May 26, 2023

On May 24, 2022, 19 children and two teachers were killed in a mass shooting at Robb Elementary, forever changing the fabric of a small Texas city.

“Texas Children’s Hospital is only a few hours away from Uvalde…these are our neighbors,” said President and CEO Mark A. Wallace on that tragic day. “[We’re] ready and willing to support the children, parents, families, teachers and administrators of Uvalde in any way we can.”

Texas Children’s immediately reached out to offer assistance and support through centralized state agencies. Led by our psychology and psychiatry teams, we forged a partnership with Community Health Development, Inc. (CHDI), a comprehensive community-based health center in Uvalde.

“Through this partnership with CHDI and city leaders, we developed a three-part plan,” explained Dr. Karin Price, chief of psychology at Texas Children’s. “We started by supporting the Uvalde community after other emergency services (including crisis mental health support) left the area…and since then have been focused on providing trauma-focused behavioral health care and integrating into the community to build trust.”

We have two bilingual behavioral health clinicians on-site at CHDI in Uvalde for two full days every other week, also offering telehealth services to interested families during off-site weeks. Last year, we participated in a community-based wellness fair to share children’s books and information with parents/caregivers on developmentally expected responses to trauma and signs to look out for in children who might need professional help. Two more fairs are planned for this summer, and Texas Children’s has been invited as a key participant.

Since August 2022, a team of child psychiatrists from Texas Children’s have also provided psychiatric care to the community through CHDI. “Initially, the psychiatrists were travelling weekly to Uvalde,” said Dr. Kirti Saxena, chief of psychiatry at Texas Children’s. “Since January, we have provided a combination of virtual and weekly on-site care…and our mind-body interventionist has been facilitating on-site and virtual mind-body practices to the staff of CHDI, which have been well-received.”

Texas Children’s will continue to work with CHDI to develop a sustainable plan for offering comprehensive behavioral health care to the Uvalde community using local and regional resources.

First anniversaries are often the hardest to endure. Please join us in thanking our Texas Children’s and Baylor College of Medicine team members who are committed to supporting Uvalde families through this unthinkable time of grief and loss.

Need support? You are not alone. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and designed to support all Texas Children’s employees and eligible dependents with experienced, licensed and credentialed professionals. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact EAP at 832-824-3327 or EAP@texaschildrens.org.

August 13, 2021

As we approach the back-to-school season, many of us are preparing our kids for another reconstructed school year in a continuously evolving pandemic. While more schools reopening the traditional classroom setting, our communities are also navigating through emerging variants and rising infections. It is natural for parents and caregivers to be anxious and concerned about their kids’ safety and well-being, especially with shifting masking guidelines.

Dr. Karin Price, Chief of Psychology for Texas Children’s, shares some helpful tips to help parents and caregivers manage their own anxiety, and more importantly, help their kids feel confident about returning to school.

  • Acknowledge the anxious feelings and worries, while also setting the expectation for bravery. Telling kids (or ourselves) “Don’t worry” or “Everything will be fine” disregards our natural response to a stressful and uncertain situation. Instead, we can help children learn to label their feelings by saying things like, “Sounds like you are feeling worried about going back to school.” We can then acknowledge that the situation is stressful, while also communicating that the child is brave and can handle difficult situations. “Lots of kids and families are feeling nervous about going back to school this year. It may be hard, but I know you can handle it because you’re a brave kid.”
  • Don’t let your (or your child’s) worries feed the anxiety. We know there is a strong connection between thoughts and feelings, and during times of uncertainty the “what if” thoughts can become overwhelming. These worries tend to build on one another and create a cycle of escalating anxiety. Instead of allowing these thoughts to feed the anxiety, try to focus on things that are within your control. For example, if a parent is worried that the other kids or adults in the school setting will not be wearing masks, they can redirect their thoughts to simple problem solving. “I can only control my child, and she will wear a mask to school every day to help keep her safe.” It is important to move on to something more deserving of your attention.
  • Model bravery and healthy coping with uncertainty. Kids often take cues about how to respond to a situation from their caregivers. If they hear parents in emotional discussions about more adult topics (such as whether rules around masking are appropriate, concerns about the efficacy of vaccines against new virus variants, or anxiety about illness or death), it may be very hard for them to feel confident and brave returning to school.

Instead, we can acknowledge their own anxiety while also modeling how to cope. “I am a little worried about everyone going back to school, too. It feels especially hard this year, but I know we will handle it together.” Modeling flexibility and acceptance of things beyond our control is also important during times of uncertainty, especially by avoiding negative talk about other people. A caregiver may say something like, “I also don’t like it that many of the kids in your class don’t wear masks. I wish everyone would, but I can’t control everyone. I can just make sure that the people in our family make the best choices for our own health and safety.”

March 8, 2021

Amid the ongoing pandemic, historic winter weather, political divisions and the twists and turns of everyday life, our Texas Children’s team members are encouraged to focus on self-care: intentionally making time and space in our schedules for activities that support our physical, mental and emotional health.

Employees in clinical and non-clinical roles alike are feeling stress and anxiety during these challenging times, when our work and home lives are often blending together. The key to feeling better though self-care is developing your own routine and practicing it regularly.

