What is today known as Catholic Healthcare West began nearly 150 years ago when many pioneering women religious traveled from abroad to carry on the healing ministry of Jesus in the New World. With this rich heritage as our foundation, we recognize and honor our responsibility to serve those who are poor or disadvantaged both domestically and internationally.
Nearly one-half of the world’s population (2.8 billion people) lives below the internationally defined poverty line of less than U.S. $2 a day. The growing need for sustainable health care services in developing countries, coupled with our mission of care for all in need, places Catholic Healthcare West in a unique position to expand our mission to international communities. By supporting the international ministries of our Sponsoring Congregations we honor our heritage and continue to fulfill our mission.
OUR MISSION
Catholic Healthcare West and our Sponsoring Congregations are committed to furthering the healing ministry of Jesus. We dedicate our resources to:
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delivering compassionate, high-quality, affordable health services;
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serving and advocating for our sisters and brothers who are poor and disenfranchised; and
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partnering with others in the community to improve the quality of life.
OUR CHARTER
We are a collaborative healing ministry that seeks to alleviate unnecessary suffering by promoting self-sustaining communities, providing education, and supporting health care services to people in need.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
We are guided by the following four principles:
- Seek first to support and enhance existing ministries, avoiding unnecessary duplication of efforts.
- Be attentive to the needs of those currently providing care in foreign countries - do not impose a predetermined concept of what is needed.
- Develop a new presence only where needed and in collaboration with other organizations.
- Provide the tools and skills that enable those in need to care for themselves, giving them the dignity and respect deserved by all human persons.
