Employee Advisory Council members got a hands-on view of the challenges faced by dedicated UTMB Correctional Managed Care employees providing health care to offenders in Gatesville-area prison units during a visit July 30-31.
CMC Senior Practice Manager Valencia Pollard guided members through the Hughes unit, which houses nearly 3,000 male offenders. They toured a garment factory, minimum security dorms and maximum security cells, as well as the infirmary, where they participated in a Weekly Relay meeting. At the Mountain View unit, which houses about 600 female offenders including those on death row, CMC Nurse Manager Brenda Fread, RN, provided a tour of the minimum security area where offenders are taught to manufacture Braille books for the blind, as well as maximum security areas. EAC members also participated in the clinic staff’s Weekly Relay meeting.
An informal gathering at a Gatesville hotel allowed EAC members to chat with about 40 CMC employees from units throughout the area and express appreciation for their hard work. “We were impressed with these dedicated CMC employees who are so committed to their mission,’’ said EAC Chairman Frank Valiulis. “Despite the grueling heat (outside of the medical clinics) and the unique challenges of their patients, it’s obvious they love what they do.’’
EAC-elected members who attended included Valiulis, Angel Morales (an LVN who works in Gatesville units), Tilly Clark, Jennifer Anderson, Dawn Meyer and Jacqueline Pope. Past EAC Chairwoman Julie Cantini, EAC advisor Mary Ann Hellinghausen, Mary Havard and Craig Kovacevich (former EAC member) also attended.
To see more photos, visit the EAC website at https://blogs.utmb.edu/eac.