“We’re all coping with it, and self-care is going to look different for different people,” said Dr. Gia Washington, assistant professor in the Psychology Section at Baylor. “There can be so much joy in trying things and finding out what works for you.”

And you don’t have to go it alone – resources to help you along your self-care journey are available through Employee Well-Being, including confidential counseling through the Employee Assistance Program and one-on-one health coaching for stress reduction, work-life satisfaction and more. No-cost coaching sessions are provided on site at the Medical Center, West Campus, The Woodlands and the Health Plan.

“Our health should be our first priority,” said Ashley Miller, one of two Cigna Onsite Health Coaches who work exclusively with Texas Children’s team members. “There’s no shame in having trouble coping with all that is going on, and there’s nothing to fear in seeking counseling or support.”

Five ways to get serious about Self-Care
  1. Practice positive affirmations. To break the cycle of negative thinking, select a word, phrase or mantra that you find encouraging or uplifting and tap into it in high-stress moments. Washington suggests pairing your chosen affirmations with a color or song to keep them top of mind, while Miller recommends writing out three affirmations and putting them in a visible spot where you can see and say them out loud when needed.
  2. Create structure and maintain boundaries. Make a to-do list before walking into your workspace each day to help you stay focused, and don’t be afraid to say no if your plate is loaded with more tasks than you can handle. “We’re human and we can only get so much done,” Miller said. “It’s not the end of the world, and it’s okay to ask for help.”
  3. Be selective about the information you consume. We live in the age of the 24-hour news cycle and while it’s important to stay informed, we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be inundated. “Be careful about the media, words and images coming into your mind for an extended period of time,” Washington said. That could mean turning off the TV or shutting down social media.
  4. Make rest a priority. Set aside time to really rest. Quiet your mind, still your body, put away your phone and focus on simply being rather than doing. “Give yourself time away from thinking about work and the everyday life struggles,” Miller said. We all need and deserve a moment to unwind, and taking some time off from the daily grind can help improve your overall mood.
  5. Revisit activities that helped you manage your stress in the past. When you’ve previously felt stressed or anxious, what did you do? Those tried and true strategies could help you navigate the situation you’re experiencing today. “Examine those things that have worked well in the past,” Washington said. “What gave you relief, made you feel supported and helped you reclaim your joy?”
February 23, 2021

As unrest roiled the nation after the tragic death of George Floyd, faculty in the Baylor Psychology Department felt compelled to respond.

Protestors were filling the streets, outraged that another unarmed Black man had been killed by the police. COVID-19 was ravaging the Black community. Racial disparities in health care and health outcomes stubbornly persisted.

And yet every day, Black team members came to work at Texas Children’s and performed their roles as if they weren’t affected by all that was happening in the world beyond the hospital walls.

“These things can take a toll, and these feelings don’t necessarily go away when you enter the workplace,” said Dr. Ashley Butler, who was among the Psychology faculty who believed that providing a platform for discussions about social injustice and racism could impact change.

Seeking to create a safe space for Black providers and employees in the department to feel supported and understood, they piloted a first-of-its-kind monthly discussion group in June that is still going strong today.

Now known as the Collaborative for African American Racial Equality (CAARE), participants meet virtually each month to discuss current events and the long-standing reality and impacts of racism against Black people. In addition to the Black Lives Matter protests and murder of George Floyd, recent topics have included the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in January and the availability and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in Black communities.

Ellen Binkley, ambulatory services rep II for the Psychology Service, has been part of CAARE since its inception and credits its influence with helping her to think about her Blackness in a new way.

“I wanted to be part of this groundbreaking endeavor to make a difference, to be part of a community where we can discuss different topics without being judged,” said Binkley, who also enjoys imparting the wisdom of her own experiences on younger colleagues.

“After our meetings, I feel refreshed because I’m able to express my concerns, give my opinions and get positive feedback from the group that helps me in my day-to-day life.”

A space for solidarity

CAARE is also a place for participants to celebrate Black culture and achievements, while checking on and being present for each other.

“In diverse groups, Black people often times find themselves describing or retelling personal historical events that are traumatic without support,” Butler said, noting that CAARE participants don’t have to educate other members about the nuances and lived experiences of being Black.

“We wanted to create an intentional space for connection and prevent the chance that our colleagues would deal with all that is going on in isolation,” she said.

Peer support and the opportunity to build genuine relationships gives many participants the feeling they aren’t talking to strangers, but friends – and though they share similar experiences, they bring a variety of perspectives and viewpoints to the table.

“It’s a good reminder that though we all might be concerned about something, we might be thinking about it differently and it might be affecting us in different ways,” said Dr. Sadiqa Cash, an assistant professor in Psychology Services.

“Even as progress is made, I appreciate that we have this space and this forum to process, and that racial justice and equity are things that Texas Children’s wants to focus on,” Cash said. “We’re all trying to figure this out the best way we can.”

A space to speak freely

As overwhelmed as she was by the violence of George Floyd’s murder, Sr. Project Coordinator Kerrianna Floyd has been just as moved by the outpouring of support and compassion she received from her colleagues through CAARE.

