Catholic Health Systems
Throughout the Bible there are references to God’s care for our spiritual and physical needs. Jesus sent his first followers out to do the work he prepared them for – “proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal” (Luke 9:2). The Catholic Church heeded that call by opening a variety of health care institutions, including hospitals and social service programs, to meet the needs of all communities.
In the United States, Catholic health care's healing ministry dates back to the early 1700’s and was a catalyst for the establishment of hospitals, orphanages and shelters for those in need. There are currently over 650 hospitals, 1,600 long-term care facilities and other modes of care that employ nutrition professionals. The Church also established schools and continues to train and educate health care professionals, including dietitians, to further extend the ministry of service to others. Visit the links below to learn more about how nutrition professionals support the church’s health care and healing ministry: