Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
See separate instructions.| (i) Name of supported organization |
(ii) EIN |
(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions)) |
(iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document? |
(v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support? |
(vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.? |
(vii) Amount of support? |
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| Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | ||||
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| Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in) | (a) 2006 | (b) 2007 | (c) 2008 | (d) 2009 | (e) 2010 | (f) Total | |
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| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .... | ||||||
| 2 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf....... | ||||||
| 3 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. | ||||||
| 4 | Total. Add lines 1 through 3.. | ||||||
| 5 | The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f).. | ||||||
| 6 | Public Support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | ||||||
| Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in) | (a) 2006 | (b) 2007 | (c) 2008 | (d) 2009 | (e) 2010 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | ||||||
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. | ||||||
| 9 | Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. | ||||||
| 10 | Other income. (Explain in Part IV.) Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets.. | ||||||
| 11 | Total support (Add lines 7 through 10). | ||||||






| Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in) | (a) 2006 | (b) 2007 | (c) 2008 | (d) 2009 | (e) 2010 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . | ||||||
| 2 | Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose...... | ||||||
| 3 | Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513.. | ||||||
| 4 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf... | ||||||
| 5 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. | ||||||
| 6 | Total. Add lines 1 through 5. | ||||||
| 7a | Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons... | ||||||
| b | Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 7a and 7b.. | ||||||
| 8 | Public Support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.) | ||||||
| Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) | (a) 2006 | (b) 2007 | (c) 2008 | (d) 2009 | (e) 2010 | (f) Total | |
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| 9 | Amounts from line 6... | ||||||
| 10a | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. | ||||||
| b | Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 10a and 10b. | ||||||
| 11 | Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. | ||||||
| 12 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.) | ||||||
| 13 | Total support (Add lines 9, 10c, 11 and 12.). | ||||||




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Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.| Identifier | Return Reference | Explanation |
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| Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 6 | Holy Cross Hospital, Inc. has a single corporate member, Carondelet Health Network. | |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 7a | Holy Cross Hospital, Inc. has a single corporate member, Carondelet Health Network, who has the ability to elect members to the governing body of Holy Cross Hospital, Inc. | |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 7b | All decisions that have a material impact to Holy Cross Hospital, Inc. financial information or corporation as a whole are subject to approval by its sole corporate member, Carondelet Health Network. | |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 11 | Management, including certain officers, works diligently to complete the Form 990 and attached schedules in a thorough manner. Management presents the Form to the Board, or a designated committee, to review and answer any questions. Prior to filing the return, all Board Members are provided the Form 990 and management team members are available to answer any Board Members questions. | |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 12c | The organization regularly and consistently monitors and enforces compliance with the conflict of interest policy in that any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of the committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement. The remaining individuals on the governing board or committee meeting will decide if conflicts of interest exist. Each director, principal officer and member of a committee with governing board delegated powers annually signs a statement which affirms such person has received a copy of the conflict of interest policy, has read and understands the policy, has agreed to comply with the policy, and understands that the organization is charitable and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish its tax-exempt purpose. | |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 15 | In determining compensation of the organization's CEO, the process, performed by Carondelet Health Network, a related organization, included a review and approval by independent persons, comparability data, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision. The audit committee reviewed