Bob Henkel Makes Case for Faith-based Healthcare

In a recent article for strategy+business, Robert J. Henkel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ascension Health, Executive Vice President, Ascension, shares how the organization embraces its commitment to spiritually centered healthcare while successfully navigating a dramatically changing healthcare environment.

"We are inclusive," Bob says about Ascension. "We're here to serve all people; to provide compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to those who are struggling the most."

Bob notes that this kind of care is expected from a faith-based organization. Even though Ascension is the largest Catholic healthcare organization in the country, Bob points out that it is dedicated to treating people regardless of a person's faith. He references Pope Francis's recent comments in explaining how Ascension works as a bridge to bring people together.

"Faith-based organizations have an obligation to overcome disparities, and differences between people, whether they be economic, environmental, or political," Bob says. "In fact, he [Pope Francis] made a statement during his [U.S.] visit about how a church with closed doors turns its back on the church's mission and values, and rather than being a bridge becomes a barrier."

Read the full article here, which includes examples Bob provides of where Ascension has helped community efforts beyond the traditional caregiving setting. He also gives advice to other healthcare leaders who want to emulate Ascension's example and provides insight into the healthcare environment in general.