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JPS Health Network patient, Lonnie Floyd has a history of heart problems. He suffers from congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation (a-fib), which he believes is due to his long history of smoking and drinking. One day, Floyd was in bed watching a television show when his fiancé noticed he was having seizure-like symptoms. Then he collapsed. When she called 911, she didn't know what to do, so the operator provided her with instructions on how to assess and begin performing CPR.

Laura Kane, 63, is a true embodiment of the phrase, "I am not my diagnosis." Despite facing a difficult diagnosis, she has been an exceptional example of hope and positivity. While she acknowledges that dealing with the side effects of her treatment is not easy, she makes it her mission not to let her circumstances keep her from enjoying life.

Nekesha Oliphant, MD, Vice Chair of Behavioral Health developed a passion for medicine at a young age, but during high school, she realized that pursuing a career in medicine was not in her plans. Instead, she decided to follow a different career path. Combining her love for music and fascination with the human brain, she decided to pursue a career in music therapy.

In December, JPS Health Network hosted its annual Medical Staff and Advanced Practice Professionals Award Ceremony. This event is held at the end of every year to appreciate and recognize the hard work of the medical staff and advanced practice professionals throughout the year. Physician and APP of the Year awards are presented to individuals during the ceremony.

Rufino Mendoza, Sr. was a Hispanic-American advocate for quality education for Hispanic youth in Fort Worth public schools. He led the campaign for Hispanics and addressed the children's education concerns in the district. Mendoza grew up in a family that fought against poverty but stressed the importance and value of education as the avenue to a better quality of life. While actively volunteering in his community, he saw the intelligence and potential in the Hispanic youth. Mendoza was concerned about how the disadvantages of poverty and racial barriers facing Hispanics could affect them.

Representatives from nursing clinical services have launched a new initiative called the Diabetes Education Program. The program aims to reduce diabetes-related readmissions by providing additional education to patients. The representatives recognized the need for this program due to the lack of knowledge about the disease, identified as the main issue causing readmission. The program was launched in August and has already shown reduced readmissions. Its success lies in the regular follow-up with patients after they have been discharged.

Prioritizing the physical and mental health of men is essential to their well-being. The societal stigma surrounding the role of men implies that they should always be strong, and any display of vulnerability is considered unacceptable, so men often deprioritize their health needs. Dr. James Haliburton, Medical Director, Psychiatry, emphasizes the importance of men prioritizing their mental health, as they tend to suffer in silence and keep going. This can have a detrimental impact on their mental and physical health.

On Friday, November 10, JPS Health Network hosted its annual Veterans Day breakfast. The health network celebrated the more than 250 team members who previously served in the United States Armed Forces and now serve the patients and community of Tarrant County.

Camilla Knobel, JPS Manager, Psychiatric Clinical Services, shared a personal story of her journey in the military.

JPS Health Network is committed to providing opportunities for educating its staff. As a Level I Trauma Center and a teaching facility, it is essential to find ways to educate and provide innovative discussions to medical staff to ensure advancement. On Friday, October 27, the JPS trauma department hosted its 13th annual Trauma Symposium, which provided education on current trauma, critical care, and complex social concerns that affect care delivery.

"Suicidal thoughts are so real and powerful that we lose sight of everything: our goals, our spouses, even our children because our mind is going against everything we believe in and love,” said Denisse Padilla, JPS Health Network Peer Support Specialist, Behavioral Health. “When I had my manic episode, I didn't know about mental disorders, and I thought, 'How can medicine help? These thoughts are invisible. They aren't real things that you can physically touch and fix.' So, I thought seeking treatment was unrealistic."