March 2, 2021

In the midst of a winter weather event with some of the coldest temperatures Texas has seen in decades, our Texas Children’s team members immediately sprang into action to support the needs of our patients.

On February 16, a pipe burst in a mechanical room in Mark Wallace Tower, causing the loss of power to the elevators. The Cancer & Hematology Center, located on the 14th floor, was the only clinic in operation that day due to the critical need to administer chemotherapy and blood products to our patient population. The compromised elevators left patients and staff stranded on the 14th floor, while those arriving for treatment were unable to get to the clinic.

Our staff not only ensured that treatments continued for those patients still on the 14th floor, but they also took medications and supplies to the third-floor food court area to provide infusions there for patients that could not get to the clinic. Some nurses even repeatedly climbed the stairs from the third to the 14th floor to ensure patients received their treatments.

With true One Amazing Team spirit, our Ambulatory Hematology-Oncology and BMT clinics and Kangaroo Crew also rose to the challenge by collaborating together to move the infusion portion of the clinic to West Tower 7. This planning began at 4 p.m. that day and the team saw the first of 40 total patients in the “new” space at 7:30 a.m. the following day, February 17.

It took roughly 15 hours to complete the move, including the transport of our patients – some wheelchair-bound down the stairs in Mark Wallace Tower.

“Moving the clinic was a herculean task and it could not have been accomplished without our people,” said Kathleen Magee, director, Cancer Center-Clinical.

Though she said several team members deserved special thanks for embracing freedom to make the move happen – Dr. Kala Kamdar, Sandi Knight, Rhoda Phillips, Paulette Reed and Brittany Anderson – Magee also emphasized that the whole team had a hand in making it a success.

“Our entire team played a crucial part in the move,” she said. “Our clinic medical assistants, LVNs and RNs embraced the new space and created new workflows and processes. Our ShareDesk and nurse coordinators kept track of all our patients and handled rescheduling appropriately, and our faculty reviewed our patient lists numerous times.”

Also essential were the partners who worked overnight on Tuesday to support the effort: EVS, Pharmacy, Registration, IS and the OR.

“I am so thankful for all of you and your ability to really make sure our patients get the care they need, when you are all going through so much at home as well,” Magee said.

Chief Nursing Officer Jackie Ward echoed the praise and gratitude for the team members who stepped up at a time when it mattered most. Whether we’re fighting a global pandemic or navigating a significant winter weather event, Texas Children’s team members remain committed to taking care of our patients, their families and each other.

“This is leadership – doing what is right, not always what is easy,” Ward said. “I know this was not easy, but it was necessary for the patients we serve. Our patients and families are just as appreciative for each of you as I am. Thank you for your efforts today and every day.”

Have a success story to share? If you are interested in sharing a team success story, please send a brief blurb along with a photo to HRCommunications@texaschildrens.org.

In this video, several nursing leaders share why they received the COVID-19 vaccine, and they have a special message for their colleagues who haven’t scheduled their vaccine yet. Read more

February 23, 2021

Texas Children’s team members whose income or homes were impacted by the February 2021 winter storm in Texas may be eligible for disaster relief from the Employee Financial Assistance Fund (EFAF).

Established and managed by the Employee Assistance Program, EFAF provides financial help to eligible employees experiencing unexpected, unforeseen or unavoidable emergencies. Grant funds are available for emergency needs only.

To be eligible for an EFAF grant related to the recent winter weather event, employees must meet the requirements outlined in Employee Financial Assistance Fund Policy #1475 as well as the following criteria:

  • Must be able to verify their emergency and demonstrate that it is a basic need.
    • If requesting assistance with loss of income, employees will need to provide documentation such as late household bills to show financial hardship.
  • Must use existing resources (within reason) or plan to use them given the need is so much greater than the resources available.
  • Must contact insurance first before EFAF can assist with repairs.
    • In the application process, employees must be able to show either an insurance denial or an insurance reimbursement/payment verification.
    • If available, employees must apply for assistance from FEMA.
    • Any repairs must be related to basic needs, such as the roof, water or electricity.
    • Some home insurance will cover the cost of relocating to a hotel.
  • When the home is not livable due to damage and the employee does not have other options for shelter, relocation expenditures are covered under emergency EFAF.
  • When food loss is due to electricity outages or damage to a refrigerator has occurred, HEB gift cards can be provided.

To learn more about the EFAF process, including how to submit a confidential EFAF application, click here. You can also learn more about FEMA Disaster Assistance and additional Community Resources here.

Colorful illustrations inspired by native Texas animals now adorn Texas Children’s shuttles at the Medical Center campus, giving our team members the chance to take a ride with creatures like the armadillo, Mexican free-trailed bat and great-horned owl.

The bright, whimsical characters were created by children’s book author and illustrator Jacob Grant, who partnered with our creative agency, The Butler Bros, on a series of custom designs for Texas Children’s.

