Tackling challenges and conditions no one else in the community wished to take on, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia have always been committed to creating healthier communities. Often the challenges seemed great however inspired by the motto of Mother Mary Francis Bachmann “No Risk, No Gain,” the Sisters set out into the community dedicated to caring for those in need. In 1883, two Sisters were sent to Lancaster, Pennsylvania by the Sisters of St. Sister Eusebis Scheivert and Sister Genevieve Wolpert’s mission: to care for those in need in Lancaster County. At that time, fulfilling the mission meant the creation of the first hospital in Lancaster County – St. Joseph Hospital. Initially many in Lancaster were suspicious of the Sisters and their health mission. Over the years, through the Sisters dedication and commitment to the health of both individuals and the Lancaster Community, St. Joseph Hospital and the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia became accepted and respected members of the local community. In the mid-1990s, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia and other Congregations of Women Religious who led strong health ministries across the United States joined together to form Catholic Health Initiatives. The new system – Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) – formed a unique health ministry which combines the leadership of both Religious and lay members in a national effort to create healthier communities. Within the developing system of CHI, St. Joseph’s commitment to the unique health needs of Lancaster County continued. As the new millennium approached, a new direction was taking shape for the health ministry in Lancaster. After years of providing Lancaster County with quality medical care through St. Joseph Hospital and related medical practices, the needs of the region were evolving. In the tradition of our founding Sisters, St. Joseph Hospital also evolved. With many medical providers and hospitals now working to meet the need for medical care in the community, the time had come for the energies of CHI and the spirit behind the founding of St. Joseph Hospital to take a new risk and respond to a new and growing need. Joseph Hospital was sold in 2000. From the sale of the Hospital came the birth of St. Joseph Health Ministries, a community-based program dedicated to the health and well-being of Lancaster County. Today, with a focus on the health and well-being of children the organization is known as CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health. Since 2004 our programs have focused exclusively on the health needs of children working with community partners to assure access to appropriate quality health services and benefits for every child in the county. Our mission in children’s health began with the development of Brush.Brush.Smile!® our mobile dental clinic program and now includes multiple efforts, programs and services committed to improving the oral health of children and expanding healthcare access in addition to strategic community investments and partnerships dedicated to improving the capacity of the Lancaster Community to address the health and well-being needs of every child. For us to comply with federal and state privacy laws, it is important that you not include any private health information in any message you send via your account to this channel.
