SALUTE TO SISTER ELIZABETH VAN STRATEN
WHEREAS, After more than three decades of dedicated service, Sister Elizabeth Van Straten, an extraordinary leader and devoted member of the Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph is retiring; and
WHEREAS, For the last decade, Sister Elizabeth has served as the president and chief executive officer St. Bernard Hospital, a vital health care institution in the heart of Chicago's Englewood community; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from DePaul University, Sister Elizabeth began her service at St. Bernard in 1978 where she served in different departments and in various capacities. By 1986, she was appointed as executive vice president and, subsequently, as president and chief executive officer in 1992; and
WHEREAS, After three of the four hospitals that served Englewood closed, St. Bernard was also slated for demise when Sister Elizabeth took over as its chief administrator. Through tenacity and determination, she was committed to staying in Englewood and serving its residents as the last serving nun of more than 100 over the past century who comprised the religious order that had founded St. Bernard Hospital in 1904 dedicated to serving the poor of that community; and
WHEREAS, Thanks in large part to Sister Elizabeth, St. Bernard survived and even thrived, becoming the largest employer in Englewood and an anchor for the community. Among her most significant accomplishment is the high quality of care at St. Bernard that has seen the hospital ranked nationally among the top 5% in the delivery of emergency services. She has expanded access to essential services through free mammograms for uninsured women, instituting dental services for children including those with special needs, and free prenatal programs as well as providing millions of dollars in charity care annually for those who are unable to pay; and
WHEREAS, In 1993, Sister Elizabeth instituted the provision of mental health services that include immediate screenings, 2...
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