Week of September 9, 2024
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
Our 2024 United Way campaign officially kicks off this week! It starts Thursday, September 12 and runs through Wednesday, October 2. Our goal for Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is to raise $27,000, and we need your help to do it!
Donating to United Way helps bring lasting, effective solutions to big problems, such as family financial stability, education, health and overall quality of life. Last year, United Way helped more than two million Houstonians build better futures through the generosity of people like you.
It’s easy to donate and help create meaningful opportunities for our community. This year, there are several ways you can give:
- Set up a payroll deduction through MARS. Under Voluntary Deductions, select United Way and fill in your desired deduction amount and frequency.
- Give a one-time gift with a credit card on the United Way website.
- Text HMGIVES to 51555 to make a one-time donation.
- Bid on items in the Houston Methodist silent auction, available Sept. 12 – Oct. 2.
Please check out the the silent auction page. The prizes are great, and include a day of Top Golf with me! Here at our hospital, we are also hosting a United Way 5-Day Challenge full of fun and fitness! Everyday there will be a different activity, like Latin Fusion Dance, Hula Hoop contest and even Bollywood Dance. Click here for more information. I hope to see you supporting this great cause.
Your gift will help Houston Methodist Sugar Land positively impact our community beyond the patient care we provide within our hospital walls. Please donate to United Way with an open heart to help make a lasting change in someone’s life.
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
Stay Weather Alert
HMSL is keeping a close eye on the Gulf of Mexico and Tropical Storm Francine. While models have shifted a few times and the impacts to the Houston area range from modest to minimal, we want everyone to stay alert. This system could bring rain and wind to our area. Houston Methodist hospitals will remain open throughout this potential weather event. If you are scheduled to work this week, make personal plans in case you need to stay over or cannot safely travel back home after your shift. Space City Weather is always a good source for weather information. We will continue to monitor this situation and communicate with you as necessary.
- Update your contact information in the MARS portal. This is a good time to register for text messages so you can receive emergency texts.
- Know your role for ride out and recovery. Ask your manager for your role and responsibilities.
- Stock up on essentials. During hurricane season, you should have a three-day supply of the basics for your home. Carefully go over our hurricane supply checklist.
HMSL on the Field
The Sugar Land Space Cowboys hosted Colon Cancer Awareness night Saturday, August 31 at Constellation Field. Dr. Kirtan Nautiyal threw out the ceremonial first pitch and participated in a radio interview about colon cancer awareness. All colon cancer survivors and patients received free tickets to the game. Houston Methodist is proud to be the official health care provider of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.
Fall 2024 Leading Medicine Magazine
Our Houston Methodist Sugar Land magazine Leading Medicine was recently delivered to 100,000 households across Fort Bend County. Thank you to Dr. Wafi A. Momin, Dr. Priya Oolut, Dr. Michelle O'Shea, Dr. Matthew Pearl and Dr. Malika Stewart for lending their expertise to these articles and sharing educational health care tips with our community. If you didn’t receive a copy in the mail, you can view the fall 2024 magazine, and all previous editions of Leading Medicine by clicking here.
First AVID ERG Meeting Set for Sept. 11
The newly formed Alliance for Visible and Invisible Disability (AVID) employee resource group (ERG) holds its first general membership meeting from noon to 1 p.m. on September 11. The ERG seeks to create a community across Houston Methodist to provide support, education and advocacy for everyone regardless of ability or disability. It also promotes an environment that is inclusive and accessible for all. For more information and to join the ERG, contact aviddisabilityalliance@houstonmethodist.org. Learn more about Houston Methodist’s 11 ERGs.
Back & Neck Pain Seminar
You still have time to register for HMSL's free back & neck pain seminar on Thursday, September 12 at 6 p.m. in the Brazos Pavilion Conference Center. You don't have to live with back or neck pain and our experts want to help! Dr. Christopher Sy with neurosurgery, Dr. Marvin Chang with pain medicine and Marcela Rojas Roman, DPT, with physical therapy will come together for the informative session. Click here for more information, including how to register!
HMSL Blood Drive
The next blood drive at HMSL will be this Thursday, September 12 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Brazos Rooms BC. Eligible donors will receive a Houston Methodist tumbler, while supplies last. You can also earn one hour credit toward your Paid Time Off (PTO awarded in four-hour increments within a calendar year). To register, click here.
HM Wellness and Arab Heritage ERG Present Wellness Seminar
Join Taylor Samale, a Houston Methodist Employee Wellness senior health fitness coordinator, for a virtual seminar from 11 to 11:30 a.m. on September 12 that explores fitness and wellness tips. It also features an inspiring interview with Arab Heritage ERG Chair Hani Khalil, clinical engineer, Biomedical Engineering, who will share his fitness journey and offer fitness and wellness advice. Register here. Participants will earn 2,000 DIY Healthy Track points. Contact arabheritage@houstonmethodist.org for more information.
