Women’s health care, outreach programs garner national praise

INDIANAPOLIS – St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers has been selected as a Spirit of Women Premier Hospital after surpassing national standards measuring clinical excellence in women’s health care and community outreach.

This recognition comes from the Spirit of Women Health Network in cooperation with the Office of Women’s Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. St. Francis’ selection comes on the heels of a 2007 evaluation gauging performance in medical care, community outreach programs, diverse educational efforts and care provided to sexual assault victims.

"It’s rewarding to be recognized nationally for programs we believe are important to our community," said Lori Warner, director of St. Francis’ Women & Children’s Services. "Because Spirit of Women offers an ideal position to assess the range and scope of health issues facing women in our country today, this honor is particularly meaningful."

St. Francis offers a full spectrum of clinical services and community and educational programs targeting women of all ages and cultural diversity. Such programs include parish nursing, concierge models and health "navigators" who deliver personalized services.

One such program is Center of Hope, a partnership designed to reach and treat sexual assault victims in a compassionate and confidential way.

"Few hospitals in our nation – even the world – recognize how to provide appropriate medical care, preventive care and educational services to women," said Tanya Abreu, president and national program director of the Spirit of Women Health Network. "St. Francis is one of the few facilities in our country that accomplishes these goals."

Michele Wood, R.N, manages the St. Francis Spirit of Women program, which is one of six such hospitals in Indiana and among nearly 60 nationwide. To learn more about its programs, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/Women.

Spirit of Women is a national network of leading hospitals dedicated to improving women’s lives through a variety of health, community and educational programs. For more information about the network, visit www.spiritofwomen.com.