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Find out how you
can support the
Works of the Sisters in
the North State. Call
Mercy Foundation
North at 530.247.3424
or visit our website,
supportmercynorth.org.
At each
of our hospitals,
Dignity Health North State is com-
mitted to furthering the healing
ministry of Jesus. Here are a few
ways we live that promise each day.
A sacred place of comfort and
beauty where everyone is welcome.
That’s how Sister Brenda O’Keeffe,
Vice President of Mission Integra-
tion and Spiritual Care Services,
describes the Healing Garden at
Mercy Medical Center Redding.
Nearly 14 years ago, the garden was
a neglected bit of land. “There were
rocks and shrubs, that’s all.” But
O’Keeffe looked at the barren
spot and imagined a place of
renewal. And in 2012, thanks to
generous donations, her vision
became a reality.
Walk through the garden today, and
you’ll find a host of “rooms” to ex-
plore. You can rake the sand in the
Zen Room, for example, or relax to
the sounds of the Waterfall Room.
“It’s an oasis for anyone—a patient,
a visitor, a doctor—to find peace,”
O’Keeffe says.
Healing beyond our walls
Every year, St. Elizabeth Community
Hospital awards thousands of dol-
lars in grants to local agencies.
“This hospital is dedicated to
improving the health of whole
communities throughout Tehama
County,” says Sister Patricia Manoli.
She’s the senior director of Mission
Integration, Spiritual Care, and
Community Health Services.
The money helps those in need—
from women in abusive relation-
ships to people with depression.
“You’ll find our staff regularly
volunteering to help provide
health care for the poor and
underserved,” Manoli says.
Continuing the legacy
For the first time in nearly
30 years, Mercy Medical Center
Mt. Shasta has no Sister of Mercy
on its staff. Still, “the sisters’
tradition of compassionate heal-
ing is very much alive,” says Tom
Miller. He’s the senior director of
Mission Integration.
The hospital provides compas-
sionate care for those who can’t
afford it. And last Thanksgiv-
ing, the staff contributed 1,500
pounds of food to a food pantry.
“People are on fire with the
mission here,” Miller says. “When
considering a new policy, hos-
pital committee members will
inevitably ask, ‘What would the
sisters do?’”
And the answer? “Let compas-
sion guide us,’” Miller says.
Honoring our
founders’ values
Our
HEALING
ministry
“The sisters’
tradition of
compassionate
healing is very
much alive.”
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Dignity Health North State