OCTOBER 2024
Foundations meet to share information, insights and mission-critical initiatives
The Catholic Foundation, led by CEO Loren Brown, hosted a special evening event to highlight Catholic healthcare in our community on October 16. Bishop Earl Fernandes, Mount Carmel CEO Tauana McDonald and Mount Carmel College of Nursing President Dr. Todd Ambrosia provided an uplifting and enlightening overview of Mount Carmel’s current work and future plans.
“Faith is central to everything we are and everything we do at Mount Carmel. It’s woven into our radically compassionate care. It guides us, motivates us, and humbles us every single day. We’re proud to be a Catholic healthcare ministry, steeped in faith and our amazing history, ready to grow and change to meet the healthcare needs of tomorrow,” said McDonald.
“I want Mount Carmel to be THE place where patients want to come for care, physicians want to practice and colleagues want to work. Beyond the walls of our hospitals and other facilities, we’re going to continue being a force for good,” McDonald said. “Whether it’s a struggle with addiction, finding sustainable housing, using food as medicine to address chronic diseases like diabetes, improving the health of moms and babies or addressing other social determinants of health, Mount Carmel is there. We’ll need your support to be successful and I’m excited for future opportunities to make a positive difference for those we serve.”
Dr. Ambrosia outlined the College’s strategic plan initiatives, including more mission-based experience for students and expanded educational pathways. He said, “We pride ourselves on providing the best education, training and clinical experiences for our students, preparing them to practice successfully on day one of their professional career. In nursing, education and experience are only part of the equation, though. Our nurses have that secret something that sets them apart…they are radically compassionate and focus not only on healing bodies, but minds and spirits, too. We want them to care for your family as if they were caring for their own.”
2024 Community Impact Report highlights lives changed
There is no better demonstration of what our generous donors make possible than the stories of life-changing programs and services that we highlight each year in our annual Community Impact report. The 100,000 people who are served, in some measure, by Foundation-supported activities each year represent the most diverse and deserving individuals in our community. From new moms to adults needed trauma care and nursing students to retirees learning to improve their nutrition and live healthier lives, we serve them all with compassion and excellence.
We make special note, in this year’s report, to highlight Tauana McDonald, our new CEO at Mount Carmel, as well as our most long-standing partner, Emergency Services, Inc., which has established an endowment through the Foundation. Our Board of Trustees, colleagues, volunteers and medical professionals throughout the health system play significant roles in our outreach every day, as you’ll see in this year’s report.
As Foundation President Deanna Stewart and Board Chair Jim Karam say in their annual letter, “We simply could not do this without your support, and we are grateful for what you have helped make possible.”
Early detection of breast cancer saves lives
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a perfect time to highlight advances in screening techniques for early detection and improved survival rates. Dr. Shilpa Padia, breast surgical oncologist, at Mount Carmel, hosted a webinar earlier this month to share what’s new in breast cancer screening, make recommendations on exams and screening, and answer participant questions.
“One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime,” said Padia. “In 2024, an estimated 310,720 women will be diagnosed. Getting regular mammograms – annually beginning at age 40 – is one of the best ways to detect cancer early, when it is more easily and successfully treated.”
Mammograms have evolved from film and digital mammography. “In the last five years, we’ve developed the ability to do 3D mammograms routinely. Depending on breast tissue density and other factors, women may need additional screening measures like ultrasound or abbreviated MRI,” she said. According to Dr. Padia, these tests should be done to coincide with the timing of your annual mammogram. Her recommendations also include an annual clinical breast exam by your physician.
“We want to find cancer before you can see it or feel it. Early detection equals less treatment and better survival rates,” said Dr. Padia.
If you’d like to learn more, you can access Dr. Padia’s full webinar here.
Catholic clergy and leaders tour Mount Carmel Dublin
Hosted by Bishop Earl Fernades, honorary chair of the Mount Carmel Dublin capital campaign, clergy and diocesan leaders and staff took a behind-the scenes tour of the new health and medical campus set to open in April 2025.
“Bringing Catholic health care to this community is very important to us,” Bishop Fernades said. “The tenants of service, especially of charity; witness, which recognizes the power of Christ to heal; and the healing power of prayer will be present in the care delivered here.”
Jordan Smith, senior project manager for Danis, the construction company building the campus, shared insights about construction innovations and advancements being employed at the site. He and a colleague toured two groups throughout the new hospital, showing progress toward its completion.
Msgr. Joseph Hendricks, Mount Carmel Foundation Board member and co-chair of the capital campaign said, “I’m struck today by the amazing progress of the project and how big and fabulous and open it is, and especially all of the intricacies built in to make this state-of-the-art hospital and medical campus.”
You can read more about the tour here.
Mount Carmel New Albany opens new Emergency Department
A mid-October ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house celebrated the new Emergency Department at Mount Carmel New Albany. System and hospital leaders, local EMS partners, government officials and community members attended the special events, which featured family fun activities, tours and refreshments.
The new Emergency Department will help meet the healthcare needs of the growing population on the northeast area of central Ohio.