February 23, 2022

To continue making COVID-19 testing as convenient and efficient as possible, all Texas Children’s team members who have not already received a kit are now eligible to receive one free at-home test kit at any of our distribution sites listed below on Wednesday, February 23 or Friday, February 25. This includes contractors, learners, residents, food service workers, McDonald’s employees, Lanier Parking staff, construction workers − all workforce members.

Sixty-four percent of the kits were distributed to employees and Baylor faculty and staff members February 9 through 17. Only those who have not yet picked up their kit may still do so (while supplies last). For information on at-home test kits covered by medical insurance plans and free test kits available through the federal government, please click here.

When and where to pick up your at-home test kit. You must present your Texas Children’s issued badge to receive a kit.
Location/Dates/Times
Meyer Building, Screening Station – 1st Floor Lobby
Wed, 2/23 and Fri, 2/25
6 – 11 a.m.
1 – 4 p.m.

Feigin Tower, Screening Station – 1st Floor Lobby
Wed, 2/23 and Fri, 2/25
6 – 11 a.m.
6 – 11 p.m.

Legacy Tower, Screening Station – 1st Floor Lobby
Wed, 2/23 and Fri, 2/25
6 – 11 a.m.
6 – 11 p.m.

West Campus, MOB Employee Screening Entrance
Wed, 2/23 and Fri, 2/25
6 – 11 a.m.
6 – 11 p.m.

The Woodlands, Main Information Desk
Wed, 2/23 and Fri, 2/25
6 – 11 a.m.
6 – 11 p.m.

Health Plan, Screening Station – 8th Floor
Wed, 2/23
8 – 10 a.m.

Sugar Land Specialty Center, Conference Room 200
Wed, 2/23
8 – 10 a.m.

The Center – Southwest, Conference Room
Wed, 2/23
8 – 10 a.m.

The Center – Greenspoint, Conference Room
Wed, 2/23
8 – 10 a.m.

In conjunction with vaccinations, boosters, masking and everything each and every one of us does every day, your efforts to include home test kits in your arsenal in our fight against COVID-19 is greatly appreciated. Go to our COVID-19 Operations website anytime to find additional information on our ongoing COVID-19 response.

Jaxon Berry was just 2.5 years old when he had a tragic accident at his home in Bridge City that sent him to Texas Children’s Level 1 trauma center via Life Flight. His mother and father, Meredith and Jon, carried only the clothes on their backs, her purse and a diaper bag they’d been given by a neighbor as they left in an ambulance to meet the helicopter.

Over the next 10 days, Jaxon was in and out of surgery as our Trauma Services team managed his case. His pointer finger on his right hand had to be amputated, and his remaining fingers and hand had to be reconstructed. Then, at a follow-up appointment just a week later, he was immediately readmitted for another 7-day stay to treat an infection.

The Berrys could only watch in agony as their young son was poked over and over again, his providers doing everything they could to stabilize his pain. And all the while, they had only the supplies in that purse and diaper bag to see them through – sparking an idea for turning pain into purpose by helping other parents experiencing similar circumstances.

“I knew not to blame God for this tragic event, but knew there has to be a rainbow after this terrible storm we were in,” said Meredith Berry. “Over and over my heart kept telling me to help others, which brought me to the thought of ‘Jaxon’s Journey Bags.’”

Each Jaxon’s Journey Bag is filled with things Meredith wished she’d had while they were in the hospital: toiletries, snacks, water, puzzles, a blanket, cozy socks and a notebook and pen to write down all the information they’d been given. Three-hundred bags and counting have been delivered so far.

In total, Jaxon has had 17 surgeries, numerous occupational therapy appointments and countless follow-up sessions with his Texas Children’s specialist in just less than 3.5 years. Collecting, filling and distributing the bags is one way to provide the kind of support Meredith needed to walk through the healing process – along with being someone that other parents can talk with, cry with and relate to during such a difficult situation.