Support our Houston Texans
Our Houston Texans will host the Chicago Bears for their first home game of the season Sunday, September 15. Employees are encouraged to show their support by wearing Texans T-shirts or jerseys from Friday, September 13, through Sunday, September 15. Please check with your manager for approval first. Houston Methodist is proud to be the official health care provider for the Houston Texans.
Support Parkinson's Disease Research
Please join Houston Methodist as we support the Michael J. Fox Foundation's Run/Walk Series. More than six million people worldwide are living with Parkinson's disease. The 2024 5K run and 1-mile walk event is Saturday, September 14 at Minute Maid Park - Diamond Lot South - from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Click here to sign up or donate. All raised funds go directly to Parkinson's research programs.
Nursing Exhibit at HMSL
Beginning Thursday, September 12, HMSL will host a traveling exhibit called "Pictures of Nursing: The Zwerdling Postcard Collection". It will be set up across from the Main Starbucks. This exhibit from the National Library of Medicine features historical nursing postcards from 1893-2011, illustrating the nursing profession through various artistic styles and cultural perspectives. The exhibit, which is also touring other Houston Methodist hospitals, will be on display until Friday, September 20.
Fashion Runway 2024
It is time to sign up for Fashion Runway 2024 - a vibrant celebration of DEI, Diversity and Culture. All employees are encouraged to participate in the fashion event! Participants are encouraged to represent the culture and style of your country. Click here to sign up. The deadline is Wednesday, October 30.
Pathway to Unparalleled
Employee sessions are now underway and continue through October. All employees are strongly encouraged to attend and to register as soon as possible. Click here to register for a class between now and September 19. Click here to register for a session between September 10 and October 25.
Talent Talk Tuesdays
If you want to get to the next level in your career, the Talent Talks program is for you. If you have been at HMSL less than a year, schedule your 30-minute session with an HR Talent Consultant. They can help with resume building, mock interviews and career guidance. Sessions are Tuesdays from 1-5 p.m. Click here to register.
Watch for Text About Updating Primary Care Physician
Many employees will soon receive a text message from 713.394.6724 or 833.755.8468 asking you to update your primary care physician. This text message is not spam, and you should not be afraid to click the link.
Benefits of having a PCP:
- When you need to see a physician, your health records will be readily accessible, giving the physician a better opportunity to diagnose your problem and prescribe treatment.
- Studies show that people with a PCP are more likely to receive cancer screenings, diabetes checkups and diagnostic testing.
- Scheduling an annual wellness checkup can help you catch health problems before they become difficult to treat. An annual wellness exam is covered at no cost to members on the Houston Methodist Employee Medical Plan.
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, September 9: Deadline to nominate 2024 Excellence in Nursing Award. More information.
Wednesday, September 11: First AVID ERG meeting
Thursday, September 12: United Way campaign kicks off
Thursday, September 12: HMSL Blood Drive. More information.
Thursday, September 12: Back & Neck Pain Seminar. More information.
Thursday, September 12: Wellness and Arab Heritage ERG seminar. Register here.
Thursday, September 12 - Friday, September 20: National Library of Medicine Traveling Art Exhibit across Main Starbucks
Friday, September 13 - Sunday, September 15: Wear Texans T-shirts
Saturday, September 14: The Michael J. Fox Foundation's 2024 Run/Walk Series. More information.
Monday, September 23 - Friday, September 27: United Way 5-Day Challenge. More information.
Friday, September 27: Coffee Talk. More information.
Monday, September 30: Deadline to complete DIY Health Track.
Saturday, October 5: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. More information.
Sunday, October 13: Houston Methodist Sugar Land Half Marathon. Register here.
Monday, October 14 - Friday, October 18: 2024 I CARE in Action Week. More information.
Monday, October 21: 2024 CV Nursing Conference. Register here.
Saturday, October 26: 2024 Houston Heart Walk. More information.
Wednesday, October 30: Deadline to sign up for HMSL Fashion Runway 2024. More information.
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Tuesday, September 10 - Thursday, September 12: vs. Oakland Athletics
Friday, September 13 - Sunday, September 15: @ Los Angeles Angels
Tuesday, September 10 - Sunday, September 15: vs. Reno Aces
Sunday, September 15: vs. Chicago Bears
Friday, September 13: The Mavericks, Smart Financial Centre
Sunday, September 15: Anthony Hamilton, Smart Financial Centre
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"When someone tells me 'no,' it doesn't mean I can't do it, it simply means I can't do it with them."
- Karen E. Quinones Miller
Join The HMSL-CEO Corner Facebook Page
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