May 25, 2022

As President & CEO Mark A. Wallace shared earlier today, many of us are struggling with anger, grief and sadness as we process the events that happened in Uvalde, Texas. Please know that these feelings are normal and expected in the wake of such a traumatic incident.

As you connect with your personal resources of friends, family, and spiritual support to cope with what transpired, please also remember Texas Children’s is here to help. As One Amazing Team, we always come together to help each other during times of grief and healing. Should you need assistance, please lean on each other. In addition, here are resources available to you:

  • Candlelight vigil: For the next 24 hours, there will be candlelight vigils in our chapels and an opportunity to place messages and prayers on the Tree of Hope.
  • Chaplain services: The Chaplains and Employee Assistance Program will host four memorial services at each of our campuses. Times are still being determined. Please check back as details become available.
  • Employee Assistance Program:
    • For our TCH employees, please click here for multiple resources to support you during this time, including confidential counseling, stress management services and support systems for managing grief.
    • For our Baylor partners, please contact Baylor EAP Contact at 713-500-3008
  • Additional resources: Our EAP Plus partners offer these additional resources, including this website, which provides information on how to cope with traumatic events. In addition, this guide contains other useful information.

Please take care of yourselves and each other. There will be more information regarding additional support services and ways to support the people of Uvalde in an upcoming global email.

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If you’ve passed by the Abercrombie Playground recently, you may have noticed bright green ribbons adorning the fence. In support of May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Texas Children’s Behavioral Health and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Well-Being teams hosted the inaugural Green Ribbon Ceremony on Wednesday, May 4. One Amazing Team members were given commemorative green ribbon pins to display on their badges and invited to tie green ribbons to the fence to show the organization’s heartfelt support for mental health.

During the event, leaders shared their support for the importance of mental health for our patients and our community. Workforce Well-Being Assistant Vice President Suzy Harrington highlighted the value of “nurturing a culture of care so our staff members can be their best selves – personally and professionally.” In addition, Chief of Psychology Dr. Karin Price, and Chief of Psychiatry Dr. Kirti Saxena emphasized Texas Children’s families’ growing need for mental health services and the exciting course we are on to build behavioral health programs to meet their needs.

The event closed with a moving Mental Health Awareness Month blessing, was written and read by Chaplain James Denham. He beautifully acknowledged those who are experiencing mental health challenges and offered hope, understanding and comfort, as well as gratitude for those who serve in behavioral health roles.

The green ribbons will be displayed throughout May, reminding us of the importance of embracing and influencing mental health for everyone.

Support for putting your mental health and well-being first

Weekly digital sessions – Take advantage of any of the tools and resources offered in May including Mental Health Fairs and Wellness Wednesday Webinars, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Support Group in June – all located on the Mental Health Awareness website.

EAP Wellness classes – Throughout the year, EAP offers various classes to assist employees with improving overall wellness. Go to HealthStream to learn more about dates and times and register.

Questions? – For questions or further assistance, please contact our EAP and Well-Being team at 832-824-3327. You can also visit our EAP website where you can find information on additional confidential programs, virtual care options and resources to support your mental health and well-being.

Have you taken the Mental Health Well-Being survey?

During the month of May, Texas Children’s employees are invited to complete the World Health Organization WHO-5 survey. For those working in remote locations or those who would like to take the survey at any time during May, you can access it here.

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May 18, 2022

President and CEO Mark A. Wallace, Austin-area patients and their families, physicians, executives and construction partners gathered for this important milestone. Click for video.

As part of the many activities and initiatives recognizing May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, all Texas Children’s team members will receive a mental health wellness kit delivered directly to their homes. The kit includes multiple items to thank our One Amazing Team and to remind them on the importance of self-care.

“Recognizing that strong mental health and well-being encompasses self-care and a supportive environment, these kits are a small, fun way to celebrate your mental health and care for yourself as you care for others,” said Suzy Harrington, our new assistant vice president of workforce well-being, Human Resources. “Please don’t forget to complete the quick mental health survey so we can assess how to best meet the mental health needs of our One Amazing Team.”

The kit offers information on resources available to team members for care and support. The products are intended to remind us of a few ways to improve our mental health.

  • Eye mask: Getting a good night’s rest is one of the most important things we can do for our mind and body. Click here to read the benefits for catching more zzzz’s.
  • Rescue Butter: Don’t underestimate a good skin-care routine. Using lotions does a lot more than just clearing up dry skin. Click here to learn more.
  • Yes Bar: Don’t skip your healthy snacks. They can boost your energy and your mind. Click here to learn more about your nutrition and mental health benefits.
  • Essential Oils: There are multiple benefits of aromatherapy, including reducing stress and anxiety. Click here to learn more about the oils that will best suit your needs.
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We’d love to hear how you plan to use your wellness items or share your tips and ideas on how to Be Kind to Your Mind during the month of May and beyond. CLICK HERE to post photos, videos, support and advice to your colleagues.

Please click here for more information about the events and initiatives for May Mental Health Awareness Month.

EAP is available to provide psychoeducation and emotional support for anyone in need. If you have questions or need assistance, please call 832-824-3327.

Whether you’re just starting your Texas Children’s career or celebrating decades of dedicated service, the 10 Maxims of Leadership developed by President and CEO Mark A. Wallace are a guiding light for your journey – establishing clear standards for truly catalyst leadership that apply to every member of our One Amazing Team, regardless of role or position.

Those essential maxims have now been brought to new life in a mural located on The Auxiliary Bridge connecting Mark A. Wallace Tower and West Tower at the Medical Center campus, allowing our team members, our patients and their families to literally follow Wallace’s wise words step by step.

Designed by the Austin-based creative firm Butler, the mural showcases the maxims on a bright orange, 3-D wall with “leadership” spelled out in raised white letters. The vibrant display honors Wallace and his visionary leadership, which has fueled Texas Children’s growth and success throughout his tenure as our President and CEO.

The mural also provides our people and our community an opportunity to connect with his tried, trusted and proven leadership lessons in a new venue.

“These maxims work,” said Wallace, who developed each of the 10 key concepts over the course of his career in the Texas Medical Center and particularly during his time at Texas Children’s. “They universally apply to every single one of us. They work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they also work at home. It doesn’t matter what your title is; these maxims will help you be a more effective leader in every single aspect of your life.”

The No. 1 maxim, which says that “leadership always influences and determines outcomes – not some of the time, but all of the time,” has always been the foundation of Wallace’s approach to impactful leadership and the difference it can make to an organization in both bull and bear markets.

His second maxim, that “leadership applies to everyone,” is a constant reminder of the difference that each of us at Texas Children’s can make as we work to build a better Tomorrow, Together and motivate our colleagues along the way.

Stop by the new 10 Maxims of Leadership mural anytime for a dose of inspiration and to re-energize, refresh and refocus on your path forward.