Spring - Klein Edition | June 2025

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Spring Klein Edition VOLUME 12, ISSUE 3 JUNE 17JULY 16, 2025

2025 Health Care Edition

Strokes on the rise Local health providers address heart health in Spring, Klein

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Last April, 52-year-old Santiago Alderete was found on his bath- room oor and rushed to the

hospital after suering a stroke he said was brought on by years of poor eating

habits and an unhealthy lifestyle. “I had a stroke, I fell on my knees and the next day I couldn’t feel anything on the left or right side of my arms or legs,” he said. “And I couldn’t really speak, so they took me to the emergency room and put me in an induced coma. I thought I was completely gone.” Alderete is one of thousands of Harris County residents who had a stroke in 2024. Providers are advanc- ing care and raising awareness to address a rise in strokes.

CONTINUED ON 16

After having a stroke last year, Santiago Alderete has spent the last several months working on regaining his balance at Fyzical in Spring.

JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue Impacts: Racket Social Club brings pickleball, padel courts to Cutten Road (Page 6)

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Government: Spring Fire Department to open 2 new facilities this summer (Page 8)

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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Kevin Vu Julianna Washburn Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

Kim Giannetti General Manager

Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Product Manager Kaitlin Schmidt

Danica Lloyd Senior Editor

Jason Culpepper Houston Market President

Correction: Volume 12, Issue 2, Page 17 The correct spelling for Yousaf Mohtsham’s wife’s name is “Sameena.”

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION

Impacts

Now open

SPRINGWOODS VILLAGE PKWY.

1 Angels’ Attic Resale Store The shop accepts donations of new and gently used clothing, shoes, jewelry, handbags, luggage, small household appliances, electronics, toys, games, books, CDs, baby items, home decor and seasonal items. Proceeds benet Cypress Assistance Ministries. • Opened June 6 • 7440 FM 1960, Houston • www.cypressassistance.org 2 Racket Social Club The business has four padel courts, two pickleball courts, competitive training, a summer camp for kids, yoga sessions and social events. There is also a shop with gear, apparel, and equipment for rent. • Opened in May • 12825 Cutten Road, Houston • www.racketsocialclub.us 3 Pickleball World Club Owner Pedro Losano conrmed the club oers ve pickleball courts, court rentals, beginner clinics, intermediate leagues and equipment rentals. • Opened April 1 4 CareNow Urgent Care The clinic provides work-related injury care, pre- employment drug testing, occupational physical exams and employee health and wellness visits. • Opened March 18 • 21700 Kuykendahl Road, Spring • www.carenow.com 5 Little Wolf Designs The boutique is owned by Elizabeth York, who said she oers personalized items such as nursing scrubs, totes and aprons as well as dog toys and leashes. Patrons can also order embroidery for items. • Opened May 19 • 5701 Louetta Road, Ste. 300, Spring • www.littlwolfdesigns.com • 7603 Dowdell Road, Spring • www.kmspickleballworld.com

99 TOLL

BORDER ST.

Old Town Spring

2920

BOUDREAUX RD.

VINTAGE PARK BLVD.

1960

BAMMEL NORTH HOUSTON RD.

WILLOWBROOK MALL

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6 Amped Fitness The new location oers personal training, a women- only section, cold plunges, red light therapy saunas, tanning, dry saunas and an athletic zone. • Opened June 16 • 17340 Hwy. 249, Ste. 150, Houston • www.ampeditness.com

Now open

Coming soon

7 Ember & Vine A new restaurant concept is set to open in the former location of The Butler House. The new restaurant will include a cave-themed wine cellar, cigar lounge and

multiple dining areas. • Opening in late 2025 • 23931 Gosling Road, Spring • www.ember-vine.com

11 Mambo Seafood The restaurant’s 13th location in the Houston area opened this May. Mambo Seafood was established in 1996 and is known for its menu of seafood options, including oysters and seafood platters along with signature drinks like the Mambo Chelada. • Opened May 22

14 Woodlands Fitness and Wellness Studio

Manager Staci Lindsay said the private gym oers one-on-one personal training, tness classes, strength training classes, Pilates and Zumba. Owner Brandon Polk also owns Plus Forty Fitness & Wellness Studio in Conroe. • Opening in June • 23633 Gosling Road, Ste. F, Spring • www.woodlandsitnessandwellness.com