and approved the compensation. In the review of the compensation, the CEO was compared to individuals at other hospitals in the area that hold the same title. During the review and approval of the compensation, documentation of the decision was recorded in the board minutes. The individual was not present when her compensation was decided. In determining compensation of other officers or key employees of the organization, the process, performed by Carondelet Health Network, a related organization, included a review and approval by independent persons, comparability data, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision. The audit committee reviewed and approved the compensation. In the review of the compensation, the other officers or key employees of the organization were compared to other hospitals' employees in the area that hold the same title. During the review and approval of the compensation, documentation of the decision was recorded in the board minutes. | |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section C, line 19 | The organization will provide any documents open to public inspection upon request. | |
| Explanation of Average Hours Worked for Organization: | Form 990, Part VII, Section A: | Officers and Key Employees for Holy Cross Hospital, Inc. provide services to Carondelet Health Network and its subsidiaries. Hours worked are not tracked on an entity by entity basis. Therefore where noted with a "Sch O" reference, all hours are reported on Form 990, Part VII, Compensation of Officers, Directors, Trustees, key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors represent aggregate hours worked per week for all entities. |
| Changes in Net Assets or Fund Balances: | Form 990, Part XI, line 5: | Transfers to Sponsor - Ascension Health -55,745. Total to Form 990, Part XI, Line 5: -55,745. |
| Community Benefit Report: | Form 990, Part III, Line 4a: | Carondelet Health Network 2011 Community Benefit Report Brain Academy Offers Students a Glimpse into the Future: All parents ponder the possibilities of what our children may become. Scientists...doctors...brain surgeons? But consider actually providing them a firsthand look at the realities of those possibilities. In May 2011, a dozen students from Tucson's largest school district participated in the first-ever Brain Academy, sponsored by Carondelet Health Network. The two-day event was held in tandem with Carondelet Neurological Institute's annual Neurosciences Conference. On the first day of the Brain Academy, students toured the Carondelet Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital. They got to see the neurosurgical operating room suites-the first of their kind in North America. They also visited the biplane angiography suite, where aneurysms are treated, and the Stereotactic Radiosurgery Suite, which is used for targeted radiation treatment of brain and spinal tumors. The second day, students had the unique opportunity to meet with top neurologists and neurosurgeons at the Neurosciences Conference. Conference leaders discussed the latest developments in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, movement disorders, disorders of the spine, and brain concussions. Brain Academy was conceived in an effort to spark interest in the medical sciences among Tucson's youth. "In the educational community, we certainly recognize the need to generate more interest among today's students in the fields of science and technology," said Tucson Unified School District Superintendent John J. Pedicone, Ph.D. "Carondelet Neurological Institute's outreach to our students is a wonderful gift that allows students to see the possibilities that exist in their futures through science and medicine." Robert P. Goldfarb, M.D., Chairman of Carondelet Neurological Institute noted, "The Brain Academy is a valuable next effort to invest in and strengthen this region's future through the students we encourage to pursue careers in our field." Carondelet Health Network is expanding the program to engage students in a number of local school systems in 2012. A few comments from students' evaluation forms: -It was such a great opportunity to talk with doctors and have questions answered. -I really enjoyed touring the hospital. -The student discussion groups and activities were fun-such a fantastic opportunity. -It was great to learn about conditions applicable to teenage lives, like concussions in sports. Habitat For Humanity & Carondelet Health Network Team up to Build a Dream: Carondelet Health Network is always actively working to improve the lives of those in Southern Arizona. In addition to providing excellent medical care and a broad spectrum of health resources, Carondelet also works with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for those in need. In the fall of 2010, Carondelet associates from across the Ministry volunteered to help build a house for a deserving Tucson family. Turns out, they were building for one of their own. Gina Beltran, an office coordinator in the Carondelet Diabetes Center, was the joyful recipient of the new home, located in Southeast Tucson. Beltran has four children: Jessica, 23, and Pedro, 19, who have left the nest, and Cassandra, 17, and Angela, 14, who live with Beltran in their new Habitat home. "My kids are everything to me," Beltran said. "I always wanted to do this-buy a home-but I was scared." Carondelet associates-from clinical workers to physicians to