PADUCAH, Ky. - Lourdes Hospital opened its doors in 1905. It was founded by the municipality as Riverside Hospital. In 1959 the Diocese of Owensboro purchased the hospital and asked the Franciscan Sisters of Tiffin, Ohio to provide staff for the facility. With the Sisters came the new name, Lourdes, in honor of our Lady of Lourdes.

In 1963, the Sisters of St. Francis became the sponsor and in 1982 the hospital was returned to the Diocese. On January 1, 1989, the Sisters of Mercy sponsored Lourdes and in 1997 joined 3 other Catholic Health systems to form Catholic Health Partners who continue to sponsor the hospital today.

On a Mission

What is the mission of the Lourdes Foundation? The mission of the Lourdes Foundation is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus by improving the health of our communities with emphasis on people who are poor and under-served. We support activities that reflect our core values of compassion, excellence, human dignity, justice, sacredness of life and service.

Our Board of Directors provides strong direction to make sure the mission and core values remain priority. Board members include Bishop John McRaith, Doug Borders, Lawrence Durbin, Sr. Marie Moore, David Denton, John Halicks, Maria Charlot, Gene Miller, Dale Mapes, Teresa Wheeler, and Dale Hancock.

Why does the Lourdes Foundation need my help? All of us believe in and support various charities because of the good works they do. However, you may have never stopped to think that the very hospital in which we, our family member, or neighbor receives care, also needs your support to provide free services to those in need along with new equipment and technology.

Giving to those in need

Does Lourdes give to those in need? Last year Lourdes gave away $10 million to benefit the community and provide free care to those who could not pay. In the last five years they have provided $45 million of care to those in need. Lourdes helps maintain the health and wholeness of over 100,000 community members each year.

Why is the Foundation important now? New technology for patient care is becoming more expensive, while payment for care is decreasing. There exists an ever-widening gap between treatment cost and payment. There are many who need healthcare with no means to pay. These are the poor and under-served and unfortunately the numbers are growing. Equipment updates are also constantly necessary to provide excellence in care for all.

The Foundation provides basic safety and security needs for patients where no other means can be found. For those in greatest need, food, clothing, heating, medication, and transportation are provided. We also purchase needed equipment, assist with building projects and provide funding for Dialysis, Hospice, ChildCare, HomeCare, low-income clinics and the elderly poor.

Future planning

How is the Foundation planning for the future? The Foundation is presently working to establish an endowment that will ensure a constant source of revenue for the future. Endowment interest will be used to continue to meet patient needs and later expand to provide greater assistance to patient areas.

Anyone can give to the Lourdes Foundation by check, cash, stock or property gift, insurance policy, will or planned giving and all contributions are tax deductible.

Can we really make a difference through the Lourdes Foundation? Yes, Foundation funds provide help for those with the greatest needs. By providing first for those greatest in need, we build the strong base that provides the strength needed to support all patient care.

Whom do I call, if I have questions or need additional information? Please call Missy Hendley, Director of the Lourdes Foundation at 270.444.2205 or e-mail at mhendley@lourdes-pad.org., or s write Lourdes Foundation, 1530 Lone Oak Road Paducah, KY 42003.

Acts of kindness warm the heart, soothe the soul, and make the world turn more gently. Perhaps you have never realized how your thoughtful caring ways can make such a difference to others. How your many small kindnesses grow into ever-widening circles that touch so many lives.

May God bless you and your family richly during this blessed season of Advent and each day to come!