8 Swig Drinks The business is opening a 932-square-foot drive-thru to serve sodas, refreshers and revivers, which can be customized with creams, fruits and avors. • Opening in late 2025 • 22480 Hwy. 249, Houston • www.swigdrinks.com 9 Altered States Wellness Owner Justin Kennington said the wellness studio can help combat stress, anxiety and burnout through science-backed therapies, including oat therapy, an infrared sauna, cold plunge and red light therapy. • Opening this summer • 118 Vintage Park Blvd., Ste. C, Houston • www.alteredstateswellness.com 10 Round1 Willowbrook Mall ocials said Round1 has plans to open a new location at the former Sears building. Round1 is an arcade with over 100 crane machines, arcade games, professional-grade billiards, karaoke and bowling. • Opening in late 2025 • 2000 Willowbrook Mall, Houston • www.round1usa.com

• 7728 FM 1960 W., Houston • www.mamboseafood.com

one year in Spring this April. The family-owned business provides boarding, day care, grooming and training.

Relocations

• 26515 Border St., Spring • www.k9clubhousetx.com

12 Mindful Transformations Counseling Center

The counseling center previously located at 20008 Champion Forest Drive, Ste. 601, Spring, moved to a larger space. • Relocated May 1 • 18551 Champion Forest Drive, Ste. 103, Spring • www.mtspringcounseling.com

Closings

15 The Wacked Out Weiner The hot dog restaurant served hot dogs along with grilled sausage, loaded nachos, milkshakes and orange creamsicles. • Closed in March

In the news

• 4730 Louetta Road, Spring • www.wackedoutweiner.com

13 K9 Clubhouse The day care and boarding service for dogs celebrated

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION

Government

BY DANICA LLOYD

SPRINGWOODS VILLAGE PKWY.

NORTHCREST DR.

Old Town Spring

99 TOLL

2920

T C JESTER BLVD.

LEXINGTON RD.

CHAMPION FOREST DR.

3 Spring Fire Station 72 replacement Officials are replacing a station originally designed for volunteer firefighters, nearly doubling the size of the previous facility. The 12,000-square-foot station will have seven dorm rooms, a community room and space for a Harris County Emergency Services District No. 11 ambulance crew to be permanently stationed. • Location: 23000 Northcrest Drive, Spring • Timeline: December 2023-September 2025 • Cost: $6.6 million

• Cost: $3 million 2 W.W. “Cotton” Weaver Training Center Named after a former Spring fire chief, this complex will house the department’s logistics team and radio communications. Phase 1 includes a 52,000-square-foot logistics building with a full-service fire apparatus repair and supply center, and two burn buildings. • Location: 26200 Lexington Road, Spring • Timeline: January 2024-March 2026 (phase 1) • Cost: $48 million (phase 1)

CUTTEN RD. Station 77 was built in 2011 during a drought and began to have foundation issues within five years. As part of the renovation to replace the foundation, a watch room, new computer workstations, a new gym and upgraded appliances were added. • Location: 2900 Cypresswood Drive, Spring • Timeline: August 2024-July 2025 The Spring Fire Department has three major construction projects underway. 1 Spring Fire Station 77 renovations

249

VINTAGE PARK BLVD.

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BAMMEL NORTH HOUSTON RD.

SP E AR S R D.

RIDGE HOLLOW DR.

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Education

CONTRIBUTIONS BY DANICA LLOYD BY JOVANNA AGUILAR & EMILY LINCKE

Klein, Cy-Fair ISDs to adopt 202526 budgets in late June

As Klein and Cy-Fair ISDs face projected $39 million and $50 million shortfalls in scal year 2025-26 budgets, respectively, district leaders are nalizing their budget priorities and planning to adopt budgets in late June. What’s happening Klein ISD has rescheduled the adoption of its 2025-26 budget until June 24 after some signicant draft changes had to be made, district leaders announced May 19. “There [were] quite a bit of things that I’ve changed since [trustees’ budget workshop April 28], and I want to make sure the board is updated, given the nature of the changes—they’re rather signi- cant,” Chief Financial Ocer Dan Schaefer said. CFISD ocials at the May 22 budget workshop said they are proposing a 4% pay increase for all employees and providing stipends at high-needs campuses. They are also considering reinstating bus routes that were cut in last year’s budget approval.

