CHA Statement on the Establishment of the Conscience and Religious Freedom Division of OCR at hhs
Statement by Sister Carol Keehan, DC, President & Chief Executive Office Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA)
Catholic health care has always treasured the opportunity to care for everyone, not only those of other religious beliefs, races and backgrounds but even in conflict situations such as in wars and situations where there is a profound difference of opinions. Our deeply held religious and moral convictions are the source of both the work we do and the limits on what we will do. The conscience of Catholic health care does not allow us to participate in certain procedures we feel are an assault on the dignity of human life, such as abortion and euthanasia. That same conscience compels us to love and respect others who feel differently.
While there are certain procedures we do not do in our hospitals, there is no one who is not welcome for the care that we do provide in our hospitals.
This is a moment where the decency and integrity of the American people should frame the discussion. One more polarized and politicized argument is not going to serve the people of this nation well. CHA looks forward to participating in a productive dialogue on this important issue.
Take My Hand, Not My Life
Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla (the daughter of St. Gianna) will share her perspectives on living moments of grace at life’s end at a Symposium on Saturday, October 28th in St. Paul. The event begins with an 8am Mass with Bishop Cozzens at St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Paul Seminary, with a continental breakfast and the symposium in Woulfe Alumni Hall at the University of St. Thomas from 8:45-11:30am. To register online, www.giannahomes.org/2017symposium, or 952.443.6100. (more…)
Medicaid, opioid addiction and transgender issues explored at health care symposium
Health care reform, transgender theory and the opioid epidemic were featured topics at a Sept. 20 gathering of Minnesota’s Catholic bishops and lay leaders.
Co-sponsored by the Minnesota Catholic Conference and the Catholic Health Association of Minnesota, “Healthcare in Minnesota: A Symposium Considering Contemporary Challenges” brought together local and national experts to speak about the emergent health care topics. It was held at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. (more…)
Assisted Suicide Resolution
A recent announcement has been made regarding the introduction of a Congressional Resolution opposing the legalization of assisted suicide. The resolution is sponsored and was submitted by the following legislators from both political parties: Mr. Wenstrup (for himself, Mr. Correa, Mr. Vargas, Mr. Langevin, Mr. Lipinski, Mr. Harris, Mr. LaHood, Mr. Abraham, Mr. Rothfus, and Mr. Suozzi). It was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. This bi-partisan effort is the result of months of work by individual congresspersons and their staffs, the Patients Rights Action Fund and the National Alliance Against Legalizing Assisted Suicide. Below is additional information on the Sense of Congress resolution, H.Con.Res.80. Organizations are encouraged to share this information on your social media pages and on their website.
Link to the legislation: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/80/text/ih?overview=closed&format=xml
National alliance site: http://www.allianceagainstassistedsuicide.org/
Facebook of the presser: https://www.facebook.com/PatientsRightsAction/videos/vb.407531842699311/1392276174224868/?type=2&theater
Graham-Cassidy Bill
CHA-USA recently encourage Senators to reject the Graham-Cassidy legislation and instead support bipartisan efforts to improve our health care system focusing on insurance market stabilization, affordability, and coverage access and expansion. Read 9/17/17 letter here:
Read 09/22/2017 letter here:
Read 09/17/2017 letter here:
Healthcare in Minnesota Symposium
Healthcare in Minnesota
A Symposium Considering Contemporary Challenges
Wednesday, September 20 • University of St. Thomas
Healthcare reform. The opioid crisis. Gender theory.
These are just some of the emerging challenges on the healthcare landscape in Minnesota about which Catholics should be aware.
Join Minnesota’s bishops, expert speakers, and Catholic healthcare professionals from across Minnesota for this timely and edifying conversation.
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WHO: Clergy, healthcare professionals, and those in related fields
WHEN: 9:00a.m.— Noon; Wednesday, September 20
WHERE: N. Woulfe Alumni Hall, Anderson Student Center, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul) – map (#27)
COST: The event is free, but registration is required, as seating is limited.
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Speakers include:
- Sr. Renee Mirkes, OSF – Pope Paul VI Institute
- Sally Satel – American Enterprise Institute
- Meghan Goodwin – U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
- Fr. John Stabeno – Catholic Charities (Diocese of Camden, NJ)
- State legislators and local experts
The Four Things That Matter Most – Ira Byock, MD – Oct 10
CentraCare Health will sponsor Ira Byock, MD on October 10 to address the community who have elderly family members. Ira Byock is a leading palliative care physician, author, and public advocate for improving care through the end of life. (more…)
Curatio Retreat; Oct 13-15, 2017
The Curatio Apostolate of Catholic Health Care Professionals was founded for all those who care for the sick: doctors, nurses, nursing home, hospice and clinic professionals, with a mission to promote, support and sustain the “Gospel of life,” and to see Christ in our patients and co-workers. (more…)
Minnesota hospital programs, leaders honored
The Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) on June 2 honored innovative programs and outstanding leaders in health care at its 33rd annual awards ceremony.
Seventeen awards were given for extraordinary achievement in categories ranging from advocacy on behalf of hospitals and volunteerism to innovation and improvement in patient care and patient safety. (more…)