executives-pounded nails and raised the first walls at the home's groundbreaking held September 11, 2010, as part of "Building Freedom Day." Every year on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Habitat for Humanity Tucson begins construction on several homes to memorialize the victims and to celebrate hope, community and the American dream. Groups of Carondelet volunteers continued to lend time and muscle on weekends for several months. Working alongside the volunteers, Beltran and her children contributed many required "sweat equity" hours during construction. "I am just so happy about this opportunity, and I am grateful that anybody would help," Beltran said. "It means a lot to me and my children-so much that I can't even express my thanks in words." The Beltrans got the keys, and their home was dedicated on May 26, 2011. Not only was it the ultimate homecoming for the family, that date holds added significance. It was the 141st anniversary of the day the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet first arrived in Tucson in 1870. The Sisters started St. Mary's Hospital a decade later. Finding Faith through Good Health and Wellness: Reaching out to engage an entire community in the pursuit of good health and wellness can be an overwhelming task. One way to do this is by partnering with religious groups, which have already established ties to their members: ties of faith, trust and fellowship. To take advantage of an excellent opportunity to help more people in Southern Arizona, Carondelet Health Network has teamed up with local religious congregations to train their leaders on how best to provide health and wellness outreach to church members. "Basic Training for Congregational Health Leaders" (CHL training) was created to teach the essentials of starting or improving an existing health ministry program, with a focus on promoting whole-person health within religious organizations. A health ministry can include such elements as prayer groups, visiting the sick, nutrition classes, health screenings and evaluations and other wellness initiatives. By October 2011, Carondelet, in partnership with Interfaith Community Services, had completed its fifth session of CHL training. Thus far, 70 individuals from 45 faith-based organizations have participated in the training. One example is Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church. It has used the training, along with technical assistance from Carondelet's Parish Nurse Program, to implement a health ministry program. Rising Star's first initiative was a health screening in February 2011, where 65 members were screened to assess their risk for diabetes and high blood pressure. Rising Star then used the results from the health screenings as a guide for further activities. Next, Rising Star kicked off its "Biggest Winner" challenge to lose pounds, exercise more and reduce the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. More than 100 church members signed up to participate in this program. Each member was assigned to one of eight teams that are encouraging one another to eat healthy diets, exercise and attend Bible study and prayer services. Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Heart Failure Transitional Care Team Celebrates First Year of Successful, Challenging Care: Patients who have been diagnosed with heart failure are on a precarious journey-one that frequently leads right back to the hospital. To improve their health and help avoid repeat hospitalizations, Carondelet Health Network created a special Heart Failure Transitional Care team last year. The team is composed of two experienced cardiac nurses, Rose Quiroga, RN, and Amy Salgado, RN. The first year of the program's existence was challenging but successful. Patients with heart failure have definitely benefited from the education, medication, understanding and coordination of care that the nurses in Carondelet's program provide. Heart Failure Transitional Care begins when patients are released from the hospital. A nurse follows up with each patient at home, working with them to develop a plan of care that will help them become independent in managing their care. These plans include the following elements: -Home visits to provide self-management education -Education to increase patients' understanding of their condition and medications -Care coordination for follow-up medical appointments -Other community or social services care coordination as needed. The nurses work with heart failure patients for two months, providing consistent and ongoing care and education. During this critical time, nurses are able to monitor patients' weight via tele-monitoring and educate patients about the significance and potential dangers posed by weight gains. During the past year, the team nurses cared for a number of patients with complex health needs. Some were homeless, without insurance, lacking money and food and had many other needs. |
| Thanks to the collaboration of many community organizations, including St. Elizabeth's Clinic, El Rio Health Care, Carondelet's Van of Hope, Dependable Home Health, La Frontera, Tucson Community Food Bank, Pima Council on Aging and others, the team was able to help connect their patients with the care and resources they needed. It wasn't always easy, but the rewards were significant. One patient explained, "I gave up all hope and just wanted to die. Then you came and showed me how I can still live a good life with just a few adjustments in my daily living." This patient thought heart failure was a death sentence until Amy Salgado came into his life. She was able to provide the resources and education he needed to understand and manage his health condition. In another case, Rose Quiroga cared for a homeless patient, with the help of El Rio discharge nurse planners and physicians, the Van of Hope and Primavera Homeless Shelter. This patient is now living comfortably and independently at St. Luke's Assisted Living. "I needed a lot of help and would never have made it without Rose," he said. Carondelet's exceptional nurses were able to help these patients avoid going back into the hospital. In addition, the team cared for 19 other patients, also preventing readmissions to the hospital for all of them during the first year of the Heart Failure Transitional Care program. Thanks to this program, the future looks a lot brighter for many Tucson residents with heart failure. Behavioral Health Patients Who Are Homeless Get Vital Care: Behavioral health issues, including psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse problems, are often factors that prevent people from holding a job. All too often, this ultimately causes them to become homeless. Unfortunately, having a serious psychiatric illness, such as schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic attacks or addiction can make homelessness even more terrifying and overwhelming. Some homeless individuals also have serious medical issues that make their lives that much more difficult. These issues commonly include heart attacks, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), back injuries and diabetes, among many others. With the past several years of our country's economic downturn, many more people have become homeless. The behavioral health services offered via Carondelet Health Network's Van of Hope are often a lifesaver for those in great need. The van, with its medical and behavioral health staff, routinely travels to 17 locations where the homeless congregate-primarily shelters and meal sites. One man who had lost his job, house, wife and children tried to walk from Mesa to Tucson in the summertime and had been hospitalized for dehydration. When he encountered staff on the Van of Hope, he was disoriented and suicidal. After counseling, he was willing to return to Phoenix, where he had the most support, and was connected with behavioral health services there. Carondelet's follow-up efforts indicate that he is now doing well. Another man had significant psychiatric symptoms resulting from severe abuse by his mother and grandmother throughout childhood. He had grown tall, but could not defend himself from the intrusion of horrible memories and nightmares because of his PTSD. He found relief only by cutting and burning himself, and he had thoughts of both suicide and homicide. He knew he needed to control these thoughts, but could not do it alone. He had no health care and no money. This patient was connected to the Crisis Response Center/SAMHC for emergency assessment and then referred to a behavioral health network center. After therapeutic encounters, he reported that his anxiety and anger were diminished. With the regular treatment and medication he now receives, he is doing much better. The Van of Hope has provided an ever-increasing number of services to people like these. A total of 54 behavioral health patients received 74 therapeutic encounters. Most were in person; 14 were conducted via telemedicine sessions. During the past year, 18 patients were referred to behavioral health network centers; 13 were seriously mentally ill, and three were referred to the Crisis Response Center/SAMHC for emergency assessments. Of those referred, 39 percent did follow up on their referrals. Nine patients with both serious medical and behavioral health issues received help; 44 percent of those followed up on referrals. Van staffers work hard to ensure that patients go to their follow-up appointments to get the best and most thorough care. Carondelet's Van of Hope serves a community of people in great need, most of whom have no other options or behavioral health services available to them. Not only are these patients getting the help they desperately need, they also report being very happy with their care and grateful for the services. In the words of one homeless person, "It means a lot to me to have someone professional to talk to." Post-Hospital Program for Those Who Are Homeless: Jose C., aged 73, was in a tough spot. He had been homeless for many years, had no financial resources and had recently been hospitalized for heart failure. Jose needed a place to stay while he recuperated. He also needed meals and follow-up medical care. His only family member was a brother who lived out of state and was unable to provide assistance. Fortunately, Jose was able to enroll in the Homeless Post-hospital pilot program. The Homeless Post-hospital program is part of the Health Village (Southern Arizona Health Village for the Homeless) program, which also includes the Van of Hope. The Van of Hope is a mobile clinic providing medical, social and behavioral health services for people who are homeless. Partners in the Health Village collaborative are Carondelet Health Network, El Rio Community Health Center, Primavera Foundation, Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless, Pima Community Access Program, Salvation