What is St. Joseph Health Ministries?
We are a community health service organization that serves children in Lancaster County. St. Joseph Health Ministries was created in 2000 to carry on the work of the former hospital's community outreach mission under the parent organization of Catholic Health Initiatives.

Why is St. Joseph Health Ministries focusing on children's oral health?
The U.S. Surgeon General has called oral diseases a "silent epidemic," with tooth decay ranking as the most chronic childhood disease - five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. In Lancaster County, an estimated 19,000 at-risk children each year never visit a dentist. Research shows that oral health greatly affects a child's overall health and development and is also a key factor in behavior, emotional well being and performance in school.

Is St. Joseph Health Ministries associated with a hospital?
No. We are an independent organization. St. Joseph Health Ministries works in cooperation with Lancaster County hospitals as well as health and human services organizations.

Who owns St. Joseph Health Ministries?
St. Joseph Health Ministries is a non-profit organization that owns its assets. It is part of Catholic Health Initiatives, a national, non-profit, Catholic health care system composed of 2 community health service organizations, including St. Joseph Health Ministries; 70 hospitals; and 43 long-term care, assisted and independent living, and residential facilities. Catholic Health Initiatives is the second largest Catholic health system in the nation.

How is St. Joseph Health Ministries funded?
Our work is funded through the St. Joseph Health Ministries Foundation, Special Events, Donations and Grants. The Foundation is focused on both current and future needs and is actively engaged in the ongoing process of fundraising to meet those needs.