A Story of Peace

We have all spent a lot of time recently reflecting on the heroic efforts that have been undertaken to care for the patients displaced by the flood at St's Mary & Elizabeth Hospital and to restore hospital services to South Louisville. The efforts have been truly amazing and we continue to hear the many positive stories that have resulted from an otherwise devastating event. Today, however, I would like to re-focus some of that attention on another positive story that arguably does not get the same level of attention, though the stories are no less remarkable.

Our Lady of Peace (OLOP) is a psychiatric hospital in our system that also happens to be the largest provider of adolescent inpatient behavioral services in the country. Despite this, there are many people in our own health system who are unaware of this hospital, let alone the rest of our community and our Commonwealth. Perhaps it is because this is not a particularly "high-tech" environment or perhaps it is because of the stigma that is often associated with mental illness that OLOP does not get the attention or recognition that it deserves. But the truth is, there has been something very special happening in this facility each and every day for the past 58 years, that many people have not known or heard about. Across the country, many people with psychiatric and behavioral disorders go uncared for due to the lack of healthcare funding and support for these needed services. However, today there are about 180 children and teens at OLOP each day receiving treatment and help for some of the most challenging and difficult psychiatric illnesses that exist due to the caring physicians and team members of this facility.

Today was a particularly special day as OLOP unveiled its newest program and identity to the community - the "Children's Peace Center." Several special guests were in attendance to share their words and support of the Children's Peace Center including US Congressman John Yarmuth, State Representative Jim Wayne and Louisville Metro Councilman Jim King. Perhaps most touching though was the story told by Melinda, one of our Team Members. OLOP holds a special place in Melinda's heart because her daughter happened to be one of its patients. Melinda shared a very personal and heartfelt story of how her and her daughter's life had been saved by the staff at OLOP from the Oppositional Defiance Disorder that had taken over her daughter for four years. However, this life was not saved as a result of some breakthrough technology, or miracle cure, it was saved through a very personal and "high-touch" approach of people caring for people. While I have always had a soft-spot for kids, I don't think there was anyone in the room who wasn't moved by the story Melinda had shared with us. I commend her on her courage and bravery to share such a deeply personal story for all the world to hear.

The hope though, is that this won't be the last story that we will all be hearing. There are 180 stories in progress right now, and by building awareness for the Children's Peace Center, we will be able to help countless other children who are suffering and in need of help. It was great to see what a wonderful asset we have in our system and to hear about how we are improving the lives of our patients. Thank you for being such a great role model in living out our mission!

A Story of Peace