FOUNDATION NEWS
Hamon Charitable Foundation Gift Supports Health of Community
Utilizing peer-to-peer communication , Baylor Scott & White community health workers are reaching across the community to increase COVID-19 vaccinations for people in Dallas .
hen Siquem Amador , a bilingual community health worker at Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center , called Mrs . J to offer assistance registering online for the
COVID-19 vaccine , her call was met with a slew of false beliefs . Mrs . J , a resident of southern Dallas , was concerned about vaccine ingredients that she believed would make her sterile , among other issues . She had already decided she did not want to get the COVID-19 vaccine .
For nearly an hour , Siquem spoke with Mrs . J . They discussed CDC recommendations , Baylor Scott & White ’ s support for the vaccine and Siquem ’ s personal experience in getting the vaccine . Before the call ended , Mrs . J felt comfortable enough to ask Sequim to sign her up for a vaccine , along with Mrs . J ’ s parents , her sister and her husband . In just 60 minutes , Sequim had built trust — and had motivated five individuals to register online for COVID-19 vaccines .
Conversations like this , held dozens of times each day by a team of Baylor Scott & White community health workers , give residents a chance to talk to someone who can help them make informed decisions about their health , and open an avenue to obtaining a life-saving vaccine . The role of a Baylor Scott & White community health worker is to serve as a
The Hamon Charitable Foundation was established in 1998 by Nancy B . Hamon , who married Jake Hamon in 1949 and grew to be one of Dallas ’ most generous philanthropists .
trusted resource , bridging the healthcare system to an entire community .
Through one-on-one education on vaccinations and other important medical topics , Baylor Scott & White is able to reach all corners of the areas it serves to improve the health of a community . This is a critical part of Baylor Scott & White ’ s ongoing efforts to support the health and well-being of patients through its three Community Care Clinics in southern Dallas : CitySquare , Worth Street and Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center at the Juanita J . Craft Recreation Center .
Funding for this critical outreach to underserved communities includes support from forwardthinking philanthropists who understand the need to reach all people . Kelly Roach , president of the Hamon Charitable Foundation , knew that the mission to get vaccinations to those in need in southern Dallas would have been of importance to Mr . Jake Hamon , who would have insisted on reaching across the community to create opportunity for health . The Hamon Charitable Foundation committed support to vaccination efforts through the Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center at the Juanita J . Craft Recreation Center , which Roach toured while meeting with its leadership and community health workers .
“ We recognize , in the southern sector of Dallas County , the challenges of being able to administer the COVID-19 vaccines to citizens — be it lack of internet access , hesitancy or any number of reasons — and we want to help facilitate the vaccination through Baylor Scott & White to get that segment of the population up to speed with others ,” Roach said .
A $ 500,000 gift from the Hamon Charitable Foundation will fund the addition of six community health workers and events at each clinic to increase the visibility of this resource in the community . Baylor Scott & White Health estimates that because of these activities made possible by the foundation ’ s donation , an estimated
21,230 people will sign up for and receive their COVID-19 vaccinations .
“ Our partnership with the Hamon Charitable Foundation in efforts to vaccinate our neighbors in South Dallas has already made a significant impact , and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity and commitment ,” noted Steve Newton , president of Baylor University Medical Center and Baylor Scott & White West / Central Region .
The Hamon Charitable Foundation was established in 1998 by Nancy B . Hamon , a San Antonio native who worked in Hollywood during the 1940s before returning to Texas and marrying oilman Jake Hamon in 1949 . Mrs . Hamon grew to be one of Dallas ’ most generous philanthropists who supported education and the arts , as well as healthcare causes , which were of particular importance to Mr . Hamon , Roach said .
Efficiency is key in this global health pandemic , with disease ravaging communities in need . Barriers to receiving
COVID-19 vaccinations — including hesitancy related to misinformation or lack of transportation — can be high in disadvantaged communities , where
COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting citizens . As a Christian ministry of healing that promotes the well-being of all individuals , families and communities , Baylor Scott & White Health is addressing questions and concerns to get shots in arms and help put an end to this pandemic .
If you would like more information on how to support Baylor Scott & White ’ s community vaccination initiatives , please contact Amy Monday at 214.820.4771 or
Amy . Monday @ BSWHealth . org .
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / SUMMER 2021