This week marks a special time on our calendar - Hospital Week! Undoubtedly, I know this week will be a favorite of mine because the week is dedicated to celebrating each and every one of you. Hospital week acknowledges our collective commitment and tireless efforts to serve our community with excellence and compassion.

Since I arrived here at Sugar Land, I've been continually impressed by the dedication and passion each of you brings to your role. Health care is not an easy profession, which is why I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all.

This week as we celebrate every employee in our hospital, I want us to also reflect on our patients and their families. Whether it's at the bedside, offering support to our colleagues or simply helping them with directions - whatever it may be, each of you plays a vital role in our shared mission of healing and care. Thank you for honoring your I CARE values and commitment to performance excellence. Together, we will continue to make a difference, one patient at a time. 

The celebration schedule is posted in the newsletter below. I hope you take the time to enjoy the festivities - you deserve it.

Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land

Hospital Week Employee Gift

To say thanks for all you do this National Hospital Week, we are giving all employees a Houston Methodist-branded Back Country cooler. HR department members at each hospital will coordinate the gift distribution over the next few weeks. Your leader will inform you on how to get your cooler. We hope you enjoy this eco-conscious gift and use it to spend time outdoors with your friends and family this summer!

New ICU Director

Michaela Taylor, MSN, RN, CAPA, NE-BC, has been named ICU director, effective immediately. She has been serving as interim director for the last month. Her previous roles at HMSL include AOD RN II/endoscopy on-call RN, AOD RN III, AOD and PAT nurse manager and nurse director for preoperative and postoperative services. Click here to read the leadership announcement.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Walk

Join one of the Houston Methodist teams participating in the National Alliance Mental Illness (NAMI) walk at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 18. The 5k event begins at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston.  The current teams are Houston Methodist Clear Lake, Houston Methodist Walkie Talkies, HM Hispanic LatinX and HM Fathers in Health Care. Click here and search for the team you want to join or support. Learn more about NAMI. 

March For Babies

The March of Dimes walk in Fort Bend is this weekend and Houston Methodist is proud to be a supporter. Join family, friends and colleagues in a fun-filled walk Saturday, May 18 at Constellation Field to help make a world of difference in the health of babies. By participating, you’re highlighting the importance of health equity, opening the door for all moms to have access to care and protecting the health of families in the community.

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month

The Asian Heritage employee resource group (ERG) hosts the Living and Learning in Asia virtual discussion from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, May 20. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. For a link to the event and more information, contact asianheritage@houstonmethodist.org.

High waters recently inundated Houston neighborhoods, leading to flooded homes and roadways, hundreds of water rescues and mandatory evacuations. Houston Methodist employees can help people affected by the storms by donating to the American Red Cross. Your contribution enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters. It also demonstrates how Houston Methodist employees stand with those impacted in our community. For questions about the donation page, contact communitybenefits@houstonmethodist.org.