“Although we’re grateful for any potential nancial

“We are optimistic that passage of a school nance bill will ultimately lead to increased revenue for the upcoming school year.” Cy-Fair ISD

Klein ISD

increase from the state, costs due to ination and underfunded mandates ... far exceed what the state is potentially providing public schools.”

DOUG KILLIAN, CYFAIR ISD SUPERINTENDENT

DAN SCHAEFER, KLEIN ISD CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

The board is expected to vote on the budget June 23. In case you missed it Both districts adopted budgets with shortfalls in 2024-25—KISD’s adopted budget had a $36 million shortfall, and CFISD’s shortfall was about $77.5 million. Both districts also advocated for more funding from the Texas Legislature this session to

keep up with ination and maintain competitive teacher salaries. Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2 into law June 4, giving public schools an $8.5 billion boost over the next two years. Nearly half of that funding will support raises for educators and support sta, including bus drivers, janitors and librarians.

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION

Transportation

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

Houston mayor leans into regional mobility partnerships

Houston Mayor John Whitmire emphasized regional partnerships as part of the plan to con- tinue addressing mobility needs across the Greater Houston area during the Transportation Advocacy Group’s State of Mobility conference on May 22. Two-minute impact The Transportation Advocacy Group brings together state and local government, transit authorities and engineers to discuss transportation projects across the Houston region. Whitmire said partnerships with surrounding counties and the Houston-Galveston Area Council are crucial. “One of the first missions I was on when I was sworn in is to repair the relationship with our region,” he said. “We’re not going to get out of this challenge without collaboration.” Whitmire said the city has already begun part- nering with Lesley Briones, Harris County Precinct 4 commissioner, and Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey to address joint mobility needs.

Proposed projects According to the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Plan, the following local projects are needed by 2028. 1 The Grand Parkway: $116.21 million Widening from four to six lanes from Hwy. 249 to I-45 2 Stuebner Airline Road: $14.44 million Widening to six lanes from Spring Cypress Road to FM 1960 3 Kuykendahl Road: $7 million Widening from four to six lanes from FM 1960 to Rankin Road 4 Veterans Memorial Drive: $6.5 million Widening from four to six lanes from FM 1960 to Hwy. 249

KUYKENDAHL RD.

249

STUEBNER AIRLINE RD.

SPEARS RD.

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VETERANS MEMORIAL DR.

5 FM 1960: $10.9 million Adding additional traffic control equipment including signals

SOURCE: HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health care

BY EMILY LINCKE

Health care guide

2025

Community Impact ’s annual Health Care Guide is here! This special edition explores pivotal developments shaping the Spring-Klein area’s medical landscape. Find the latest updates from hospitals in your backyard on Page 15. Our cover story examines the increase in stroke cases across Harris County and how you can prevent strokes in your household.

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Low doses of ketamine, an anesthetic, can be a safe alternative to using the opioid fentanyl for pre-hospital pain management, according to a study conducted by a local emergency services district. Explained Harris County Emergency Services District No. 11, which provides ambulance services in parts of the north Houston region, conducted the ketamine study from March 1, 2022-June 1, 2023, according to an April 7 news release from the district. Paramedics commonly use ketamine for sedation, Jordan Anderson, study co-author and interim CEO, said in a May 6 interview. ESD 11 study deems ketamine eective for patient pain

Ketamine

Fentanyl

“We wanted to be able to provide multiple avenues of pain management for patients,” Anderson said. Paramedics administered low-dose ketamine via a nebulizer for pain management to 163 out of 1,480 patients while the rest received fentanyl, according to the study posted on ESD No. 11’s website. The study found that ketamine is a safe and eective way to treat “traumatic pain.” “Where fentanyl makes you not feel the pain, ketamine makes you not concerned with the pain,” Anderson said. Put in perspective Anderson said the benets of treating patients’ pain with low-dose ketamine over fentanyl include: • Less risk of lowering the patient’s blood pressure • Less stress for patients who may experience anxiety when receiving an IV • Eliminated risk of relapse for patients with a history of opioid addiction Looking ahead Anderson said other pre-hospital providers can now look at ESD No. 11’s data and could implement

