For years we have worked in collaboration toward a new vision for health care in this country, for health care coverage and access for everyone. This is an important day for all Americans but especially for those persons who are uninsured. Passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act (H.R. 3590) and the accompanying corrections bill is an historic accomplishment. This law will help extend quality health care coverage to 32 million Americans and contains important insurance market reforms. The measure offers real health care solutions while respecting the dignity of life.

The Sisters of Charity Health System has monitored this process closely and will continue to proactively work toward improved access as the provisions of the law take effect. We will join with other health care providers to monitor the sustainability of this plan into the future and will remain engaged as health care delivery system changes are implemented.

As a family of Ohio and South Carolina healing ministires, with this new law, we look forward to promoting prevention and wellness. We join in the effort to end health disparities, while also encouraging prompt coverage for those without insurance and supporting access to care, which includes the preservation of strong reimbursement for providers.

May God bless our nation as we journey on this new health care path.

The Sisters of Charity Health System (SCHS) is an official partner of the U.S. Census Bureau this year; the healthcare system’s primary objective is to promote participation in the census to low income Northeast Ohioans to ensure the group is accurately represented in the upcoming 2010 census.

The Sisters of Charity Health System is spreading the word about the importance of the census and availability of questionnaires amongst its employees, patients and the communities it serves.

Census data is not only used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives amongst states, it directly affects how the more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is allocated to communities for neighborhood improvements, public health, education, transportation and more.

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A Message of Hope for Cleveland

By Sister Judith Ann Karam, CSA

In the past century and a half, while other businesses, city leaders and sports teams have come and gone, and while the city has survived wars, depressions and recessions, the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine have remained steadfast in our devotion to this great city and its people.

Our Sisters have tended the wounds of soldiers returning from the Civil War, offered spiritual healing at times of loss, comforted and educated orphans, rescued troubled mothers, given alcoholics a second chance, taught children to be the best they can be, provided a home for the homeless, and supported broken families with love and compassion.

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(COLUMBIA, S.C., DECEMBER 23, 2009) - The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina has awarded 16 Caritas grants and seven Discretionary grants, totaling $248,000, to nonprofit and faith-based organizations across South Carolina.

Caritas grants are for organizations providing outreach services to the poor and marginalized. Designed for organizations with annual budgets of less than $250,000, these one-year grant awards do not exceed $3,000. The $35,000 awarded through the 16 grants will go to serve 15 South Carolina counties; Chester, Clarendon, Horry, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Fairfield, Florence, Georgetown, Greenville, Lexington, Oconee, Richland and York.

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The South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, Midlands Fatherhood Coalition and Upstate Fatherhood Coalition participated in the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Roundtable and Community Forum on Responsible Fatherhood and Strong Communities on December 15, 2009 at Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia.

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