FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 14, 2003
Contact:  Michael B. Sheedy
Associate for Health
(850) 222-3803
msheedy@flacathconf.org

The Catholic Bishops of Florida released a statement on “Access to Health Care” Friday, March 14.  The document recounts the Church’s social justice tradition, which calls for access to health services for all persons.  Directed to the Catholic faithful and all persons of good will, its release coincides with “Covering the Uninsured Week,” a series of events nationwide sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and twelve other organizations.

Speaking at a prayer breakfast for the uninsured at Miami’s Mercy Hospital, a health ministry founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, Archbishop John C. Favalora, expressed gratitude for the religious sisters who established and sponsor Florida’s Catholic health ministries.  “These women have responded to the Lord’s call to care for the sick, serving Him in those in need.  They responded to challenges no less daunting than those faced by ministry leaders today.   Their history of service is a source of inspiration and strength for health care providers today.”

Archbishop Favalora praised the many other faith traditions engaged in providing health care – such as the Jewish, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist communities -- who have established hospitals and church-run enterprises, as well as others who are compelled to serve those with healthcare needs.  “As pressures mount on the health system, we must ensure that all people can access adequate services.  Extending meaningful insurance coverage to them will make this possible.”

Despite increases in the number of uninsured, staffing pressures and increased liability expenses, as well as a difficult reimbursement climate, Archbishop Favalora pointed out that last year, Florida’s Catholic hospitals directed over $120 million to care of the poor.  This figure represents the traditional charity care, cost of services for which there is no reimbursement, and losses incurred participating in government-sponsored programs such as Medicaid.

Concluding his remarks, the Archbishop said, “We are pleased to share concern with so many groups and individuals who recognize the need to cover the uninsured.  We pledge our support of and ask God’s blessing upon efforts to develop solutions that will ensure the rightful dignity of all within our state, a dignity which calls for access to health services for each of us.”

#   #  Link to the full statement of the Catholic Bishops of Florida,
along with a listing of major Catholic Health Ministries in Florida.   #    #