A word from our Chief Executive
Mary Potter’s words are as inspiring today as they were in the late 1800s. In our current day efforts to extend our healing ministry deeply into the community, we have not really changed what we are doing, but simply how we are doing it. From our commitment to whole person care to advances in genetic testing and innovative diabetic management to digital express and virtual care options, each story in the magazine demonstrates how care is evolving to better meet the needs of our community and respect for their busy lives, while staying true to the words of our founder.
Our partners are instrumental in achieving our vision: “Health for the World”. Both the Harbor Community Clinic and Wilmington Community Clinic support care for the poor and vulnerable and provide a medical home for those in need. Read about how we work together to achieve the best outcomes together. Our own surgical technologist Veronica Marella, works with other caregivers and volunteers in the “du cOeuR” project to take discarded wraps from surgical trays in our operating rooms to sew them into sleeping mats for the homeless. Several hundred have been created and distributed in the South Bay community to help the rising homeless population.
Two years of dedicated clinical expertise between Providence Neuroscience Institute and Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center combined with over $9 million in investment from Providence St. Joseph Health System reinvigorated our Neuroscience Service Line, culminating in being recognized as a Los Angeles County designated Comprehensive Stroke Center, the first in the South Bay. On January 8, the very first day of the LA County program, we received our initial comprehensive stroke patient, Aida Fernandez, via Emergency Medical Services from San Pedro. She shares her remarkable story on page 17.
Members of our community have partnered to continue in the spirit of Mary Potter through the gift of their time and expertise serving on our boards—like Tom Connaghan, Chris Caras Jr., Bill Murin, and Todd Tydlaska. Philanthropy benefits humankind—like gifts received from Joan & Chris Caras Sr., Marion Scharffenberger, Donald & Priscilla Hunt, and Kori Clausen. Celebration of the success of the Heart to Heart Campaign, which raised $36 million for the newly named Del Vicario Cardiovascular Center of Excellence—hosted by Julian & Carolyn Elliott.
If you feel called to be a healing presence, begin by getting to know us at our Golf Classic on May 14, mark your calendar for our Celebration Gala on September 15th, or learn more about Women’s Wellness at our conference on November 2. You too, have the power to be a healing presence in some one’s life!
Mary Kingston RN, FACHE
Chief Executive
Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Centers San Pedro and Torrance
