February 11, 2009

Exempla board strongly reaffirms its support of St. Joseph’s as a Catholic hospital

By Martin C. Heldorfer

Many fear that the Freedom of Choice Act has the support of President Barack Obama and his administration. If it were to pass, Catholic organizations would be required to provide abortions and contraceptive services.  That mandate would require Catholic institutions and providers to violate their consciences.

Dorothy Horrell, an Exempla Healthcare board member, requested that the board take a strong position against any legislation that would threaten the Catholic identity of St. Joseph Hospital, one of Denver’s largest hospitals with a 135-year history of providing the highest quality of care to its patients.  On Jan. 26, the board did in a statement, which reads in part: “We, as a board, go on record opposing any legislation at any level that would impose restrictions on St. Joseph Hospital to operate consistent with its mission as a Catholic institution.”

Jeff Selberg, president and CEO of Exempla, clearly stated his position.

“The board believes that we have a responsibility to protect the heritage of Exempla St. Joseph Hospital as a Catholic institution and we will oppose any statutes or policies that would threaten its Catholic identity.”

The same message was voiced by Robert Minkin, president and CEO of St. Joseph Hospital.

“Catholic healthcare is a ministry of the Church,” Minkin said. “We have been, and we have every intention to continue, to be faithful to that noble calling.” 

Sister Melissa Camardo, S.C.L., director of Sponsorship and Workplace Spirituality at the hospital, has a unique perspective. 

“The sisters came to Colorado over a century ago in order to care for those in need,” she said. “They were responding to the Gospel’s call to serve.  The physicians, nurses and support staff at St. Joseph Hospital continue that rich tradition by offering quality, compassionate care and protecting human dignity.  The strength of our tradition will lead us into the future as a vibrant Catholic healthcare organization.”

Exempla St. Joseph Hospital was founded by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth in 1873. In January 1998 St. Joseph Hospital joined Lutheran Medical Center and Exempla Medical Group to form Exempla Healthcare, a not-for-profit, community-based organization.

Martin C. Heldorfer is Senior Vice President Mission, for Exempla Healthcare.