“Our team was thrilled to bring a universe of diverse characters to life,” said Jake Rutherford, collaboration manager at The Butler Bros.

The animals are shown in a mix of health care situations and iconic childhood moments – including mommy animals and their adorable babies on the go, young animals receiving bandages and crutches and being examined during medical appointments, and a group of animal friends playing together.

A total of 15 shuttle buses will be wrapped in the new artwork, which is meant to represent the diverse range of children, women and families we serve every day.

“These new bus wraps present our Texas Children’s brand in a fun and kid-friendly manner,” said Michael Jackson, assistant director, Facilities Operations. “Most importantly, we hope to bring smiles and joy by refreshing our buses in the midst of this pandemic.”

Under the recently passed Consolidated Appropriations Act, employees can now change their FSA contributions for any reason during the 2021 plan year.

If you are currently enrolled in a FSA, you can take one of the following actions:

  • Reduce or stop contributing funds to your FSA from your paycheck, provided you do not reduce your election below the amount already reimbursed to you.
    • Please note if you would like to stop contributing to an FSA, you will simply reduce your annual contribution election to either the total amount you’ve already contributed to your FSA this year OR the total amount you’ve already been reimbursed from your FSA, whichever amount is GREATER.
  • Increase your existing election up to the current limit of $2,750 for the Health Care FSA and $5,000* for the Dependent Care FSA.

*Texas Children’s deposits $260 to any new Dependent Care FSA election, which, if attempting to elect the maximum contribution, would reduce your contribution amount to $4,740.

If you are not enrolled in a FSA, you can elect to enroll in either the Health Care or Dependent Care FSA or both plans.

How to enroll or change your FSA benefits

  • If the ONLY change you would like to make is to lower your Health Care FSA or you have questions regarding these available changes, you should contact the Benefits Service Center at 832-824-2421 (select option 1 for Benefits, then option 1 again), from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Spanish language assistance is available. Web chat is also linked at the top of your Benefits website homepage.
  • All other FSA changes can be initiated online by logging in to your personal Benefits account on the Texas Children’s Benefits website.
    • Sign into your account on the Texas Children’s Benefits website.
    • Under ‘Life Events’ on the left-hand side, select ‘All other Life Events’
    • On the next page, select ‘Other life events’ from the drop-down box and then select ‘Change DCFSA or HCFSA Contribution’
    • Enter the current date as the “life event date”
  • Revised deductions will take effect within 1-2 paychecks, depending on the date you make your election change(s).

Texas Children’s Patient Ambassador Donald Wilkins shares why he chose to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and how he felt after receiving it.

The Get the Vaccine to End COVID-19 Drawing was announced Monday, February 8, and will continue every weekday through Friday, March 26. Texas Children’s employees who receive their first dose are automatically eligible for the drawing and the $1,000 prize. Full details on eligibility and requirements are outlined here.

After winning the Get the Vaccine to End COVID-19 Drawing, the following team members tell us why they stepped up to be vaccinated and hope to inspire others.

Eliza Coy – 28.5 years of service
Sr. Administrative Assistant – Psychology Administration

“After experiencing COVID-19 myself, I knew it was vital to receive the vaccine in order to prevent the spread of the virus to my family, friends and others in my community. I’ve seen what the virus is capable of and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Therefore, when I became eligible to receive the vaccine, I jumped on the opportunity. I’m grateful to be a part of an organization that puts their employees’ well-being first especially during these unprecedented times.”

Sandra Arocho – 5.6 years of service
Supply Chain Management Tech II – West Campus

“At first I was afraid of the side effects but I was more afraid of contracting the virus and infecting my family and co-workers, and since we were the first lucky ones to be able to put it on, I DID IT, not only for my own protection but protection of my family, work colleagues and the community and at the same time being able to continue working and continue offering the best health service to the community with this pandemic.”

Grace Santana – 5.4 years of service
Occupational Therapist – Kingwood Outpatient Therapy

“I opted for the COVID-19 vaccine because I wanted to be a part of the solution and not the problem. Yes, I was skeptical and nervous about the “new” type of vaccine and anything to do with COVID. I do encourage those who still have their doubts to do their research, as I did. After learning more about the vaccine, specifically how it works in the body, I felt like me getting the vaccine was the best decision for my family, friends and Texas Children’s teammates. I look forward to my loved ones being vaccinated against COVID-19 as well; and my hope is that in the near future we all can return to some type of normalcy.”

Marissa Rivera – 3.8 years of service
Staff Nurse – Legacy Tower, CICU

“I chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect our patients, my CICU colleagues, and my family. As a minority, I knew that there was a disproportionate rate affecting my community, and I consider it a privilege to have been one of the first vaccinated. Thank you Texas Children’s! Let’s lead the way, one vaccine at a time!”

To date, more than 9,200 of Texas Children’s employees have received at least one vaccine dose.

If you haven’t already, schedule your vaccination appointment now and get your chance at the $1,000 prize, simply click here and sign up for the date and time that work best for your schedule.