St. John Hospital & Medical Center is one of 90 recipients across the United States of the LIVESTRONG Community Impact Project, which is investing more than $1.4 million to bring proven cancer support programs to communities across the country. This represents the largest number of community-based financial awards granted in a single year in the history of the Foundation.
St. John Hospital is among 20 hospitals and cancer centers across the country to receive tools and training from the Center to Advance Palliative Care to assist in efforts to qualify for the Certification. The Joint Commission's Advanced Certification for Palliative Care is designed to set standards and acknowledge hospitals providing state-of-the-art palliative care services that relieve symptoms and stress of serious illness and improve quality of life for patients.
"We are grateful to our associates, physicians, patients and friends in the community who rallied to put St. John Hospital over the top in the voting," said Elizabeth DiStefano, BSN, RN, system coordinator, Palliative Care, St John Providence Health System. "Palliative care is an important part of the overall care we provide our patients at St. John Providence Health System."
More than 200 qualified hospitals, cancer centers, university students and community organizations in eight regions across the United States were selected to participate in the project's online voting campaign. More than 450,000 votes were cast over a two-week period from March 7-23. Finalists to receive funding were selected based on overall votes throughout their region, and across the country, with each of the eight regions awarded at least two grants.
About St. John Hospital & Medical Center
St. John Hospital & Medical Center, a regional destination hospital for leading-edge medical care and technology, is a member of St. John Providence Health System. SJPHS is one of the largest providers of inpatient care in Michigan.
About LIVESTRONG/Lance Armstrong Foundation
LIVESTRONG serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to take action against the world's leading cause of death. Created as the Lance Armstrong Foundation in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the organization is now known publicly by its powerful brand — LIVESTRONG — and is a leader in the global movement on behalf of 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. Known for its iconic yellow wristband, LIVESTRONG has become a symbol of hope and inspiration to people affected by cancer around the world. Since its inception, the organization has raised $450 million for the fight against cancer. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.