic will begin in August, and an opening is planned for January 2024. It will initially open for two days a week, with plans to expand as community outreach increases demand for services.

    Hope Cottage has engaged RGC Royal General Contractors to lead construction on the project, bringing back the same team that built their facility that opened in 2016. 

    The new clinic will be HHM Health’s fifth location, with other clinics in East Dallas on Greenville Avenue, in Vickery Meadow off Pineland Drive, a pediatric office off Walnut Hill Lane, and a clinic in Oak Cliff at Trinity Basin Preparatory’s Jefferson Campus. HHM Health’s nine service lines include women’s health, pediatrics, adult medicine, vision, dental, behavioral health, imaging and 340B pharmacy. 

  • NAMI North Texas partners with police dept. on mental health support for first-responders

    NAMI North Texas, an organization that advocates for equitable access to mental health services, treatment, supports and research, and the Flower Mound Police Department announced a mental health overwatch peer support program partnership for the first responder community. The management partnership of the Overwatch Peer Support Program (OPS) program will not only save lives, but open the door to a myriad of additional community resources for first responders. It will aid in early intervention for mental health and preventing unhealthy coping strategies provoked by the repetitive trauma emergency service professionals experience each shift.

    This new partnership will be led by Detective Michelle Horridge, who serves in the Flower Mound Police Department Criminal Investigations Division as well as the NAMI North Texas Frontline Wellness Coordinator. Horridge is a 23-year law enforcement professional, who has been with Flower Mound Police Department for 18 years.

    “The partnership with NAMI North Texas and Flower Mound Police Department allows us to provide even more peer support and mental health resources to first responders within our community,” states Horridge. “We will be able to expand the OPS program by adding more peer supporters throughout North Texas.”

    Dr. Athena Trentin, Executive Director of NAMI North Texas says, “Detective Michelle Horridge has not only been a champion OPSupporter since the program’s implementation, but she has also been a highly-valued resource as we built the in-person training curriculum. Her passion and experience in first responder peer support embodies everything we could hope for in a key law enforcement ally.”

    By taking on a partnering leadership role in OPS, the Flower Mound Police Department is demonstrating a solid commitment to the North Texas community and joining NAMI North Texas as a national leader in first responder wellness. This also adds immeasurably to Flower Mound Police Department’s own in-house support and wellness programs.

    The NAMI North Texas OPS program is the first of its kind: in-person, no-cost, confidential, community-based, inter-agency peer support network for first responders. This innovative program provides a private option to take the first step towards mental health care, making it easier for first responders to seek help, prioritize their own well-being, and connect with vetted, culturally appropriate clinical care when necessary. Intended to be supplementary to intra-agency support teams, OPS serves as an additional resource to optimize first responder wellness and professional performance.

    After more than a decade of experience working with law enforcement, NAMI North Texas developed the 16-hour, high quality, law enforcement peer support certification course in 2021-2022 with the help of the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. Once an officer completes this training, they receive an OPS certification and are eligible to provide 1-1 support to other law enforcement personnel who request assistance through OPS. Officers are also trained to recognize when peer support is not enough, thus serving as bridges to professional mental health services that specialize in treating first responders. 

    Currently, the OPS program is available to all law enforcement professionals, including communications/dispatch, corrections, and civilian employees of law enforcement agencies. The program is intended to expand to Fire/EMS late summer, early fall 2023. NAMI National will soon expand the program across the U.S. through their Frontline Wellness Initiative, making OPS available for implementation at more than 600 local NAMI Affiliates nationwide. 

  • $1M gift advances vision research and treatment

    The Retina Foundation of the Southwest, a medical research and treatment organization committed to vision loss prevention and sight restoration announced the newly named Henderson Ocular Stem Cell Laboratory, thanks to a $1 million donation from Grant and Jill Henderson.

    Srinivasa Sripathi, PhD, the new laboratory director of the Henderson Ocular Stem Cell Laboratory, will lead efforts to find solutions for patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and inherited retinal diseases (IRD) through personalized medicine.

    “We are grateful for the Henderson’s investment in accelerating treatment efforts. It will impact the quality of life for people we know and love, as well as people we will never meet,” Dr. Csaky said. “The research we are conducting at the Retina Foundation gives hope to AMD and IRD patients that their future generations won’t have to experience vision loss.”

    Under the guidance of Dr. Sripathi, a patient’s own stem cells will be utilized to create healthy retinal cells. The stem cells can be used to identify what medicines would be most effective in preventing critical eye cells from dying.