OSF HealthCare

OSF HealthCare. OSF HealthCare is a large, integrated health system operating primarily in Illinois and Michigan. Founded by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, the system is a Catholic healthcare ministry committed to serving with the greatest care and love. Headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, it comprises numerous hospitals, clinics, and specialty care facilities, anchored by its flagship OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center.

History

The origins of the system trace back to 1877 when The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, led by Mother M. Frances Krasse, arrived in Peoria, Illinois from Germany. They established their first hospital, St. Francis Hospital, in a small house, dedicating their work to caring for the sick and poor. This founding mission was solidified during the 1918 influenza pandemic, where the Sisters gained recognition for their courageous service. Throughout the 20th century, the congregation expanded its healthcare ministry, opening facilities like St. Joseph's Hospital in Bloomington, Illinois and St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois. A significant milestone was the 1973 opening of the new OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, which evolved into a major tertiary care and Level I trauma center. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw strategic growth through partnerships and the formation of the OSF HealthCare system, integrating with institutions like Children's Hospital of Illinois and expanding into new regions including Michigan.

Facilities and services

OSF HealthCare operates more than 150 locations, including 15 acute care hospitals across Illinois and Michigan. Its flagship, OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois, is a Level I trauma center and home to the Children's Hospital of Illinois, the state's third-largest pediatric hospital. Other major facilities include OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana, Illinois, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony's Health Center in Alton, Illinois, and OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, Illinois. The system provides comprehensive services including cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, oncology, women's health, and behavioral health. It is a national leader in telemedicine and digital health through its OSF Innovation division and OSF OnCall platform, and operates one of the largest air ambulance networks in the country via OSF LifeFlight.

Medical education and research

As an academic health science centre, OSF HealthCare maintains a deep commitment to graduate medical education and clinical research. It is a major teaching affiliate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, hosting residents and fellows across numerous specialties including internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics. The system partners with several universities, including Bradley University and the University of St. Francis, for nursing and health professions education. Research initiatives are coordinated through the OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center research department and collaborations with the Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center, a world-class simulation training and research facility. Key research areas include stroke treatment, cancer therapies, and health care innovation.

Ministry and community impact

Rooted in the Catholic faith and the mission of The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, OSF HealthCare operates as a ministry rather than merely a business. This is embodied in its Mission Partners (employees) who serve with "the greatest care and love." The system's Community Benefits program addresses social determinants of health through initiatives like OSF HealthCare Community Wellness programs, free clinics, and support for Federally Qualified Health Centers. Significant outreach includes the OSF HealthCare Foundation, which raises funds for charity care and new technologies, and global mission work through OSF Mission Partners serving in countries like Haiti and Peru. The ministry also provides extensive spiritual care services across all its hospitals.

Governance and organization

OSF HealthCare is governed by a Board of Directors that holds fiduciary responsibility for the entire system. The board includes appointed members from The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, community leaders, and clinical experts. The system is organized into several regional divisions, such as OSF HealthCare Central Illinois and OSF HealthCare Northern Illinois, each led by a president. The overall system is led by a Chief Executive Officer who reports to the board. OSF HealthCare is a founding member of the Health Care Transformation Alliance and maintains corporate offices, known as the OSF HealthCare Corporate Office, in Peoria, Illinois. Its financial operations and strategic planning support its not-for-profit, mission-driven model.