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.

Cleveland, Ohio (Aug. 10, 2009)­­ – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The Boards of the Sisters of Charity Health System and the Cuyahoga Joint Venture today announce a change in the leadership structure at St. Vincent Charity Hospital. Under this new structure, the Sisters of Charity Health System will directly manage St. Vincent Charity Hospital with Sister Judith Ann Karam, CSA, president and CEO of the health system also serving as the president and CEO of the hospital.

In collaboration with St. Vincent leadership, medical staff and caregivers, the team will move forward a new strategic vision for the hospital, developing its campus, medical staff, clinical technology and off-site network of health facilities while continuing its more than 144 years of faith-based, high-quality health care service to this community. This new leadership structure also will allow for improved efficiencies, reduced costs and access to system-level executive expertise.

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The Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, Sisters of Charity Health System and representatives from the Health System’s South Carolina ministries met with Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone on June 22, in the Chancery Officein downtown Charleston.

The 90-minute meeting briefed the Bishop of the Sisters’ Catholic presence and ongoing investment in the state. Congregational Leader Sister Miriam Erb addressed the 71 years the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine have lived and worked in South Carolina. Sister Judith Ann Karam, CSA, president and CEO of the Sisters of Charity Health System, gave the Bishop an overview of the structure and the current developments in the health care ministry in both Ohio and South Carolina.

The Sisters of Charity Health System has four ministries in South Carolina; Healthy Learners, Providence Hospitals, Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina and the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families. Leaders of these ministries each spent a few minutes educating the Bishop on the work and impact of their respective ministries in the state.

Lisa Potts, policy director for the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, described the plight of low-income fathers in the state and shared how the Center is making a difference in their lives and the lives of their children.

After an extensive question and answer period Bishop Guglielmone offered his appreciation and support of the Sisters and their ministries.

"At the forefront of this decision was how we could best serve the health care needs of these three communities – Canton, Cleveland and Westlake,” said Sister Judith Ann Karam, CSA, president and CEO, Sisters of Charity Health System

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