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Annual White Mass
Archbishop John C. Nienstedt, in cooperation with the Guild of the Catholic Medical Association of St. Paul and Minneapolis, invites Catholic healthcare workers to attend the Annual White Mass on Saturday, October 23, 2010, 5:00 p.m. at the Saint Mary’s Chapel, Saint Paul Seminary. Spouses are welcome. Reception immediately following. RSVP to 651.291.4488
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Catholic Health Association Applauds Health Reform Benefits
Millions of people in the U.S. will see their health security improve when several provisions of the Affordable Care Act become effective today (September 23, 2010). These features of the reform law will enable many people to obtain or keep coverage that was previously unavailable or unaffordable. Read more.
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Past Board President Phyllis Novitskie Leading with Faith
Read more
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Catholic Health Association Continues to Support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Read more.
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The 2010 Catholic Health Assembly was held in Denver, June 13-15.
The assembly was attended by more than 800 leaders of Catholic health from around the country. News releases related to the Assembly are posted as well as hi-resolution photos from some of the events and awards presentations that can be downloaded and used by the media (with appropriate photo credits as noted). Multimedia background about program, speakers, and events can be found starting here. Also, watch the health reform video shown at the Catholic Health Assembly featuring comments to CHA from President Obama. Read more.
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Catholic Health Association statement on President Obama's recent Hospital Visitation Rights Memorandum.
Read the news release.
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As background on the Catholic Health Association's position regarding the enactment of health care reform, CHA's President, Sr. Carol Keehan, DC, offers her observations in a column in the April 15 issue of Catholic Health World. Read Sr. Carol's remarks, "Now that reform has passed." For additional information regarding CHA's analysis of the reform law and abortion funding, read "Pro-life issues and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act."
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Bishops Encourage Vigilance that Health Care Legislation Protects Conscience, does not Fund Abortion
The U.S. bishops called on Congress and people in the Catholic community to make sure promises are kept that new health care legislation will not expand abortions in the United States. Read More.
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Catholic Health Association Congratulates Nation's Leaders for Enacting Historic Health Reform
The following statement is being released by Sr. Carol Keehan, DC, president and chief executive office of the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA):
The Catholic Health Association applauds the U.S. House of Representatives and President Obama for enacting health care reform legislation that will bring security and health to millions of American families. Read the statement from Sr. Carol Keehan, DC, president and chief executive of the Catholic Health Associaton of the United States.
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2010 Catholic Health Assembly
FORGING OUR FUTURE: Strengthening the Ministry through Turbulent Times
June 13-15, Hyatt Regency Denver
To survive and thrive in turbulent, uncertain times, organizations must be nimble and innovative yet solidly rooted in mission. In 2010, Catholic health ministry organizations will face a still fragile economy and a changed landscape after the health reform debate. At the 2010 Catholic Health Assembly, leaders from ministry organizations across the country will come together to examine the current environment, envision our preferred future, and draw strength and hope from their shared wisdom and creativity. Plan now to join your colleagues for the premier gathering of leaders from throughout the ministry. Visit http://www.chausa.org/assembly/
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U.S. Bishops Call on Parishes to Help Stop Abortion Funding in Health Care Reform
In a nationwide call to Catholics to prevent health care reform from being derailed by the abortion lobby, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has sent bulletin inserts and pulpit announcements to almost 19,000 parishes across the country. "As long-time advocates of health care reform, the U.S. Catholic bishops continue to make the moral case that genuine health care reform must protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all, especially the poor and vulnerable,” the insert says. “Health care reform should not advance a pro-abortion agenda in our country."
The bulletin insert and pulpit announcement can be found in English and in Spanish at www.usccb.org/healthcare. Catholics can contact their legislators online by going to www.usccb.org/action.