“Our storms might be different, but know that with each storm comes a rainbow,” she said. “You will get through this.”

For more on trauma care at Texas Children’s, click here.

February 22, 2022

Enrich your Black History knowledge and participate in an online activity for a chance to win a special prize. To participate, click on the link. Read More

See how Carmen Keith cultivated not only her career but also her family at Texas Children’s. Read More

Adjusting to the ever-changing challenges of COVID-19 has left many of us with feelings of emotional fatigue, distress, sadness, anger and anxiety. If you are feeling overwhelmed or distressed, you are not alone!

“While the topic of self-care for health care workers has grown in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, many health care workers find themselves with barely enough time to breathe, much less breathe deeply,” said Dr. Karin Price, Chief of Psychology. “Investing in your own physical and mental well-being is one of the greatest contributions that caregivers can make for themselves and their patients right now.”

If you are feeling overwhelmed or experiencing emotional distress, the EAP and Well-Being team encourages you to talk through your concerns with your health care provider during your annual physical.

Take advantage of the 12-week community physical with a health coach

In the spirit of keeping you Healthy + Strong, Texas Children’s Employee Medical Clinic is pleased to offer its Community Physical, a comprehensive and personalized 12-week program with one of our Health Coaches to support our employees in moving from “knowing” to “doing” when it comes to achieving your health and wellness goals. You can also participate in the program if you have received you physical with your local health care provider.

“Your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical well-being,” said Dr. Irene Lomeda, Employee Medical Clinic Physician. “Annual wellness exams provide a great opportunity to discuss stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns with primary care providers who are trained to be the initial listening ear and to offer resources for additional assistance when needed.”

Upcoming webinar offers mental health topic

Come and learn about the practice of mindfulness. Employee Well-Being’s next webinar, Mindfulness at Work, will offer some easy mindfulness tools that can help focus your mind, relax your body and reduce your stress, on Wednesday, Feb 23 from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. Click here to register.

Take advantage of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) anytime

In addition to your annual physical and mental health exam, anytime you feel your emotions are getting in the way of your everyday activities, it may be time to seek professional help for guidance on how to achieve mental health. The EAP and Well-Being team encourages you to take advantage of EAP Plus, which has increased from three to five free sessions for counseling per person, per issue.

You may reach EAP Plus 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 833.EAP.PLUS to connect with a certified counselor, or visit the program online and enter EAPPLUS as the Organization ID.

For Cigna Mental Health Services

Cigna has both a network of in-person and telehealth providers along with several mental health platforms to assist you with your mental health needs. Telehealth options with Cigna are: Ginger, Cigna Behavioral Benefits, MDLive, Talk Space, Meru Health NOCD, MapHealth, Sondermind Brightside, and EQUIP.

  • If using MyCigna.com: Click on “Find Care & Costs” > “doctor by type” > then click on “Behavioral Health Counselor.”
  • If using the MyCigna App: Click on “Find Care” > Below “Talk to a doctor or nurse 24/7” click on “View More Options” > then select “Counseling.”

For more information about physical and mental health, visit our Health & Well-Being page on Connect.

After two years, our city is bringing back the greatly-missed Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! In celebration of the upcoming Rodeo season and Go Texan Day this Friday, February 25, all employees are invited to wear your favorite western outfits, including work-appropriate blue jeans with no rips, holes or frays.

Let’s see how you went Texan!

Please share your Go Texan Day photos with hrcommunications for follow up on Connect. You are encouraged to share your photos on social media as well, with the hashtags #GoTexanDay, #TexasChildrens and #OneAmazingTeam.

Have a great Go Texan Day, everyone! Please keep safety in mind if you choose to attend rodeo festivities.

February 18, 2022

Begin requesting time off in Kronos at go live. Accrual balances will not appear in Kronos until Feb. 28. Until then, please reference most recent balance in Connect Clock. Read More