MJ is one of the more than 8,000 medically fragile children covered under Texas’ STAR Kids program by Cook Children’s Health Plan. While his health care coverage is not yet impacted by HHSC’s decision to not renew Cook Children's Health Plan's contract for managing Texas' STAR Medicaid and CHIP program in its service area, his story illustrates the important role Cook Children’s Health Plan plays in the lives of its Members and their families. More importantly, if CCHP loses the STAR Medicaid and CHIP contracts, the future of the STAR Kids program at CCHP could become uncertain.
Congratulations to our Peak Performers for April 2024.
What is a Peak Performer? A Peak Performer is a Cook Children's individual or team nominated by a peer and recognized for their above and beyond work in the area of quality, safety and service for patients, families and each other. Send an eCard to celebrate with these outstanding employees.
We are getting ready to welcome special families who have children with hyperinsulinism, at a conference that will connect them with other families and with physicians and other caregivers with expertise in the condition.
Paul Thornton, MB, BCh, MRCPI, DCh, and the team at the Cook Children’s Hyperinsulinism Center (one of six Centers of Excellence in the world) are hosting the 2024 Congenital Hyperinsulinism Family Conference on May 31 to June 2. Hyperinsulinism is a rare genetic disease that occurs when the pancreas produces too much insulin.
The staff will join world-renowned physicians, researchers, congenital hyperinsulinism specialists, Congenital Hyperinsulinism International staff and advocacy leaders, and family members of patients with the condition to learn about the history and management of hyperinsulinism and there will also be interactive sessions where families can share their stories and experiences.
This conference will be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about all aspects of the condition and to meet and get to know members of the global community.
If the photos from the Cookouts are any indication, staff members had a blast at our employee cookouts for Employee Appreciation Month. These events are a way to give you a huge thanks for your hard work and commitment to serving our patient families all the year through.
It takes the collaboration of many teams to make these events happen smoothly. We are so thankful for the staff in each of these departments who worked so hard to create the magical moments for our employees, even in the Texas heat.
Medical Center-Fort Worth: Internal Catering Security Services Facilities and Appearance Facilities and Operations Environmental Services Music: Raymond Turner Media Services Safety and Emergency Management Parking Services
In addition: Physician Network, Child Study Center, Home Health, and at Prosper, Kevin Greene and the Sunshine Committee team. Plus numerous members of leadership from all departments who volunteered to serve.
Respect and Kindness: PRIDE+ Lunch and Learn
You're invited to tune in for an educational and informative virtual Lunch and Learn where we'll be diving into what respect, kindness, and allyship look like for the LGBTQ+ community.
This event will be hosted by the PRIDE+ Employee Resource Group, one of the four inaugural ERGs we have here at Cook Children's. This is our fifth Lunch and Learn; previous events have focused on issues of interest to young professionals, employees age 40 and over, veterans and supporters (hosted by the Veterans+ ERG), and the Latino/Hispanic community (hosted by the Latinos Engaging, Advancing, Developing & Supporting ERG).
You are invited to a special Hospitals Against Violence day event on June 6 for employees, patient families, and visitors to learn all about various types of violence, including domestic violence and firearm safety, as well as information about suicide prevention and situational awareness. Both employees and patient families are welcome to attend.
Each attendee will be given a passport, and if they visit five of the 10 stations, will be entered into a raffle for either a gun safe or a Stop the Bleed kit.
Water Safety Tips to Share
We are wrapping up National Water Safety Month, but summer is ramping up! The Center for Community Health has compiled some information about water safety. Please share these with your networks. Find an information sheet to download helpful facts about bathtub safety, tips to make your home safer, a checklist for child caregivers and more here.
Sign up is open for a 30-minute presentation on best practices about water safety for caregivers and professionals. You'll learn who is most at risk of drowning and what layers should be put in place to protect children and families in and around water. Dates are June 14, July 9, and Sept. 11.
Let's Welcome Our Junior Volunteers: They're Here to Help and to Learn
Please give our Junior Volunteers a warm welcome when you see them on campus and help them find their way around Cook Children's. They will start on June 3 and will be with us until Aug. 4.
Way to Go Peak Performers
Facilities and Operations
You're invited to tune in for an educational and informative virtual Lunch and Learn where we'll be diving into what respect, kindness, and allyship look like for the LGBTQ+ community. 