Anesthetic

Opioid More risk of addiction

Less risk of addiction

Commonly used by paramedics Low cost for supplies and medication*

Treats pain by making patients notice it less Administered with a nebulizer*

Treats pain by making patients feel it less Administered by IV*

SOURCES: EMERGENCY SERVICES DEPARTMENT NO. 11, U.S. NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSECOMMUNITY IMPACT *NOTE: THESE CHARACTERISTICS APPLY TO EMERGENCY TRANSPORT SITUATIONS BY ESD NO. 11, BUT MAY NOT APPLY TO ALL MEDICAL SITUATIONS. similar protocols. “One of the things that I think is cool about pre-hospital 911 is that we don’t have compet- itors,” Anderson said. “We’re all very happy to share our data, read other people’s data and make choices that benet our community.”

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Health care

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest CEO Joel North prioritizes building trust with staff, community

Joel North has been leading HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest as the hospital’s CEO since last September. North first joined HCA Houston Healthcare in 2018 as an assistant administrator and administra- tive resident of Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center and was named assistant administrator at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood in May 2019. He recently shared his goals for the hospital with Community Impact . What inspired you to take on the CEO role at this facility? What makes this hospital unique? For the better part of 10 years, I’ve had a goal of growing into a CEO position to be able to lead a large organization that’s mission is to improve people’s lives and take care of the community around me. What’s great about Northwest is its great history of doing exactly that for over 50 years in northwest Houston. I’m from Houston originally, and most of family still lives in Houston, ... so I’m familiar with this area and it’s always felt like home. What I love about HCA Northwest, and what I think sets it apart, is the sense of pride and ownership that so many people exemplify as they work here. The leadership team, frontline staff, physicians and even the contractors are filled with individuals who have worked at Northwest 20-plus years and have a sense of ownership and pride that comes with that. It’s truly contagious. What have you learned since taking on the role? I’ve learned how connected the hospital is to the surrounding community and how vital a role we play in the health care journey of thousands of individuals and families. There [are] so many people that have shared with me stories of their child being born here, or having their first surgery, or a life-saving measure for their loved one. What do you hope to accomplish in your first few years as CEO? With any new role, my first priority is always to build trust with the staff, our leaders, our physi- cians and community. I believe putting people first and becoming part of the team and the family is the best thing I can do to set us up to achieve whatever it is we set out to accomplish. We have a comprehensive stroke program, an accredited chest pain center, Level II trauma services, a Level III NICU and Maternal Designation, and a wide array of surgical specialties including

spine surgery, joint replacement, surgical interven- tions for reflux disease, and surgical oncology. ... Our vision is to add more depth and new technol- ogies to our services to be able to take care of more critical needs of our community. ... It takes so many people to ensure excellent care—from therapists to technicians to nurses and many more. It’s critical that we not only hire strong candidates, but we give them opportunities to develop and have the tools and resources they need to do what they’re here to do. ... What initiatives are you planning to improve patient outcomes and overall care quality? There’s a big focus right now on improving the efficiency of care delivery in the hospital. We have a large initiative around improving communications among all the various departments in an effort to better communicate with our patients to streamline their care. We know by doing this, we can reduce the amount of time people spend in the hospital and get them back with their families and the things they love to do. Our network outside of the hospital plays a large role in this also. Another big part of improving outcomes for us is ensuring that, when people discharge, we have connected them with the right specialists to follow up with so they don’t find themselves having to come back to the hospital for something that can be treated with a specialist outside of the facility. ... What leadership principles guide your decision-making? I subscribe to the “values-based” leadership school of thought, in which I believe it’s important to prioritize my core values—[integrity, teamwork, mutual respect, positivity and excellence]—when- ever I’m making decisions and communicating with my teams. I believe core values give us something to unite around and serve as the basis for our beliefs and actions. It can be really powerful. ... How do you see technology shaping the future of care at HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest? One thing I really love about health care is how quickly technology can change outcomes in ways we never thought possible. The number of techno- logical advancements are only increasing. I think the biggest application we will see is technology helping with clinical decision-making, which will ultimately help extend the reach and impact of

our care teams. This is everything from improved detection methods for illness to new interventional and diagnostic devices that will help improve our knowledge and outcomes. How will you engage with the local community to address public health needs? ... Being in Cypress Station, we have monthly stakeholders meetings where we discuss how to improve not only business but also well-being of the residents in this community. We have great dialogue and engagement there from Harris County Public Health, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, business owners, and community clinics and specialists. This is vital because we know health care goes beyond the hospital and doctor’s office. It’s people having access to healthy food, having education to be able to make healthier choices, safe neigh- borhoods, quality housing and jobs to be able to afford all of the above. A goal of mine is for HCA Northwest to serve as a conduit to connect all of these various parts to create a healthier commu- nity. It all starts with those relationships and those ongoing community discussions to create partner- ships so we can get people to the right resource at the right time.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com.

