The City of Creve Coeur has honored Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital with the 2019 "Heart of the Community" Award. The Creve Coeur Economic Development Committee determined that the hospital's commitment to providing highly specialized care, community benefit services and educational opportunities in partnership with local schools exemplified this award.
"We are proud to have been a member of the Creve Coeur Community for 50 years when Faith Hospital opened its doors," says Trish Lollo, BJWCH president. "Our mission is to improve the health of the communities we serve, and we are honored to have been named the Heart of the Community winner. This recognition is a testament to our employees and physicians, and the service they have provided to our community for a half century and counting. They are the heart of everything we do."
In 2017, BJWCH provided $18.9 million in community benefit services, including free or reduced-cost care, community outreach, education of health professionals, and research. Community outreach efforts included providing free flu shots and health screenings. BJWCH also educates future health care professionals through shadowing opportunities and the Pre-Professional Health Sciences Academy, a partnership among Parkway School District, Special School District, BJC School Outreach and Youth Development, and the hospital. Hospital employees and physicians also generously support community fund-raising efforts, including the Heart Walk, Pedal the Cause and United Way.
"Later this year, a new Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital will open, furthering BJC HealthCare's commitment to Creve Coeur and the many people who travel from beyond St. Louis County to receive care," Lollo says.