Ascension President and CEO Joseph R. Impicciche, JD, MHA, talked about the responsibilities of faith-based healthcare in the communities they serve during a recent panel discussion.
The panel was part of the annual AdventHealth Conference on Mission. In 2015, Ascension and AdventHealth created AMITA Health, a joint operating company that serves nearly 6.6 million residents in the Chicago area.
The conference addressed the role of faith-based healthcare in society at large. It included a distinguished group of leaders, well versed in today’s challenges and opportunities, to stimulate a vigorous and thoughtful conversation about how faith-based healthcare can uniquely, and most effectively, contribute to the health and well-being of society.
“What distinguishes Catholic healthcare is our focus on the ‘why,’” Joe said. “It’s not only about ‘what’ we do, but ‘why’ we are called to deliver compassionate, personalized care. We have an unwavering commitment to serving poor and vulnerable populations.
“We must always be mindful that we are the face of the Church in the communities we serve. It is important that we all appreciate this responsibility and opportunity of service.”
Following the panel with Joe, a second panel explored what legacy faith-based healthcare should be building now, and a third panel of younger CEOs responded to the thoughts and challenges set forth in the first two discussions. Panelists included faith leaders, policymakers, private sector consumers of healthcare and others.
