Congratulations to the Texas Health Resources 2019 Community Service Award winners. This year’s recipients demonstrate Texas Health’s Mission and Our Texas Health 
Promise(SM) through their community outreach efforts. Their actions have also inspired others to volunteer and helped to raise awareness about critical community needs.
Since 1997, Texas Health has recognized individuals, teams and clinicians for their outstanding community outreach and volunteerism. Each award winner receives $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice in the Texas Health service area.
Individual: James Frank, supervisor, Nutrition Services at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano
James Frank has been actively involved with Prism Health North Texas for seven years. This organization is dedicated to providing access to personalized, expert health care for people living with AIDS and HIV. “I have given much to my community but I have received back more than I can count,” he said. James has volunteered in a number of capacities for the organization’s fundraising events including cooking, cleaning, set-up, hosting and entertaining. “I am honored to be asked to help and blessed to share in the successes of this fine organization,” he added. “Charity work starts in your head and then warms your soul. I am inspired by what President John F. Kennedy said, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.'”
Clinician: Joan Killen, RD, outpatient diabetes educator, Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital
Four years ago, Joni Killen became aware of a population within the community in need of specialized support in diabetes care and education. This led to her establishing and leading an educational support group once a week at the Open Arms Clinic in Arlington. Through creative and innovative strategies such as cooking demonstrations and grocery store budgeting tips and tours, she has created a sense of community and empowerment for these individuals to navigate life with diabetes. “Joni’s positive energy and excitement for community diabetes outreach is inspiring and health outcomes are improving because of it,” said Betsy Richter-Gifford, R.N., care and education specialist at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, a co-worker who nominated Joni for the award.
Team: Med-Surg Telemetry, 5th floor, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth
The Med/Surg Telemetry team wanted to become more involved in service to their community and planned specific events throughout the year. Department volunteers, led by Jane Tran, BSN, R.N., CMSRN, spent time sorting school supplies at Mission Arlington, handing out meals at Union Gospel Mission, distributing toys to the Salvation Army warehouse for the Angel Tree, raising money for the American Heart Association and March of Dimes walks and leading the way for the Community Employee Giving Campaign through innovative fundraisers. In addition, nurses from the unit attended school career days, provided health services to local flu clinics and assisted with Faith Community Nursing events. “As a team, we believe in the health and well-being of our community,” said Juanita Hernandez, manager of Med/Surg Telemetry. The team’s award of $1,000 will benefit the American Cancer Society, in honor of a co-worker recently diagnosed with cancer.
By Candace White • Posted March 17, 2020