SPRING - KLEIN EDITION

Leading the way.

Where you receive healthcare matters If you or a loved one are admitted to a hospital, it’s important to feel the facility is safe and equipped with the best care solutions. With so many healthcare choices, it’s comforting to know that a nationally recognized option is close to home. Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital, recently recognized HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland as one of the top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety. “It’s important for patients to know how safe a facility is because it confirms that the physicians and staff are working together to create a healing and safe environment with the best possible patient out-comes,” says Elias Armendariz, chief executive officer. “While no one looks forward to hospital visits, it’s comforting to know we are an industry-recognized leader for patient safety.” HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland was recognized with a 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades. This means the hospital is a leader in patient outcomes with fewer complications that can commonly happen in healthcare environments. Where you’re treated matters, and HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland is a proven leader in providing safe, effective care. HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest was recognized with a 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades. This means the hospital is a leader in patient outcomes with fewer complications that can commonly happen in healthcare environments. Where you’re treated matters, and HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest is a proven leader in providing safe, effective care. If you or a loved one are admitted to a hospital, it’s important to feel the facility is safe and equipped with the best care solutions. With so many healthcare choices, it’s comforting to know that a nationally recognized option is close to home. Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital, recently recognized HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest as one of the top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety. “It’s important for patients to know how safe a facility is because patient safety impacts overall health outcomes. Facilities with strong patient safety programs have fewer medication and surgical errors and experience less infections and falls,” says Arabinda Pani, M.D., chief medical officer. “While no one looks forward to hospital visits, it’s comforting to know we are an industry-recognized leader for patient safety.”

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Health care

BY DANICA LLOYD

4 health care updates from Spring-Klein hospitals

1 HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest Ocials with the hospital said they recently introduced endobronchial ultrasounds, which diagnose lung disorders, including cancer, infections and inammation. A exible tube with a video camera goes through the patient’s mouth and into their trachea and lungs to capture images, similar to the process of a colonoscopy. A exible tube with a video camera goes through the patient’s mouth and into their trachea and lungs to capture images, similar to the process of a colonoscopy. This minimally invasive procedure gives doctors a more accurate view of the airway and lymph nodes compared to a traditional bronchoscopy, helping them determine the best treatment plan, ocials said. This minimally invasive procedure gives doctors a more accurate view of the airway and lymph nodes compared to a traditional bronchoscopy, helping them determine the best treatment plan, ocials said. HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest Ocials with the hospital said they recently introduced endobronchial ultrasounds, which diagnose lung disorders, including cancer, infections and inammation.

2 Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

3 St. Luke’s Health - The Vintage Hospital

Hospital leaders are embracing articial intelligence. Frontline teams are using AI- generated summaries in day-to-day coordination and discharge planning. Ocials said this allows clinicians to spend more time with patients and less time on the documentation process. Additionally, virtual ICU technology is complementing bedside support. Cameras in hospital rooms bring virtual care to the admissions and discharge processes. Patient engagement TVs will soon be added, displaying patients’ daily schedules and care teams. Other upgrades coming to the campus include an extended waiting area and lobby refresh in the emergency department; a second parking garage; and an Einstein Bagel + Quick Eats coming in early 2026.

This spring, St. Luke’s Health awarded 32 grants totaling $1.5 million to nonprots. In The Vintage hospital’s service area, Northwest Assistance Ministries and the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston celebrated receiving $35,000 and $28,000, respectively, in early May.

CHASEWOOD PARK DR.

249

20171 Chasewood Park Drive, Houston www.stlukeshealth.org

4 TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital Jason Cunningham was named the new CEO at TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital earlier this year. Cunningham moved to this position from the vice president role at the Huntsville Hospital System in Decatur, Alabama. Before that, he served 12 years with the Hospital Corporation of America in Georgia and Florida, according to a news release.

HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

249

1960

17080 Red Oak Drive, Houston www.tops-hospital.com

710 FM 1960, Houston www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com

18220 Hwy. 249, Houston www.houstonmethodist.org

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION

Strokes on the rise From the cover

What’s happening

At the same time, Harris County is experiencing fewer stroke-related deaths per capita than the state and national levels. From 2018-22, Harris County had a stroke mortality rate of 15.5 deaths per 100,000 residents, which is lower than both the state average of 18.9 and the national average of 22.2, according to data from Harris County Public Health.

Strokes are becoming more prevalent in younger populations as risk factors historically seen in older populations, such as hypertension, are now showing up among younger people, El Jamal said. There has been a slight increase in self-reported stroke prevalence in Harris County, said Dr. Ericka Brown, director of Harris County Public Health’s community health and wellness division.

Dr. Sleiman El Jamal, the medical director of neurology at HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest, said nationwide, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds with over 800,000 strokes a year. Stroke cases are up 15.7% for ages 45-64 nationally in the last decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and up 14.6% among ages 18-44.

Harris County deaths from 2018-20 (per 100,000 residents) Stroke death rate by demographic

Heart disease deaths in Harris County Black White Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander Average Age-adjusted mortality rate (per 100,000)

3.5% 2.9% to from 2020-22. The percentage of adults who experienced a stroke in Harris County rose from

250

50 40

200

150

100

Female

Male

Black

White Hispanic/ Latino

Asian/ Pacific Islander

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

SOURCES: HOUSTON STATE OF HEALTH, HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The stroke care designation system allows first responders to transport patients to the most equipped facilities. From most advanced to least: Local stroke centers Level I – Comprehensive 1 HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest 2 Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

Explained

A closer look

Dr. Pam Zelnick, a vascular neurologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, said a stroke occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to a specific part of the brain. The most common type of stroke, ischemic, occurs when the blood supply to a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or reduced, preventing brain tissue from receiving oxygen, El Jamal said. Hem- orrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding and irritation in the brain. El Jamal said the location of the stroke in the brain determines the effects it has on overall health, mobility and speech.

Local hospitals and health care providers are working to expand and advance stroke care for patients close to home. Hospitals can choose to pursue accreditation for different levels of stroke care. For example, The Joint Commission first granted HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest its Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center in 2022, and the hospital was recently reaccredited, Community Impact previously reported. “There’s a lot of these metrics that have been instituted nationwide to provide the best possible care according to best practice guidelines that have been published, and we, as residents, train on,” El Jamal said. “It’s a very intense and rigorous process for very important reasons because that really impacts patient care.” According to Texas Health and Human Services, each level must meet the department-approved national stroke standards of care, participate in the hospital’s regional advisory council and stroke plan, and submit data to a certifying body and the state health department.

Level II – Advanced Level III - Primary 3 St. Luke’s Health - The Vintage

Level IV – Acute Stroke Ready No stroke designation 4 St. Luke's Health - Springwoods Village

Stroke risk factors From 2016-24 in Harris County, death rates for the following risk factors increased. SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

249

Spring

Heart disease: +3.1%

Klein

Hypertension: +24.1%

1960

Diabetes and obesity: +29.8%

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

What they’re saying

Signs of stroke

What you need to know

BEFAST is the acronym medical professionals recommend to identify stroke signs and symptoms.

“Although stroke is much more common in adults over the age of 65, ... the greatest rise in stroke incidence is actually being seen in individuals under the age of 50.” DR. PAM ZELNICK, VASCULAR NEUROLOGIST, HOUSTON METHODIST WILLOWBROOK

El Jamal said about 80% of stroke risk factors are preventable, including poor eating habits, obesity, smoking and drug abuse, which can lead to hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, significantly increasing the risk of stroke. Brown said these chronic conditions often occur together, compounding the risk of severe health outcomes. El Jamal said a patient should be at the hospital within four hours of suffering a stroke to be eligible for blood thinner medications. Zelnick said only one-third of patients arrive soon enough. “If you have any symptoms, even if you’re not sure, call 911. Don’t even try to figure it out. Don’t wait it out, because every minute you lose, you’re really losing over a million neurons in your brain,” El Jamal said.