Army, Dependable Health Services, St. Elizabeth's Health Center and the Veterans Administration. While in the Homeless Post-hospital program, Jose stayed at the Primavera Men's Shelter and also received his meals there. Dependable Health Services sent in skilled nurses to provide the follow-up care he needed, and an El Rio Community Health Center Nurse Practitioner checked in with Jose every week. A Carondelet Heart Failure Team nurse also visited Jose to help monitor his progress. Members of the Van of Hope staff rounded out Jose's post-hospital support team, visiting him twice a week to insure that all his needs (medical, social and behavioral health) were being met. When Jose first arrived at the Primavera Men's Shelter, he had been in and out of hospitals and was very weak. After a couple of weeks, he began to feel better. Before the end of his three-month stay, he began to thrive. Case managers at the shelter worked closely with Jose to find a home for him to transition into once he had recuperated. Ultimately they suggested St. Luke's Home; Jose visited there and thought it was a great fit. Today Jose is doing very well. He reports that he feels great and is really enjoying living at St. Luke's. The pilot for the Homeless Post-hospital program was launched at Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital. St. Mary's case managers were instrumental in identifying homeless patients who were in need of post-hospital services and recommending them for the program. Once the pilot is complete, the program will open at other area hospitals, giving another helping hand to our community's most vulnerable residents. Carondelet Offers Shadowing, Hiring Events to Boost Workforce: Carondelet Health Network engages in a variety of professional outreach efforts to find people considering a career in healthcare, or those who might be returning to a career in the hospital environment. Events are organized by the health ministry's Student Services, Management Development and Human Resources teams. At the lead is Lynda Gallagher. One great opportunity for those who want an up-close look at the hospital environment is called "shadowing." This allows individuals considering a healthcare career to follow a physician or nurse around during a typical day in the hospital. Similarly, "RN refreshers" are four-hour shadowing periods that help nurses get reacquainted with the intricacies of hospital care. Carondelet Volunteer Services also gets involved by coordinating unique, up-close visits or volunteer experiences at Carondelet hospitals or other facilities that span Southern Arizona. | ||
| As the healthcare industry experiences dynamic fluctuations in hiring, coupled with an ongoing need for specialized clinicians, Carondelet also hosts career fairs or other hiring events whenever needed. Even as the industry changes and evolves, healthcare recruiting for those with specialized skills and experienced caregivers will likely remain a constant. Two hiring events in late 2010 and 2011 saw tremendous turnout with long lines of interested job applicants. Openings ranged from experienced RNs, therapists and patient care technicians. Some attendees scored interviews on the spot and job offers shortly thereafter to join the Carondelet family. Carondelet Community Outreach to the Rescue: At 20 years old, Sislynne Langbata has had to grow up fast. She moved to Arizona from Colorado in June 2010 with her daughter. As a new mother, Langbata knew she needed an education to be able to have a good career. Her parents, who live in Phoenix, were happy to care for their two-year-old granddaughter while Langbata attended the Fred Giacosta Job Corps Center here in Tucson. She was working hard to earn a medical receptionist certificate when she discovered she was pregnant again. Without health insurance, she felt lost and afraid. "I didn't tell anyone I was pregnant. I was so stressed and depressed because I didn't have the means to see a doctor," Langbata said. The next three months were torture. "I went to see a doctor in one office, but he couldn't do anything to help me with my pregnancy since I had no health insurance." In America today, approximately 13 percent of pregnant women do not have health insurance. The percentages are higher for minorities, and the consequences can be severe. Unfortunately, without health insurance, pregnant women are at greatly increased risk for miscarriage, birth defects, infant mortality and maternal death. But Langbata's story is happier than most in a similar situation. Renee Perez, Community Health Outreach Coordinator for Carondelet Health Network, visited the Job Corps Center and met Langbata. Perez assisted her in taking the necessary steps to apply electronically for AHCCCS coverage, Arizona's Medicaid program. Within weeks of Perez's intervention, Langbata was insured through the Mercy Care Plan. "It is such a huge weight off my shoulders. This means everything to me." Perez also helped Langbata make her first appointment at Carondelet Health Network's Primeros Pasos prenatal clinic. Now, Langbata receives regular checkups and the prenatal care and vitamins she needs to ensure that her second child will be born healthy. With health insurance coverage, Langbata now has the peace of mind to focus on her future. She's concentrating on school, getting her employment certificate, finding a job and building a life for herself and her children. Corazon de Maria Extends Vital