Gifts of gratitude

Catholic Health nurses are held in the highest esteem by patients and their families, as well as by colleagues and the community. Our hospitals have invested vigorously in our nurses’ lifesaving work, with the support of our generous benefactors. To assist this work and encourage future nursing professionals, Catholic Health secured the following funding last year:

• A $250,000 challenge grant awarded to Mercy Hospital for Nursing Leadership & Education, to be matched by $250,000 in donor dollars in 2023.

• A $250,000 challenge grant awarded to Good Samaritan University Hospital for Nursing Leadership & Education, which immediately attracted a $150,000 match commitment from the Helen Hoffritz Charitable Foundation. An additional $100,000 in matching donor dollars will be raised in 2023.

• A $100,000 grant awarded from the William E. and Maude S. Pritchard Charitable Trust to launch a Nurse Residency Program at Good Shepherd Hospice, followed by a $500,000 gift from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to expand this program for both hospice and home care nursing recruits.

• A $4 million permanent endowment at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center® for Nursing Leadership & Education, created with support from hundreds of grateful donors. This creates a permanent resource that will sustain nursing excellence at St. Francis.

“I am so proud to be part of the incredible nursing team at Catholic Health,” said Catholic Health’s Chief Nursing Officer Gara Edelstein, MSN, RN, NE-BC. “I am in awe of their many accomplishments and their unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of care to the patients we serve every day.”

The exceptional caliber of our nursing staff is an inspiration to future nursing professionals. Our partnerships with educational institutions in our region— such as St. John’s University, Molloy University, Suffolk County Community College,

Adelphi University and local high schools—will help foster careers in health care in the years to come.

To further promote the nursing profession, we also provide ongoing education for school nurses to meet the emerging needs of high school students, first aid certification for secondary-level faculty and athletic staff, and other programs, with more in development.

“Nurses are the beating heart of Catholic Health,” said Chief Development Officer Peggy Maher. “It is profoundly encouraging to see how keen Catholic Health donors are to show their gratitude toward our nursing professionals.”

If you are inspired to make a gift in support of our nurses, you can use the Donate button on any of our Catholic Health hospital websites or call (516) 563-7961.

Prayer of gratitude

Grant us, Lord, grateful hearts for the freedom and opportunities we have received.

Help us to take pride in our beloved country and to be ever mindful of our veterans and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We ask You to send Your protection upon our soldiers who fight for our liberty and way of life.

May we always be thankful for the gift of life, and may the way we live be our gift back to You, with Your love and guidance.

We ask this in Your Holy Name. Amen.