About CHRISTUS St. Michael
Our Mission, Values and Vision
Our Mission—Why We Exist
To extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
The mission of CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System, as part of the church, is to continue the healing ministry of Jesus Christ in such a way that both givers and receivers of health care within our facilities experience God’s love and compassion. Persons at every level, work together in interdependence, dedicated to continuous quality improvement, meeting or exceeding the expectations of those we serve to provide the service of health care as it is shaped by the philosophy, traditions, and values of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. We commit ourselves to show respect for the human person at every stage of life, especially in sickness, suffering, and death, which we see as possible occasions of experiencing God’s presence. In these moments, we strive to offer hope, healing, justice, and peace.
The Gospel values underlying our mission challenge us to make choices which respond to the economically disadvantaged and the underserved with health care needs. Our growth and development is determined by the health care needs of this service area, our available resources, and the interrelationship of those serving and those being served. Responsible stewardship mandates that we search out new effective means to deliver quality health care and to promote the wholeness of the human person.
Our Core Values—What We Believe In
- Dignity: Respect for the worth of every person, recognition and commitment to the value of diverse individuals and perspectives, and special concern for the poor and underserved.
- Integrity: Honesty, justice, and consistency in all relationships.
- Excellence: High standards of service and performances.
- Compassion: Service in a spirit of empathy, love and concern.
- Stewardship: Wise and just use of talents and resources in a collaborative manner.
Sponsorship—Our Heritage
CHRISTUS Health is sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio who were founded more than 130 years ago in response to Bishop Claude Marie Dubuis’ call: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the persons of a multitude of sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands.”
Our Vision—What we are Striving to Do
- Strengthen current ministries and expand into new locations and services.
- Implement innovative approaches to caring for the whole person.
Increase access to health care for the poor and underserved through advocacy and other initiatives. - Make significant contributions to creating healthy communities.
- Create a work environment filled with hope, dignity and mutual respect.
Our Symbol
The CHRISTUS Health symbol is a combination of a medical cross and a religious cross. The flowing banner on the cross is a common symbol of the risen Christ, while the royal purple signifies Christ. The flowing banner also conveys a sense of motion as we move forward into a new era of health care.
Our Code of Ethics
CHRISTUS Health has an Integrity Program to ensure fidelity to its philosophy and principles. For our purposes, we define integrity as compliance with all policies, procedures, principles, laws and regulations that concern our healing ministry. The Integrity Program is a commitment to the values of our organization.
CHRISTUS Health is proud of its reputation for providing high quality care and services. The Integrity Program is intended to continue and enhance our standing in the communities we serve. We understand that it takes all of us working together to provide the services to patients in our communities. We value our relationships with our associates, physicians, patients, community members, vendors and all who assist in furthering the healing ministry. We value integrity, stewardship, quality, innovation, communication and accountability as we respond to the call in this healing ministry.
Our Code of Ethics documents how we want to relate to each other and perform our work. All associates have been issued personal copies of our Code and have received training to familiarize them with its content and use.
In addition, as part of the System's commitment to Corporate Integrity, a confidential, toll-free ethics line has been set up to handle questions or concerns that cannot be adequately addressed through the System's established problem solving processes.
(The line is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time: 1-888-728-8383.)
Non-Discrimination Statement
CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System's philosophy is to not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, gender, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment.
