Health Center with Healing Mission

Posted December 17, 2002

Abbott Northwestern Hospital has announced the establishment of the George Center for Health and Healing, based on a $2 million gift from Penny and Bill George and the George Family Foundation.

The George Center for Health and Healing will provide a unique facility and approach to care supporting Abbott Northwestern's healing mission and the practice of integrative medicine to support healing in mind, body, and spirit. It will offer educational programs, community outreach, and programs to create a healing environment for the patients and staff of Abbott Northwestern. Services will be offered in nutrition, healing therapies, fitness, and wellness.

"The George Center for Health and Healing is more than a place," said Denny DeNarvaez, president of Abbott Northwestern Hospital. "It is a catalyst for developing, demonstrating, and implementing new models of integrative medicine throughout Abbott Northwestern."

The mission of the George Center for Health and Healing is to enhance the health of individuals, families, and communities by stimulating and supporting integrative medicine at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, its related institutions, and the broader field of healthcare.

The George Family Foundation was founded by Penny George, PsyD, president of the foundation and a member of the Abbott Northwestern board, and Bill George, former chairman and CEO of Medtronic, Inc., to provide gifts to foster human development - spiritual, physical, and psychological - and to enhance the work of people and organizations devoted to exemplary service in the community.

"When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 1996, Bill and I came to Abbott Northwestern because of our long association as trustees of the hospital and our confidence in the medical excellence we would find there," said Penny George. "Our dream is for every patient to come away from their encounters with Abbott Northwestern feeling that their needs have been addressed in body, mind and spirit, and that this care has been seamless."

According to Sharon Norling, MD, medical director of the George Center for Health and Healing, "These new models of integrative medicine emphasize the role of self-care and combine the best of Western medicine with other healing traditions."

"Our hope is that the George Center will become a national model for the country to demonstrate that integrative medicine is the key to healing," said Bill George. "We are honored and gratified to help foster the healing mission of Abbott Northwestern. Having the dedicated and enthusiastic support of the medical staff will ensure its success." This article was prepared by Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports.

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Date: December 12, 2002

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