Ebola Update

Nurse at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas tests positive for Ebola

According to a statement released by the Texas Department of State Health Services, a nurse at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas has tested positive for the Ebola virus. The nurse, a female who has asked to not be identified, had cared for Ebola victim Thomas Eric Duncan, who died of the virus on October 8.

The nurse developed a fever on October 10 and was diagnosed on October 11. She contracted the disease despite the fact that she wore gloves, face shield and a protective gown. She was one in a group of 48 healthcare workers who were considered at low risk of developing the disease when she began to run a low-grade fever on Friday.

According to DFW CBS, the patient's car has already been decontaminated, as well her residence in the 5700 block of Marquita Avenue in Dallas. She had a pet whose status is being monitored.

At a news conference on October 12, Dr. Daniel Varga of the Texas Health Resources said that the family of the worker has "requested total privacy." Another person also remains in isolation.

Dr. Tom Frieden, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that the CDC will investigate how the workers removed their hazmat gear since removing it incorrectly can lead to a contamination.

Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner Dr. David Lakey issued a statement saying that they'd been prepared for the possibility of a second case and would be "working with extreme diligence to prevent further spread."

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Homeless News

Downtown Dallas homeless service Stewpot lands bigger better space

The Stewpot

It's official: The Stewpot, a community program that serves the homeless, has a new home. According to a release, First Presbyterian Church of Dallas — the organization that oversees the Stewpot — has acquired the CitySquare Community Center building at 1610 S. Malcolm X Blvd. where the StewPot will soon reside.

“This new facility will allow us to better deliver our programs and continue to support the 12,000 people served annually by CitySquare’s Neighbor Resource Center and Food Pantry programs,” said Brenda Snitzer, executive director of The Stewpot.

The Stewpot is a community ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas. Established in 1975, it began with a concerned group of church members who started preparing lunch for the congregation's homeless and hungry neighbors.

It serves those experiencing homelessness and poverty. Its programs have tripled in size in recent years, and the ministry has outgrown its current space at 1835 Young St. across from the church.

When CitySquare announced earlier this year that it would cease operations and sell its property by the end of the year, First Presbyterian leaped in to make a bid on the space. Members voted on Sunday, December 8 to approve the acquisition. The closing is scheduled for Friday, December 13. The Stewpot will begin moving into the new space later this month.

As a part of the acquisition, The Stewpot will continue two of CitySquare’s core programs: its Food Pantry and its Neighbor Resource Center, which helps people with housing options, SNAP, WIC, healthcare, financial assistance, and mental health services.

The property is a mile from The Stewpot’s current facility on Young Street, across the street from the church. With this acquisition, The Stewpot will move its operations and offices, while continuing to serve more than 1,000 meals daily at The Bridge downtown.

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