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Directive #58
CHA has recently released a Q&S regarding the change to Directive #58 in the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. Read more
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Comment Regarding Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2009
Sr. Carol Keehan, DC, president and chief executive office of the Catholic Health Association of the United States recently issued the following statement regarding Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2009. Read more
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Bishops Deeply Disappointed by Senate Vote to Table Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment
“The Senate vote to table the Nelson-Hatch-Casey amendment is a grave mistake and a serious blow to genuine health care reform,” said Cardinal Francis George, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. “The Senate is ignoring the promise made by President Obama and the will of the American people in failing to incorporate longstanding prohibitions on federal funding for abortion and plans that include abortion.” Read More
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Revision of Directive #58
CHA issues a statement regarding the the Revision of Directive #58 in the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. Read more for further clarifications or Q&A.
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CHA News Release (November 9, 2009)
"Catholic Health Association Applauds Passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act."
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Health Care Reform Now
CHA’s Sr. Carol Keehan sends letter to Congress regarding the need to move forward on Health Care reform.
Read the letter.
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USCCB Weighs in on National Health Care Reform
President of U.S. Bishops says cost is too high, loss is too great for Health Care Bill not to be revised. Read more.
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USCCB Explains Need for Change in Senate Health Bill
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has made available several new resources explaining its calls for essential changes to the Senate health care reform bill. In a March 15 statement, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, President of the USCCB, said that the U.S. bishops would, regretfully, have to oppose the final bill if these changes were not made. The resources are available at: www.usccb.org/healthcare
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USCCB Officials Welcome President Obama’s Statements On Abortion, Care For The Poor In Response To Health Care Address
Calling it an important contribution to a crucial national debate, officials speaking on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops welcomed President Obama's September 9 address on health care reform, particularly his statements regarding abortion and the uninsured. Read more.
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Catholic Health Association: Census Bureau Report and President Obama Make Strong Case for Bold, Immediate Action on Health Reform
Sister Carol Keehan, DC, president and chief executive officer of the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA), issued the following statement regarding the Census Bureau Report and President Obama’s recent health reform proposal.
Pearson Editorial in the Catholic Spirit
CHA-MN Executive Director Toby Pearson was recently published in the Catholic Spirit expressing the need for more dialogue on health reform. To read the full text, click here.
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USCCB Statement on House Health Care Bill
A recent statement referencing the work of Congressman Oberstar from Minnesota, and others who worked on passage of the Stupak amendment.
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Benjamin Confirmed as Surgeon General
Regina Benjamin, MD, a member of the CHA Board of Trustees and founder of Bayou La Batre (AL) health clinic, was unanimously confirmed to the post of Surgeon General by the Senate on Oct. 29. Benjamin's and other health-related nominations have been stalled due to a disagreement between the White House and Senate Republicans over issues related to Medicare contractors.
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Health Care Reform: A Catholic Ethical Perspective
Come join theologian and ethicist Bryan Hehir on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at the Carondelet Center from 7:00-9:00pm for a presentation on the latest health care reform. Please post attached flyer for other staff within your organization. Sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Catholic Health Association of MN, Minnesota Catholic Conference, and Catholic Charities. Download the flyer here
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Health Care Reform: Reflecting on Ourselves and our Society
The Henrietta Schmoll School of Health at St. Catherine University will be hosting a town hall forum on the state of health care in the United States on Thursday, October 1, 3–5 p.m. For more information visit here.
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Catholic Health Association Reaffirms Long-Standing Commitment to Reform Health Care But Waits to Endorse Any Specific Bill
The Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) has long been committed to a goal of health coverage for all people in the United States. CHA has not, however, endorsed any of the bills currently under consideration. Read more.
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Congratulations to CentraCare Health System
CentraCare Health System which includes two of our CHAMN members – The St. Cloud Hospital and St. Benedict Health Center) has been recently recognized as the #1 Best Place to Work in Minnesota, in the large company category, by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
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Save the Date – 2009 CHAMN Annual Meeting
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Edina
Topics include: Ethical Considerations during Pandemic, Health Care Reform Updates from Washington, and others.
