From Staff Reports
Two Catholic hospital chains recently merged to create the nation's third-largest nonprofit health system, with more than 100,000 employees spanning seven states.
Irvine-based St. Joseph Health — which includes St. Joseph Health, St. Mary in Apple Valley — officially merged with Providence Health & Services of Renton, Washington, on Wednesday to create Providence St. Joseph Health.
The new entity, which has 50 hospitals in Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington state, celebrated its first day by committing to be a catalyst for improving mental health care in the United States.
“A cornerstone of our missions is addressing significant social, community and health needs of our most vulnerable populations,” said Providence St. Joseph Health CEO Rod Hochman, M.D., in a news release. “One of the most challenging health issues facing our communities today is access to effective mental health services.
"Together, we will convene diverse partners and will be a catalyst for change for the many who struggle with mental health stigmatization, diagnosis and treatment.”
The merger was approved by California's attorney general last month. The agreement required Providence St. Joseph to invest $30 million in providing mental health services in California.
On Wednesday, the new chain announced it will invest $100 million into the newly created Institute for Mental Health and Wellness to look into mental health research, prevention and care around the country.
An expert advisory panel will be convened to create a blueprint for improving mental health care in U.S. communities. Maureen Bisognano, recently retired president and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, will serve as the chair of the panel, working alongside Dr. Hochman.
“Improving mental health care takes leadership on all levels, as well as a major commitment of resources,” said Bisognano. “I am looking forward to leading a national conversation around mental health and am excited about what we can achieve together.”
As a part of the efforts, Providence St. Joseph Health and the advisory panel will collaborate with national and local organizations with expertise and long histories of addressing mental health.
The fund will support research and startup operations for mental health awareness, diagnosis and treatment. Fund distributions will be made through a formalized grant process and be available internally to Providence St. Joseph Health entities, as well as other organizations within the communities it serves.
Members of the expert advisory panel will provide strategic guidance on the distribution of funds.
The Institute for Mental Health and Wellness will begin operating immediately and the expert panel will convene in the coming months, under the leadership of Chair Bisognano.
“This is a new day for the people of Providence St. Joseph Health, and especially for the communities we serve," Hochman said.
— The Associated Press contributed to this report.