5 Things to Know About the CommonSpirit Health Name

Last month, we learned that CommonSpirit Health will be the name for the new ministry that’s being created with Dignity Health. A powerful combination of “common good” and “Holy Spirit,” CommonSpirit Health will represent our new national non-profit, Catholic health ministry that’s dedicated to creating healthier communities. The new ministry, scheduled to be completed by the end of December, will employ more than 150,000 talented professionals in 21 states.

1. CommonSpirit Health means different things to different people. CommonSpirit Health reflects both the higher calling to heal we all share, as well as our commitment to the common good. It evokes the strategic vision and aspiration of the new ministry to advance health for all and make a positive change for the people and communities served; a belief that all people deserve access to high quality health and health care; and a passion to serve those who are sick and injured, including those who are most vulnerable.

2. It stems from Biblical inspiration. During the development process, we turned to scripture and found it in a passage from First Corinthians which concludes: “…to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” That verse brings to mind the gift of compassion God gives to every person – as well as the selfless commitment to serve others that’s answered every day by you and the coworkers throughout the communities we serve.

3. It was selected through a thoughtful process that included involvement from women religious. Like so many things that our two organizations do, the name “CommonSpirit” is the result of a great deal of thought, reflection and diligence. A team of women religious, mission experts and senior leaders from Dignity Health and CHI guided its selection. The new name was selected after a comprehensive review of more than 1,200 names, which were evaluated for their association with faith-based health care, legal considerations and consumer research. External consumer research and the wisdom of our boards helped to inform the selection process.

4. It will be mainly used by national staff, with limited exposure in our markets. We are currently embracing a “house of brands” approach to our new ministry. So, we will continue to be known by the CHI and Dignity Health names in the communities we serve. At the facilities in our markets, no logos, signage, colors or branded materials will change at this time. Over time, we will update the signage at our national and system offices to incorporate the CommonSpirit Health name, logo and brand identity.

5. A CommonSpirit Health logo and brand guidelines are under development. A new logo for CommonSpirit Health is being developed and will be used on a limited basis. All existing facilities and services will continue to use their current names, logos, and brand guidelines for the foreseeable future. A limited number of employees will transition to using the CommonSpirit Health and logo. Specific direction will be provided to them as to how and when that transition takes place.

Visit the AdvancingHealthCareTogether.org site for more information.