Caring is Our Sacred Calling

At Adventist Health, we are in the business of care and caring. You probably already figured that out, as we are a system of hospitals, clinics and other health-care services. What we do, however, is far more than just business.

Every day hundreds of people enter our hospitals because they trust us to care for them as we would care for our own families. And I am proud to say that is exactly what we strive to do. Why? Because caring is our sacred calling.

The essence of our Adventist Health mission — Sharing God’s love by providing physical, mental and spiritual healing — is caring for patients and their families. In carrying out this mission, all Adventist Health employees — whether dietitian, accountant, housekeeper, nurse or physician — strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those with whom they come in contact.

Throughout this special issue of the GLEANER, you will read stories from across our four-state system, demonstrating that our mission is more than a few words on a page. From spiritual care and its effect on physical healing and what it means for our patients, to excerpts from our newest inspirational book, you will read stories emphasizing the emotional connections our caregivers make with patients and their families. We’ll also show you how one Northwest hospital is caring for its community by expanding the campus, as well as offering new services.

As you turn these pages, you will see our employees living the Adventist Health mission — a mission that finds its true expression through care given. I don’t want to give anything away, so read the following pages for yourself. I hope you enjoy this spotlight on Adventist Health. If you wish to know more about us and our sacred calling, please visit AdventistHealth.org.

Facts about Adventist Health:

17 hospitals in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington

More than 263 service sites, including 130 medical clinics

14 home care agencies offering home health, hospice, personal care, medical equipment and infusion therapy services

Four joint-venture retirement centers

Headquartered in Roseville, California

Approximately 19,500 employees

More than 2,500 beds

Facts from 2010

123,540 admissions

448,155 emergency department visits

2,336,167 outpatient visits

211,195 home-care visits

86,047 hospice days

763,190 rural health visits

Provided nearly $300 million in free and low-cost services to our communities

The GLEANER thanks Heidi Tomlinson from Heidi Design for the leaf artwork used in this feature. Cover photo taken by Richard Dower, retired GLEANER editor.

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Featured in: October 2011

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