More than 1,200 names considered for new nonprofit
Poised to combine their health ministries by the end of this year, Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health have selected a new name for the new $28 billion, nonprofit system: CommonSpirit Health.
In a joint announcement, officials for the two health systems said the new name embodies a strategic vision for the new ministry to advance quality health care for all and a passion to serve those who are sick and injured, including the most vulnerable.
"We appreciate how the manifestation of the spirit is woven into so many messages — God's gift of compassion, the calling to heal others and serving the common good," said Kevin E. Lofton, chief executive of Englewood, Colo.-based Catholic Health Initiatives. "Each comes together and is reflected in just one powerful word, CommonSpirit."
Lloyd H. Dean, president and chief executive of Dignity Health, said the name will convey a "connection between all
people: our employees, physicians, patients, families and neighbors alike." Dignity is based in San Francisco.
More than 1,200 names were reviewed before the selection was made. Criteria included association with faith-based health care, legal considerations and consumer research, according to the joint statement.
The merger of Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity would create the largest Catholic health system in the country, based on projected combined revenues. The two systems signed a definitive agreement to join the ministries nearly one year ago.
A 14-member Board of Stewardship Trustees was named in October, and it will include six board members from each of the two health systems and the two chief executives. An additional board member will be named after the transaction is complete.
Dignity and CHI will retain the names of facilities and services in the communities under a "house of brands" strategy, according to the joint statement.
The combined system is expected to employ 146,000 people and provide care and services in 21 states through 140 hospitals and other entities. There is no overlap in hospital service areas.
Copyright © 2018 by the Catholic Health Association
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