Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas (MHM) has committed a significant $181.1m investment for the year 2024 to advance health equity, strengthen communities, and impact systemic change.
The commitment marks a 21% increase from the previous year's investment, reflecting a strategic focus on addressing "systemic inequities” and “socio-economic barriers” across its service area in 74 counties in South Texas, US.
MHM's mission also includes its one-half ownership of the South Texas-based healthcare system Methodist Healthcare.
This ownership structure will help Methodist Healthcare in delivering quality care to community, with earnings supporting the uninsured and economically disadvantaged across MHM's service area.
The total budget will be allocated across grants, direct services, strategic operating initiatives, as well as administrative costs.
For this year, MHM has allocated $54.5m in community grants to more than 174 non-profit organisations and municipalities to support healthy communities by addressing the Social Determinants of Health.
MHM also aims to focus on collaborative efforts, supporting sustainable systems change and incentivising health outcomes.
In addition, MHM has awarded $7.7m to organisations tackling upstream issues affecting health and well-being.
Additionally, $6.1m in grants has been directed to rural communities to support organisations outside urban areas.
Nearly $28m has been set aside for strategic initiatives that amplify MHM's goals and address the root causes of poverty and health inequities.
These mainly include cross-sector partnerships, community infrastructure investments, and policy actions to eliminate barriers and meet long-term community needs.
MHM president and CEO Jaime Wesolowski said: “This investment is a clear reflection of the various ways our board of directors and our 500+ team members are broadening the definition of health care every day for patients, clients, and communities we serve.”
MHM provides access to health care for the economically disadvantaged through community partnerships, strategic grant making as well as direct services across 74 counties in South Texas.
