Dignity Health and Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) have come together as CommonSpirit Health, creating a new nonprofit Catholic health system serving communities in 21 states.
The $29 billion system operates more than 700 care sites and 142 hospitals, as well as research programs, virtual care services, home health programs, and living communities. CommonSpirit Health also supports a range of community health programs to create healthier communities and address the root causes of poor health such as access to quality care and health equity, affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, and a healthy environment.
The new organization is built on the legacy of 17 congregations of religious women who founded health ministries to serve people most in need. Today, it is supported by approximately 150,000 employees and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians. Catholic Health Initiatives CEO Kevin E. Lofton and Dignity Health President and CEO Lloyd H. Dean will both serve as CEOs in the Office of the CEO for the new health system.
CommonSpirit Health will be particularly focused on addressing the social causes of poor health, which studies show have a much greater impact on health than acute medical needs.
CHI and Dignity Health previously announced that the new ministry will retain the names of local facilities and services in the communities where they are located.