Sr. Carol Keehan attends White House event
CHA President and CEO, Sr. Carol Keehan, DC, participated in a White House event this morning where she joined representatives of other hospital groups to announce an agreement on $155 billion in contributions to finance health care reform. The event was hosted by Vice President Joseph Biden. Read the CHA news release or more information on the White House website or view the annoucement event on YouTube.
St. Benedict’s Receives the Step I
St. Benedict’s Senior Community has been recognized as one of the 2009 recipients of the Step I National Quality Award presented by the American Health Care Associaiton and National Center for Assisted Living. This first step demonstrates their intention to begin the rigorous quality improvement program as they pursue the requirements for Step II and III awards in the coming years.
Legislative Changes to Minnesota Care
Read a
statement
from the DHS on changes to MNCare effective July 1, 2009.
CHA-MN Members Honored at 2009 MHA Awards: May 15, 2009
Eighteen Minnesota hospital representatives and programs were
honored May 8 at the 25th-annual Minnesota Hospital Association
(MHA) Awards banquet, including the following CHA-MN members:
Volunteer of the Year: Corene Kain of St. Cloud
Hospital
Spirit of Advocacy Award: Mary Klimp, CEO of Queen
of Peace Hospital in New Prague
Innovation of the Year in Patient Care Award
Large Hospital Category: HealthEast Perinatal
Safety Collaborative
Health Care Career Promotion Award
Large Hospital Category: St. Cloud Hospital's high school
student internship program and educational scholarships
Best Minnesota Hospital Workplace (two categories)
Large Hospital Category: St. Cloud Hospital
CHA Comments on Senate Finance Committee Delivery System Reform Paper
Read statement
here.
CHA Takes Issue with American Journal Article
Ethicists at CHA and the National Catholic Bioethics Center are taking issue
with an article in the American Journal of Public Health that they say demonstrates
a lack of knowledge about how medical practices at Catholic institutions are guided
by Catholic moral principles. The article, "When There's a Heartbeat: Miscarriage
Management in Catholic-Owned Hospitals," was published in October. Read more in an
article in the
May 1 issue of
Catholic Health World.
CHA Comments on the Proposed Rescission of the December 2008
Conscience Clause Regulation.
Read statement
here.
You will need Adobe Reader in order to view the statement.
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CHA President Attends White House Summit
Sister Carol Keehan, DC, president and chief executive officer of the Catholic
Health Association of the United States participated in the White House Forum on
Health Reform on March 5. Read her comments
here.
JRLC Recognizes Sr. Mary Heinen
The Joint Religious Legislative Coalition recognized recently awarded
CHAMN Board Member Sr. Mary Heinen the Lawrence D. Gibson Interfaith Social
Justice Award at the annual JRLC Day on the Hill, which mobilizes citizen
advocacy for social justice policies at the Minnesota Legislature. The award highlighted her health care advocacy work through St. Mary’s Clinics,
which provide free primary health care to uninsured people in the seven-county
metro area. For a complete story on the award, see this
article from The Catholic Spirit.
Current State Legislative Update
To view current bills within the Minnesota State Legislature that
the Catholic Health Association is monitoring, follow the link
below:
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/leg/mybills.asp?user=chaminnesota&session=145109911&ls_year=86
Cover the Uninsured Week Resources
This year, the Cover the Uninsure Week is scheduled for March 22 – March 28.
It is the nation's highest profile effort to make health care coverage a top priority
for lawmakers. Catholic hospitals and health systems have always been leaders in
organizing events for The Week, planning hundreds of activities each year to help
get Americans covered. Click
here for related resources.
SCHIP Legislation
CHA applauds members of the U.S. House for their strong support last week for
improving the health of our nation's children by voting to reauthorize the State
Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Read the
news release.
Archbishop blesses new chapel at St. Benedict’s Senior Community -
Monticello
St. Benedict’s Senior Community was honored to have
Archbishop John C. Nienstedt, S.T.D., from the Archdiocese of St.
