A NEW ERA FOR
SAINT JOHN’S ILLUSTRATED BY ELENA LACEY
Saint John’s celebrates an anniversary and looks to the future. WRITTEN BY SHARI ROAN & TRAVIS MARSHALL “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – Saint Francis of Assisi
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n 1942 the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth opened a hospital in Santa Monica to meet the needs of a growing community badly in need of medical services. Some would say that during those early, pioneering years, the sisters did what was necessary, what was possible and what seemed impossible. Today that can-do attitude is still on display at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. As the Health Center celebrates 75 years, its leaders and supporters look ahead to new heights in quality care through its partnership with Providence St. Joseph Health. The chief ingredients for continued success are in place, however, beginning with the dedicated group of donors and trustees who feel strongly that the Westside community should protect and preserve its world-class hospital. The Saint John’s Health Center
Foundation serves as the conduit linking the past and the future. The Foundation has been the hospital’s dedicated partner for decades—including the years of rebuilding following the 1994 Northridge earthquake, says Donna Schweers, member of the Saint John’s Health Foundation board of trustees, and immediate past chair. The Foundation is committed to ensuring support for medical research, world-class doctors, top-flight nursing, the latest technology, new facilities, leadership development and community engagement. “The Foundation has been the rock of this hospital; just look at the rebuilding of the hospital after the Northridge earthquake,” Donna says. “We have a committed board of trustees with influence in all areas of our community. They are a very vocal group. They care about the hospital and put their time in. They buy into our future.” The future will be characterized by what worked in the past, such as the ability to harness community leadership, says Bob Klein, president and CEO of the Saint
“The combination of the local care that Saint John’s provides and the resources of the system lead to a robust level of care to those we serve.” – ERIK G. WEXLER
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SAINT JOHN'S, SPRING 2018