Help Across the Boarder: At Holy Cross Hospital in Nogales, Arizona, young women facing the realities of a teenage pregnancy are invited to participate in a unique program that teaches them about the role and responsibility of becoming a mother. This community outreach and education project, called Corazon de Maria, is made possible by a grant from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The effort focuses on educating teenagers about the need to protect and ensure human dignity-both their own and their child's. It also promotes the Sisters' values: respect, integrity, wisdom and leadership. The program helps young people appreciate the importance of a good quality of life for everyone-the poor, the vulnerable, themselves and their children. In collaboration with a number of community organizations, the Corazon de Maria team has created a curriculum focused on teenage mothers and their infants, although young fathers and others who may play a supporting role in raising the child are also encouraged to attend. Class topics include the following: -What to Expect When You Turn 18 -Infant CPR -Shaken Baby Syndrome -Identifying and Building Healthy Relationships -Personal Identity -The Happiest Baby on the Block The Corazon de Maria curriculum includes hands-on activities, medical and social educational presentations, an explanation of available community resources, lots of conversation and a tremendous amount of compassion. Teenagers feeling the pressure of parenthood find a sense of value and empowerment. One young girl who participated in the program explained, "You realize that you are not alone in your fear, confusion and thoughts about what to do now. Corazon de Maria helps teen mothers learn to take care of a baby, from changing diapers to giving CPR." Corazon de Maria classes are held at Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital and Cima Vista High School in Rio Rico, Arizona. Many thanks to the following organizations whose collaboration make the Corazon de Maria program possible: -Mariposa Community Health Center -Child & Family Resources -U of A Cooperative Extension -Catholic Community Services -Community Intervention Associates -Nuestra Casa -Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District Hospice & Palliative Care Program Uses Family-centered Care to Enhance Patients' Comfort and Well-being: Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital's Hospice and Palliative Care Program, aligned with the mission and ministry of Carondelet Health Network, is a model of care that is patient- and family-centered for those who suffer with chronic disease or who may be at the end of their life. This care optimizes patients' quality of life by anticipating, preventing and treating suffering, while also addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each patient. Palliative care can be provided in the hospital setting at any time during a serious illness in conjunction with curative or life-prolonging medical care. The Palliative program team consists of a full-time registered nurse and physicians, plus other interdisciplinary team members, such as hospital chaplains, social workers and case managers. As a faith-based organization, Carondelet Health Network's mission is to provide compassionate medical and spiritual care for patients and families as they navigate their life's journeys. One example of a collaborative effort by the Palliative care team and the Spiritual Care department is the prayer blanket ministry. Prayer blankets are created by volunteers, associates and community partners as a gift of love for patients who may be at the end of life. The thought of losing a life is heartbreaking for everyone involved-patients, family and friends, and even the medical team, hospital associates and volunteers who have served the patient. But sometimes a kind gesture can make a difference. Thus the Prayer Blanket Ministry was born. This collaborative effort began in March 2008 at St. Mary's Hospital in an effort to ease a stressful time for patients and their families. Volunteers and associates crochet or knit blankets as gifts for patients at the end of their lives. The blankets are then lovingly presented, along with special blessings for both the patient and family, by the Hospital's Spiritual Care chaplains, Palliative nurse and sometimes even the volunteer who created the blanket. Many who have received a prayer blanket described the experience as "being wrapped in the arms of God." The project began with a single knitter and has since expanded to dozens of volunteers and staff members who create handmade blankets. The impact has been significant. The daughter of a recent patient said, "Words cannot convey our gratitude for your gift of love. The blanket, your gentle kindness and thoughtful counsel were so wonderful as we went through a remarkable farewell journey with our mom. We will forever cherish the beautiful blue and white blanket that warmed our mother during our last days together. It warms us still. Thank you, and bless you." Carondelet Hospice and Palliative Care was blessed to receive its largest donation ever last summer. A gift of $4.5 million was gratefully accepted from the estate of Winifred Q. Witt, a longtime Tucsonan who passed away in September 2010 at age 94. This gift allows the program to continue its helpful and loving ministry in the Tucson community. |
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