"Ethics and Catholic Health Care" is the title of this issue's
special section. Our guest editor is Scott A. McConnaha, a communications specialist
whose primary beat here at CHA is ethics and mission services. Because Scott
describes the section in an introductory note, there's no need to say more
about it here. However, readers may find "Who Cares about Ethics?"
a question-and-answer session with ethicists and executives, particularly interesting.
Democracy and Health Care
Health Progress is especially happy to publish "An
Opportunity for Civic Leadership" by Ann Neale, PhD. Dr. Neale, whose
name will be familiar to many of our readers, argues that early 21st-century
America faces two large social problems. The nation clearly needs affordable,
accessible health care for all. But it also needs to find a way to reconnect
disaffected citizens to the political process. A movement to solve the first
problem might also help solve the second, Dr. Neale suggests. And, she continues,
as it happens the Catholic health ministry is poised to lead that movement.
The Ministry in Canada
In 2002-2003 the Catholic Health Association of Canada (CHAC) convened what
it called a "National Dialogue" on the future of the ministry in that
nation. The Dialogue was cosponsored by the national bishops' organization,
sponsors of Catholic facilities, Catholic social service agencies, Catholic
health associations in the provinces, lay people's organizations, and other
ministry partners. In "A
Shared Vision of the Future," Richard M. Haughian, DTh, the CHAC's
president, describes the Dialogue and its results. Health Progress is
proud to publish Dr. Haughian's report.
Copyright © 2004 by the Catholic Health Association of the United States
For reprint permission, contact Betty Crosby or call (314) 253-3477.