Catholic Health World recently talked with Mary Paul, Vice President, Mission Integration, about Ascension's efforts to strengthen its commitment to address the structural causes of poverty, a significant factor in an individual's health and life. The System-wide effort involves working to understand the needs of those who are poor, responding to those needs appropriately, and ensuring a culture that promotes "communion and relationship with persons who are poor and vulnerable," she said.
"We are in an era of transformation of healthcare and transformation of our organization," she told Catholic Health World. "As we engage these efforts, it is essential to connect this call to action with our Mission to be in communion with the poor and vulnerable. When you practice something, it becomes part of who you are."
She cited the success of the Ascension Medical Mission program, in which Ascension works with community organizations to provide a variety of medical and social services.
"Solidarity with the poor is important to Ascension because it's central to who we are. Being focused on our commitment to solidarity urges us to expand our thinking and also to recognize and reflect on our own poverty," she said.
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