NOVEMBER 2025
Mission-driven programs deliver hope and healing to 180,000 people
Each year, the Mount Carmel Foundation produces a report highlighting the impact of its mission-driven programs in the communities we serve. In this year’s edition, we share just a few of the stories of those we’ve helped, thanks to generous donors and organizations that support the Foundation.
Whether it’s Chaplain Toni providing spiritual care for our friends experiencing homelessness or our hospice team taking exceptional care of Shirley Blake’s beloved husband, Dr. Barney Blake, in his final days, each Foundation-supported program delivers inspiration, hope, compassion and healing to those in need. With your support, we bring our Mission to life each day.
In Fiscal Year 2025, the Foundation provided more than $6 million in program funding, impacting more than 180,000 lives. Read the Mount Carmel Foundation 2025 Annual Report for more stats and stories about our work and a preview of what’s coming next.
Mount Carmel Colleagues treated to a special holiday outing
Caring for the caregivers is an essential part of the Foundation’s work. Our colleagues are the most radically compassionate, skilled and dedicated healthcare team around. It’s wonderful to have an opportunity to reward their work and provide respite from the everyday challenges they face.
Each year, we provide them with an exclusive, complimentary evening enjoying the amazing Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This year, Mount Carmel colleagues and their guests enjoyed the spectacular, immersive display of holiday lights along with train and boat rides, new animated Holiday Magic lights shows and a visit to the Reindeer Corral, among other attractions.
Mount Carmel Foundation is proud to spread holiday joy to our colleagues and we are grateful for their support each and every day!
Everyone wins at the Dr. O Memorial 5K Run/Walk
Runners, walkers and a host of supporters took part – virtually and in-person - in the Dr. O Memorial 5K Walk/Run on November 1. In addition to all the winners who donated, sponsored, ran, walked and cheered, our Street Medicine program won, too. More than $30,000 was raised through this event, the proceeds of which benefit Street Medicine, helping Mount Carmel continue to provide no-cost medical care to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.
In addition to generous sponsors of the race, the planning team and the leaders and staff at Mount Carmel Fitness Center played significant roles in the success of this event.
Known for its distinctive Mobile Coach and exceptional caregivers, many of whom learned from and worked with Dr. O, the coach is accessible at eight locations around central Ohio and spends three days a week on the streets, bringing medical care to unhoused individuals.
Learn more about Street Medicine and other Community Health & Well-Being programs.
Helping make adoption dreams come true for Mount Carmel colleagues
On National Adoption Day, November 22, Mount Carmel celebrated and provided financial help to four colleagues who are growing their families through adoption. Thanks to a generous endowment provided by Amy Van Dyke, PhD, the health system’s former ethicist, 20 colleagues received grants to defray some of the costs associated with adoption.
This program, now in its fourth year, is administered by the Foundation and a committee of Mount Carmel colleagues. Health informatics leader Melissa Mackey, MHA, FACHE, an adoptive mother herself, serves on the committee. “We review applications and make decisions on grant approval. Last week, we held our virtual celebration with the funder, Amy, and the colleagues receiving grants this year,” said Melissa. “It’s heartwarming to hear the stories about their adoption journeys. We wish them well in their adoption process and offer a prayer for them at the end of the celebration.”
Caring for colleagues is always a top priority for the Foundation and helping growing families is one of the most meaningful ways we do this.
If you’d like to support this initiative, please visit our website and choose Van Dyke Happy Adoption Day Fund from the drop-down menu, or make a gift to another fund of your choice.
Wellness Made Simple Content Hub
Mount Carmel Health System, in collaboration with Columbus Business First, has launched Wellness Made Simple, a dynamic content hub featuring practical, trustworthy health information. This dedicated section provides expert insights, patient stories, and educational articles that make navigating wellness easier for individuals and families alike.
From understanding complex conditions like atrial fibrillation to debunking myths about prostate cancer and sharing inspiring journeys—such as a working mom’s breast cancer battle—Wellness Made Simple delivers content that’s both informative and relatable. Whether you're seeking preventative tips or exploring treatment options, this hub offers a compassionate and clear approach to health topics that matter most.
Visit Wellness Made Simple to explore the latest articles and start your journey toward better health today.