Plans for New Philly Healthcare Option for Women - St. Gianna Center!

by Christine Rizzo

Philadelphia, PA - Interested Philadelphians met at St. Francis Xavier Church on May 11, 2013 to discuss the possibility of a NEW Philly healthcare option for women-The National Gianna Center for Women's Health and Fertility._TM Icon

The Gianna Center, now operating in New York and New Jersey, is a medical practice, which offers women both primary care and specialized OB/GYN care in the same office. The existing Centers offer Catholic women, as well as women of other faith traditions, a new alternative for comprehensive healthcare including primary care, obstetrics, natural family planning and treatment for infertility that honors their dignity and the sanctity of human life.  They are members of the St. Peter's Healthcare System, formed in 2007, that offers an expansive scope of health and wellness services we offer to local communities.

The first seeds planted for this meeting began in late March, when Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, serving the Archdiocese of New York, wrote to his brother Bishops asking them to consider joining him in supporting a National Gianna Center in their diocese.  Ronald C. Rak, President and CEO of St. Peter's Healthcare System, at the invitation of the Archbishop of Philadelphia, Charles J. Chaput, spoke to the small group of interested Philadelphians, including doctors, nurses, business people, non-profit leaders and clergy,  asking them to consider "sharing resources in an effort to establish a Gianna Center in Philadelphia."   

With two centers up and running and four other dioceses requesting the same, St. Peter's has developed key collateral to share with communities that are ready to make a difference in women's healthcare.  Sharing resources like a national marketing team, grant and funding sources and universal quality standards, St. Peter's leadership team seems ready to partner with local communities.   "There's safety in numbers," one participant remarked. Most agreed there would be real power in a common name and identity if The Gianna Center seeks to grow nationwide.