As part of the Racial Equity and Inclusion (REI) group the Psychology Department created last summer as a subset to the Inclusive Excellence Initiative launched in 2019, Floyd wanted to do more to contribute to learning and healing about racial issues. CAARE stood apart as an authentic attempt to give Black faculty and staff a space within the workplace setting to acknowledge their pain, without fear of offense or misunderstanding.

“The Psychology Department created an invaluable resource for its team members by understanding the complexity of our experiences and needs both personally and professionally,” Floyd said. “Knowing that my organization honors my personal experiences, by giving me the opportunity to clear my mind of external concerns, allows me to focus on the work before me and perform proudly.”

October 12, 2020

This installment of the “Take Five” series provided by The Psychology Section’s Collaborative on Racial Equity and Inclusion (REI) for Black Youth is voting and how it is a racial equity issue. Learn how you can take actions to counter voter suppression and increase representation and equity in the democratic process.

Learn about voter rights and suppression

Make sure you are registered to vote

Check your voter registration

Solidify your (safe) voting plan:
Early voting locations, including 24-hour voting (7 a.m. on October 29 to 7 p.m. October 30) and drive-through voting
November 3 voting – find a location that is convenient to you. Did you know there will be a polling place at the Texas Medical Center Commons by the waterfall?

What is your plan for pandemic safety while you vote?
Vote inside safely
Curbside voting for voters with disabilities or if you have COVID-19 symptoms/exposure
Drive-through voting
Vote by mail (if eligible)
Deliver ballot in person (if eligible for vote by mail)

VOTE! Then tell us about it – post a photo of yourself with your “I voted” sticker on social media, tag @TexasChildrens @OneAmazingTeam and include relevant hashtags: #IVoted #TCHTake5 #RacialEquity

Explore opportunities to contribute – report any election violations to election protection hotlines, get paid to be a poll worker, be a virtual or roving poll monitor, bring snacks to people in line, etc.

https://www.houstoninaction.org/election-protection/

October 10 is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual World Mental Health Day. This year’s World Mental Health Day comes at a time when nearly every aspect of our daily lives has changed dramatically because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the pandemic, we have had to adjust to a new normal. Most of us have experienced stress both in our personal and professional lives during this unprecedented time. We often stress over our health, finances, raising children, taking care of elderly parents, and coping with uncertainty or the unknown of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, there are many different emotional responses during different phases of a crisis, disaster or a public health emergency,” said Texas Children’s Chief of Psychology Dr. Karin Price. “While we work among health care heroes every day, even they are not immune to anxiety, stress, discouragement and difficulty coping with uncertainty. Hope begins with open, honest conversations about mental and emotional health between trusted family members, friends, colleagues and other loved ones. If someone close to you seems to be struggling or asks for help, be there for support. You don’t have to be an expert; just listening can help a lot. If you hear something beyond your ability to help, the EAP is available to support you.”

Texas Children’s Employee Assistance Program: We’re here to help

Chronic stress over time can have effects on our bodies and make us feel exhausted. While we can’t eliminate stress from our environment, we can manage our reactions to it. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at Texas Children’s (833-EAP-PLUS) is designed to help all employees and eligible family members resolve personal and job-related problems as well as promote emotional health, wellness and quality of life at work and home.

“The key to stress management is choosing where to focus your energy,” said Allison Bell, Manager of the Employee Assistance Program at Texas Children’s. “You get to choose what thoughts, emotions, and problems to focus on. We want to respond, not react. We know that everyone has different ways of coping with stress. What works for me, may not work for you. The key to stress management is finding the tools and techniques that help you and using them daily. If you want to reduce your stress levels, you need to be diligent in daily practice.”

In order to encourage team members to start a daily stress management practice, EAP developed resiliency strategies to help you manage stress and boost resiliency. To get started, please review this Stress Management Resources document which provides a variety of ways to help reduce stress. Keep in mind that building resiliency will not only help reduce stress but it will also reduce anxiety, provide your body with energy, promote good sleep patterns and provide greater satisfaction with life.

For more information about EAP resources, stress management and World Mental Health Day, click here to visit the EAP website.

September 29, 2020

This installment of the “Take Five” series provided by The Psychology Section’s Collaborative on Racial Equity and Inclusion (REI) for Black Youth acknowledges that the month of September is not only Disease Literacy Awareness Month, but also the Awareness Month for Sickle Cell, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Childhood Cancer, Childhood Obesity, and Blood Cancer. Access to high quality health care and other health resources are essential to ensure optimal health for children with these conditions. Yet, African American and Black children with any of these diseases have lower access to health resources and as a consequence experience worse health outcomes.

We encourage you to “TAKE FIVE” and learn about the FIVE diseases and what action steps you can take to increase and promote equitable health care access and services, such as by getting involved in organizations or advocacy, or making a donation:

  1. Sickle Cell Awareness Month: https://www.sicklecelldisease.org/get-involved/events/national-sickle-cell-awareness-month/
  2. Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation: https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/
  3. American Childhood Cancer Organization: https://www.acco.org/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/
  4. Childhood Obesity Facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html
  5. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: https://www.lls.org/blood-cancer-awareness