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From the earliest traditions of the church to
the present day, the mission of evangelization to which Jesus sent his followers
has included healing as a major part. “Into whatever city you go, after they
welcome you…cure the sick there. Say to them, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand.’”*
Members of the church follow the example of
Jesus, therefore, when they carry out the work of healing – not only by
providing care for the physically ill, but also by working to restore health and
wholeness in all facets of the human person and the human community. Wholeness
in the Christian perspective includes not only the physical and emotional, but
also
spiritual and social.*
In this spirit Avera Health pursues a special
vocation to share in carrying forth God’s life-giving and healing work. In
addition, the persons and institutions allied together as Avera Health share
these beliefs.
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God permeates all moments of human experience
and is present to every person in health as well as sickness, in life as well as
death.
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We support life from conception to death,
believing that the journey of life, including the beginning and the end, are
gifts of the Creator, entrusted to us for reverent care.
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The core values of compassion, hospitality
and stewardship guide our caregivers and our service.
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Justice and mercy demand our advocacy for the
poor, the frail and the at-risk persons of our society; all persons have a right
to basic health care.
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Our management decisions and delivery of care
are motivated by the health and wellness of patients, their families and
communities.
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Our employees, physicians and community
partners are our most valuable resources.
Avera Health is sponsored by the Sisters of
St. Benedict of Sacred Heart Monastery of Yankton, South Dakota, and the Sisters
of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Aberdeen, South Dakota. In
accord with its Catholic mission, Avera Health adheres to the Ethical and
Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.
Social and institutional wellness are best
promoted through joined efforts of various religious and community-sponsored
institutions. Choosing collaboration and empowerment enables us to be better
stewards of our human, financial, technical and environmental resources.
*Pastoral letter on Health & Health Care, U.S. Catholic Bishops,
1983
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