B alance

Difficulty walking

E yes

Loss of vision

F acial drooping

One-sided facial drooping

A rms

Arm or leg weakness

“When you think about the list of risk factors, … it really does reinforce how important it is to do appropriate

Slurring S peech Call 911 immediately T ime

screening ... to prevent heart attack and stroke.” DR. PAULRAJ SAMUEL, OWNER, SAMUEL FAMILY CARDIOLOGY

SOURCE: ST. LUKE’S HEALTH-THE VINTAGE HOSPITAL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SPRING - KLEIN EDITION

Health care

Events

BY HANNAH NORTON

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Medical cannabis program to expand

Video Game Theater Join City Place for a gaming event featuring consoles for players of all ages and skill levels. • June 22, noon-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring • www.cityplacenow.com Painting with Pam Learn painting skills at the Barbara Bush Branch Library. An instructor will teach patrons how to paint a pre-traced painting themed for the library’s summer reading program. • June 26, 6-7:45 p.m. • Free • 6817 Cypresswood Drive, Spring • www.hcpl.net Summer BBQ hangout Join MRT Optimal Fitness for a barbecue featuring chicken wings, sausage, music and games. • June 28, noon-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 4033 Kreinhop Road, Ste. 200, Spring • www.mrtoptimalitness.com

Another perspective

June

‘Art Unleashed’ The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts is holding an interactive exhibition during normal hours of operation.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made outlawing all other consumable THC products one of his signature priorities this legislative session. He told journalists May 28 that Senate Bill 3, the proposed THC ban, would “save an entire generation [from] being hooked on drugs,” accusing those against the ban of being prot-motivated. Earlier in May, House members said the consumable THC ban proposed by SB 3 would close a “loophole” state lawmakers inadvertently created in 2019, when they legalized hemp sales in an attempt to boost the agricultural industry. After House lawmakers passed SB 3 in mid-May, the Texas Hemp Business Council, which advocates for hemp retailers, launched a petition urging the governor to veto the bill. If SB 3 becomes law, it would “harm veterans, senior citizens, patients and consumers across the state,” according to the petition.

Texas senators voted May 27 to expand eligibility for low-THC medical cannabis prescriptions, putting the state on track to build out an existing program that some Texans have said does not currently help enough people. The bill’s nal details will be determined behind closed doors, House members announced May 30. House Bill 46 would increase the conditions eligible for Texas’ Compassionate Use Program and allow doctors to begin prescribing aerosol and vaporized medical cannabis products, such as inhalers and vaping devices. The bill would allow 12 medical cannabis dispensaries to operate in Texas, up from three under current law. Licensed dispensaries would have the option to create satellite locations to store medication. Medical cannabis providers must currently house all their operations and store products in a single location. This means providers and patients

“The law that we operate under says that we have to provide reasonable access to patients across Texas, and our regulations are not allowing us to do that.” NICO RICHARDSON, CEO, TEXAS ORIGINAL DISPENSARY

• Through Aug. 30 • Free (admission) • 6815 Cypresswood Drive, Spring • www.pearlmfa.org

Block Party Magic Show Enjoy a magic show at the Barbara Bush Branch Library. • June 20, 2-3 p.m. • Free • 6817 Cypresswood Drive, Spring • www.hcpl.net Houston Food Bank distribution Kinsmen Lutheran Church is recruiting volunteers to help distribute food to the community through the Houston Food Bank. • June 21, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free • 12100 Champion Forest Drive, Houston • www.kinsmenlutheran.org

The Fun Bus Children ages 18 months-7 years are invited to join The Fun Bus, a mobile gym with an instructor leading games, an obstacle course and themed activities. • July 6, 9-11 a.m. • Free • 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring • www.cityplacenow.com

often drive hours to transport and pick up medication, said Nico Richardson, CEO of the dispensary Texas Original. Additionally, legislation that would ban the possession, sale and manufacture of all other hemp-derived THC products in Texas was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk May 27.

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Dining

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Rohan Duck 2 Ways cherry mole has pickled fennel and salsa seca. It is served with corn tortillas.

