Connect Newsletter (Feb. 2, 2023)

Warm Hearts in Winter Weather 

Kindness. Generosity. Safety. Respect. Imagination. Collaboration.

The values of Cook Children's have been on full display this week throughout the system. After all, we are the people who make up our culture and make these values come to life. 

Thank you to everyone who braved the icy conditions to take care of our patients, their families and each other. 

Click here to read all about the work of dedicated employees who work behind the scenes to keep Cook Children’s open to serve our patient families and colleagues. Plus, a special video look behind the scenes with Facilities Appearance and our Food and Nutrition teams.

If You Slept at the Medical Center – Fort Worth, Here’s Where to Return Your Air Mattress

Thank you to everyone who slept over night at Cook Children’s. We appreciate all you do to take care of our patients and their families so much.

As you leave your sleeping space, we ask for your help:

• Please return your air mattress, preferably in the box, back to Room No. 0210, in the basement of Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth, near Supply Chain and the South Dock.
• Please drop your linens in the hamper.

Black History Month: We Want to Hear from You

Black History Month is a month-long celebration of African American history and achievement that takes place each February across the nation. Here at Cook Children’s, we are observing Black History Month with weekly updates, recognitions and announcements on a dedicated web page. Be sure to check the page often for the latest information.

We’re asking our employees to share their thoughts on Black History Month at Cook Children's. Click here to email Internal Communications with an image of yourself and what Black History Month means to you or share a memory or short story on why you love working at Cook Children's. 

We Honor our Doctors on National Women Physician Day

Did you know that about 58%, or 300, of the total physicians at Cook Children's are women? That's amazing. 

On Friday, Feb. 3, we are celebrating National Women Physicians Day. The women who are physicians at Cook Children's have a strong presence throughout the system, using their education, training, skills and talent to care for our patients and to improve our system. Read more about the contributions of women physicians at Cook Children's.

Cook Children's Medical Center-Prosper Has Successful Survey 

Congratulations to the team at Cook Children's Medical Center-Prosper, which aced its Joint Commission survey this week. Surveyors were very complimentary of our culture and our alignment with our Promise. They also loved the facilities, with its unique features, one-of-a-kind design elements and beautiful aesthetics at the brand-new campus.

Thank you, Prosper team! You make us proud!

Landmark Surgery: And Now the Rest of the Story

Last week's special edition of the Connect Newsletter highlighted news and interviews, giving the inside story about the historic separation surgery for sisters AmieLynn and JamieLynn, the first conjoined twins to be separated at Cook Children's Medical Center. Click here to read it. 

But we aren't done yet.

Take 4 minutes to watch this special video, recapping the historic and magical story.

If you were involved in the landmark surgery in any way or were touched by AmieLynn and JamieLynn’s story last week, we hope you will take a moment to  watch this very special prayer and blessing from our own Jennifer Hayes, M.Div, director of Spiritual Care.

What was the highlight of last week?  Take a moment to watch Sunday's TODAY host Willie Geist talk about “two beautiful little girls named JamieLynn and AmieLynn.”

Thus far, this story has earned 8.4 BILLION impressions across the globe. Relive the memories through video and pictures.

Culture Platform: Guiding Everything We Do

We want to make sure you have seen the Culture Platform. We hope this helps truly define who we are and helps to explain to your neighbors, friends or family why we are so proud to be a part of the Cook Children’s family.  

Learn more about the Culture Platform and how it can guide you as you make connections with your colleagues, community and our patient families.

Cook Children’s and Twisted X Form Partnership to Create Patient-Designed Footwear Collection

Cook Children’s and Twisted X®, a Twisted X Global Brands company, have joined together to create the Cook Children’s by Twisted X Collection. Twisted X will donate 100 percent of wholesale proceeds from every pair of shoes sold from this collection directly to Cook Children’s. The collection includes four unique designs made by patients at Cook Children’s with the help of Twisted X Designer, Tuan Lee. Each pair is named after the artist and embodies their dream pair of footwear to achieve a perfect balance of style and comfort in the form of a slip-on kick.  Read more on the Checkup Newsroom.

VIDEOS: Child and Youth Mental Health 

The Roadmap for Children’s Mental Health: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers is a new video series created to help inform and support caregivers about child and youth mental health and suicide. Three videos highlight experiences from a clinician as well as caregivers with lived experience. The videos and a webpage also provide some resources to help those who may find themselves in similar situations. The hope for this series is to help reduce stigma around mental health and promote good conversations between adults and children. 

Please share these important resources with our patient families as well as your personal networks. View the videos online and on YouTube. 

Presidents' Scholarship: 

Seeking Applicants and Committee Members

In keeping with our promise and values, Cook Children’s has created the Presidents’ Scholarship to establish a legacy for health care through academic achievement. Applications are now open to dependent children of full-time and half-time Cook Children’s employees in good standing with a minimum of 1 year of eligible service. Please read more about eligibility requirements and how to submit an application. 

This year’s application deadline for employees who are interested in being on the selection committee is February 24, and the student application submission deadline is April 7.  

In addition, please consider applying to join the selection committee. The details are here. (You must be on the network to view.)

Employees Care Annual Giving Campaign Is Open 

Generosity is part of the Cook Children’s culture. As an employee, you impact patient care every day. As an Employees Care donor, your become an even bigger part of our patients’ journeys, making their experience at Cook Children’s even more magical.

Employees Care, our annual giving campaign, takes place every February. Donations through Employees Care create moments of magic for our patient families. For more than 20 years, Employees Care has been a reliable source of funding with our generous employees at the center.

“I give so our patients can have a voice, even if they aren’t able to speak. Augmentative and alternative communication devices funded by Employees Care opened up a whole new world for our patients, and we are so thankful we can give them this opportunity,” said Suzanne Bonifert, Manager, Speech Program/Clinic, Mansfield Rehab, and an Employees Care Champion.

Whether you donate per pay period or make a one-time gift, your donations directly impact those we care for.

Visit the Employees Care page on CookNet to make your donation today.

Ash Wednesday Is February 22

Christians of various denominations and creeds observe Lent for 40 days leading up Easter. The first day of Lent is known as Ash Wednesday and falls on February 22 this year.

On Ash Wednesday, Christians often have ashes imposed on their forehead by a clergy person as they are encouraged to reflect on their own humanity and fast from self-indulgence as they prepare for the celebrations of Easter.   

Recognizing that many employees may not be able to participate in services within their own faith communities, Spiritual Care will offer the Imposition of Ashes for staff at several locations on Feb. 22. Click here for details.

Feedback Wanted! 

If you have a suggestion or a contribution for this newsletter, please email us here: InternalCommunications@cookchildrens.org.