Paul and Minneapolis bless their new chapel on Jan.17. “Building a
chapel was a priority for our recent expansion, said Sandy Haggerty,
director of St. Benedict’s Senior Community – Monticello. “We are
delighted to be able to offer Catholic and Protestant services for
our residents, who sometimes cannot attend their own churches. Along
with our other new amenities, our beautiful chapel enhances
community life on our campus.” The mission of St. Benedict’s Senior
Community is “Our actions are guided by the belief that ‘All Shall
Be Treated as Christ.’ ” With foundational values and beliefs rooted
in the tradition of the Catholic faith, St. Benedict’s Senior
Community welcomes people of all faiths. See
pictures of the blessing ceremony.
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The Dignity of the Person
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has recently
released a document entitled
"The Dignity of the Person" under Pope
Benedict XVI. The purposed was to provide moral instruction to the
faithful on handling bioethical issues including stem cell research,
cloning, and in vitro fertilization. Read a complete set of
talking points on Dignitas Personae
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Freedom of Choice Act
For members of the media interested in learning more about the
Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) and responses from the Catholic
community, please review the Nov. 26 Catholic News Service article
"FOCA's effects seen as dire, but chance of it passing considered
slim." Read the CHA news release
"Catholic
Health Association Statement Regarding Proposed Freedom of Choice
Legislation."
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(ADD) Uninsured Data Released
The
U.S. Census Bureau has released new data on this country's number of
uninsured as well as the number of persons living in poverty.
In a news release, CHA's President and CEO said: "The news today
that 45.7 million people are uninsured, 1.3 million less than in
2006, while positive, should not be viewed as current progress
toward solving this crisis."BHS Seeks Mission Integration Director
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CHA completes health care vision statement
"Our Vision for U.S. Health Care," a set of values-based
criteria for reforming the health care system, has recently been
completed by CHA after months of ministry input and discussion.
With health care reform continuing to register as the top
domestic issue for voters, the Vision document will help the
Catholic health ministry articulate its expectations of a
redesigned system. For more background, read the article in the
March-April
2008 issue of
Health
Progress,
"Our Vision for U.S. Health Care: We Can Get There from Here".
Through the
Covering a Nation initiative, CHA works with Catholic health care
providers and local and national partners to create the momentum
for real, sustainable change in our health care delivery and
financing systems.
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Harry and Louise Return to Promote Health Care Reform in New Ad Campaign
Harry and Louise, the iconic couple featured in ads to defeat the Clinton health
plan in 1993-1994, are back on television. This time they will lend their voice to
strongly encourage health care reform. The new multi-million dollar ad campaign
will air on national television throughout the Democratic and Republican conventions.
In light of ever increasing health care costs and increasing numbers of people without
health insurance coverage, Harry and Louise will urge the next President and Congress
to put health care at the top of the domestic agenda.
The ad campaign is sponsored by five prominent national organizations. Those
organizations — the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the
American Hospital Association (AHA), the Catholic Health Association (CHA),
Families USA, and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) — represent
diverse constituencies with historically different views on health care reform, but
they have come together to promote urgent action to resolve the growing health care
crisis.
Read the complete news release.
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Expansion of Not-for-Profit Hospitals
Not-for-profit hospitals are continuing to expand and strengthen
their support of community benefit programs. This finding is one of
many from a survey conducted in conjunction with the "Making an
Impact: Evidence-Based Community Benefit" conference sponsored by
the Catholic Health Association of the United States and VHA Inc.,
in cooperation with the School of Public Health at Saint Louis
University.
Read the news release.
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CHA Joins 990 Coalition for
Hospitals to Launch New Website
The Catholic Health Association has joined the American
Health Lawyers Association, Healthcare Financial Management
Association and VHA, Inc. to create a new website. The site,
www.990forhospitals.org, was designed to promote
accurate and standardized reporting of community benefit and
related information on the revised IRS Form 990 and Schedule H
by not-for-profit hospitals. We invite you to visit the website
and learn more.