COURTESY THOMAS BILLEBELLY OF THE BEAST

Street corn agnolotti is made with roasted corn, chili lime sauce, lime juice and pasta topped with cotija cheese.

COURTESY THUY AN PHOTOGRAPHYBELLY OF THE BEAST

Belly of the Beast oers Mexican-inspired ne dining In 2020, when restaurants were closing their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, Thomas and Elizabeth Bille opened the doors of their own restaurant—Belly of the Beast. superpowers,” he said. “Yeah, we have to work twice as hard just to get to the same place. But I don’t look at that as a deterrent.” After two decades working as a chef, Thomas

Potato and cheese empanadas are served with whipped lemon crème fraîche and caluga caviar.

COURTESY STARCHEFS, WILL BLUNTBELLY OF THE BEAST

Bille opened Belly of the Beast in Old Town Spring alongside his wife. At the time, 60%-70% of orders were takeout orders, he said. In November 2023, the restaurant relocated to a larger space and rebranded as a full-service ne dining restaurant. On the menu From caviar empanadas to duck cherry mole, Belly of the Beast has several creative dishes. The restaurant serves global cuisine that highlights Thomas Bille’s Mexican-American heritage.

“We were ready to take that leap of faith, and we did it not knowing that a global pandemic would hit,” Elizabeth Bille said. “And I would always say it’s a testament to the community that saw us grow here and supported us through some of the toughest times.” Staying local To Thomas Bille, the challenges he endured as a rst-generation Mexican-American in the restau- rant industry motivated him to open his own. “I believe these dierences are my

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT JUNE 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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DETOURS: The Botanical Gardens of Orange CRITTER: Bottlenose Dolphin OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas MADE IN TEXAS: Copper Craftsman FEATURE PREVIEW: Juneteenth’s Hero, Opal Lee

Above: The Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.

SPRING - KLEIN EDITION

DETOURS

A Green Refuge In Orange

Northwest of downtown, alongside Adams Bayou.

BY DANIEL VAUGHN

FOR FIFTY YEARS the gates of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center were closed. A bitter freeze in 1958 killed much of founder H.J. Lutcher Stark’s plant- ings, including his prized azaleas. Decades later, reopening plans spearheaded by his namesake foundation were also thwarted by nature, first by Hurricane Rita, in 2005, and then by Ike, in 2008. Finally, in 2009, the 252-acre park opened once again to visitors. Gravel paths wander along- side some three hundred plant species, and everywhere are contemplative spaces that feel far removed from the surrounding city, which lies just across the Sabine River from Louisiana. At the placid Pond of the Blue Moon is the towering Cypress Gate, a platform designed by San Antonio–based architecture firm Lake Flato from logs salvaged after Rita. At Ruby Lake, you’ll find a bird blind for viewing the many varieties of waterfowl that come through, and you just might see an alligator sunning on the dock nearby.

About 51,000 bottlenose dol- phins—the most common spe- cies o the Texas coast—are frolicking in the northern Gulf as you read this. Occasionally, though, one of them ends up on land. The Texas Marine Mam- mal Stranding Network, based in Galveston, responds to an average of 134 strandings per year. Executive director Heidi Whitehead says that after hur- ricanes, she and her colleagues have even rescued dolphins from fields and ditches as far as seventeen miles inland. So before you head to the beach, learn what to do if you come across one.

it can be rescued. Then try to keep it shaded and wet.

IF I FIND A STRANDED DOLPHIN, SHOULD I PUSH

CRITTER OF THE MONTH

Bottlenose Dolphin

IT INTO THE WATER? Often, says Whitehead, a

HOW EXACTLY DOES ONE MOISTEN A DOLPHIN ? You can pour seawater over it or cover it in wet towels. Just be sure to avoid the blowhole. MAY I PET IT? Definitely not. Wild dolphins are a protected species, and any form of harassment (such as trying to touch, feed, or swim with them) is illegal. Whitehead says the best thing you can do is be quiet and keep pets and other people at a distance. —Lauren Larson

beached dolphin is su ering from a lung disease brought on by exposure to bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and it must be treated and rehabilitated. If you try to Free Willy a dolphin back into the Gulf, it is unlikely to survive. WHAT SHOULD I DO? First, call 800-9MAMMAL, which is like a dolphin 911, and someone from Whitehead’s group will talk you through keeping the animal safe until

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