JULY 2026
Hawke’s Hospital of Mount Carmel 1891
Heritage Week at Mount Carmel
This July, Mount Carmel colleagues across the system celebrated Heritage Week — an opportunity to reflect on our 140 year legacy of compassionate care and the extraordinary generosity that has shaped it. Since Mount Carmel’s founding, donors have played a vital role in advancing our Mission, strengthening our programs and ensuring every patient receives exceptional care.
Throughout the week, colleagues engaged with Mount Carmel’s history through information tables at each care site highlighting milestones and a special live Teams event, “140 Years at Mount Carmel,” led by Mission Leader William Hubbard, who shared stories of innovation, service and compassion.
On July 16, care sites hosted a Heritage Summer Picnic welcoming colleagues from all shifts including remote and off-site team members. The celebration concluded with the Blessing of the Hands offered both in person and virtually, honoring the caregivers whose work donors help empower every day.
As we celebrated this special week, we recognize that our heritage is built not only by those who serve but also by those who give. Donors have always been, and continue to be, essential partners in advancing our mission and shaping the future of health and well being for our community.
Kathleen Buchen-Barbara receives Sisters of the Holy Cross Award
During Heritage Week each year, an exemplary colleague receives Mount Carmel’s most prestigious honor for living the Mission and Core Values – the Sisters of the Holy Cross Award. Kathleen Buchen-Barbara is this year’s recipient!
Through her work in Street Medicine, Kathy brings compassionate care directly to individuals experiencing homelessness and hardship. Her lifelong service reflects a profound commitment to restoring hope and honoring the humanity of those most in need. She ensures every patient feels valued and cared for, embodying the Mission and values of Mount Carmel in a way that inspires both colleagues and patients.
Mount Carmel marks 140 years of Catholic health care
Mount Carmel Health System is celebrating a remarkable milestone this summer: 140 years of Catholic health care, service and community partnership. What began in 1886 as a modest 18 room hospital in Franklinton—staffed by the pioneering Sisters of the Holy Cross—has grown into one of central Ohio’s most trusted and enduring health ministries.
The Catholic Times recently profiled this anniversary, tracing Mount Carmel’s journey from its earliest days to its modern role as a regional leader in compassionate, Gospel inspired care. The story highlights how the founding values of the Sisters continue to shape Mount Carmel’s mission today, even as the health system expands, innovates, and responds to evolving community needs.
The article reflects on Mount Carmel’s unwavering commitment to honoring the dignity of every person, supporting families from birth through end of life care, and ensuring that Catholic values remain at the heart of every interaction—whether in a maternity unit, a college classroom or a Street Medicine outreach visit.
Key milestones in the health system’s evolution are highlighted as well, including the opening of Mount Carmel Dublin and the Mount Carmel Foundation’s role in sustaining mission-driven initiatives. Read the full article here.
Meet Danielle Wetzel, Manager of Operations
“What I enjoy most about my work is the opportunity to learn about the incredible work our colleagues are doing throughout Mount Carmel. Through the grant applications I review, I gain insight into initiatives that directly benefit colleagues, patients and the community. I also enjoy partnering with colleagues on their funding requests and helping support projects that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
I measure my success by how well I serve and support others and by the impact my work has on helping them achieve their goals. When I can remove barriers, provide meaningful support, and contribute to positive outcomes for colleagues, patients, and the community, I consider that a success.
Over the next few months, my priority is ensuring a successful grant cycle for requests of $10,000 or more by helping project leaders submit strong applications and secure the funding needed to carry out impactful initiatives. I’ll also focus on supporting the Foundation Operations team in any way I can while helping create an environment where team members can continue to grow professionally, feel supported and enjoy their work.”