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Exclusive to CHA Members — Free
Audio of Assembly Sessions Now Available
CHA-USA is offering recorded audio of 2008 Assembly sessions
available to our members. Postings of completed sessions are
posted online and are free to members via our members-only
website. If you do not currently have member access,
sign up today.
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2007 CHA-Annual Meeting Review
The Catholic Health Association of
Minnesota was privileged to host Sr. Carol Keehan from CHA
in Washington, D.C., as our keynote speaker this past November
at our Annual Meeting. As she reviewed the various issues
facing Catholic healthcare nationwide, a strong message supporting
the overall mission and necessity of our work was central.
Click to view her
PowerPoint presentation and
pictures
from the meeting.
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Get Ready for Cover the Uninsured Week 2008, April 27-May
3!
Forty-seven million Americans, including more than 9
million children, are living without health care coverage. It's time
to start planning for the sixth annual Cover the Uninsured Week
and help get America covered. Visit
www.covertheuninsured.org for information, ideas and free
planning materials.
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New Lenten Podcast Reflections
The 2008 season of Lent begins
on Feb. 6 (Ash Wednesday). To help Catholic health care organizations
celebrate this important season, CHA has created weekly Lenten
podcast reflections. Each week offers an MP3 podcast along with a
transcribed version of the audio. Share these with your associates
to allow them to reflect on the meaning of this season in their
lives, either in groups or individually.
Access the Lenten podcasts
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CHA Responds to Bush Budget
President Bush offered his FY2009 budget proposal on February
4 — a $3.1 trillion blueprint which outlines devastating cuts to the
Medicare and Medicaid programs that would harm beneficiaries and
undermine the health care safety net. The Catholic Health Association
is deeply disappointed with the Administration's budget proposal.
Read the CHA news release.
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Follow News of Pope Benedict XVI's
Historic Visit to the U.S.
USCCB Apostolic Journey Official website
Catholic News Service Papal Visit website
The Vatican Apostolic
Journey to the U.S. and visit to the U.N. website
Audio message (5:30 - RealPlayer required)
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New Commentary from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
The Holy See's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
recently issued a
document, approved by Pope Benedict XVI, which addresses the
provision of artificially administered nutrition and hydration to
patients in a persistent vegetative state. The document is in
response to
two questions posed to the congregation by the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops. Read
CHA's news release commenting on the clarification.
Ethics Conference at Mayo in February
Mayo is hosting
an Ethics Conference, February 6-8 entitled
Ethical Dilemmas Throughout the Medical Spectrum.
The course will focus on practical ethical issues encountered in
various specialties including (but not limited to) surgery,
pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, nursing, and allied health care
workers which may be unique to that specific discipline,
and thus neglected in more general ethics courses, with the goal of
providing caregivers useful tools for resolving clinical ethical
dilemmas. The presenters will provide concise and through
overviews of issues, and will conclude with practical suggestions for
addressing ethical dilemmas. (CAME and Cue's through Mayo
Clinic College of Medicine available for attendance)
For more
information and registration:
www.mayo.edu/cme/feb2008.html
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Covering a Nation Initiative
The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that an additional 2.2
million people lost health insurance coverage in 2006 and the number
of uninsured children rose from 8 to 8.7 million. CHA views this as
a shameful reflection of national priorities and has issued a news
release responding to the report.
Read the news release. Through the
Covering a Nation Initiative, CHA works with Catholic health
care providers and local and national partners to create the
momentum for real, sustainable change in our health care delivery
and financing systems.
Pope Benedict XVI to Visit the
United States in April
Pope Benedict XVI
will visit Washington and New York
April 15-20. Among the activities planned for the pope on this
trip are visits to the White House, the
United Nations, ground zero and an address to the U.S.
bishops.
More information is available through the
Catholic News Service
