Catholic Health Association

Washington, D.C. United StateS

Sister Carol Keehan serves as president and CEO of Catholic Health Association, which has more than 600 member institutions. After earning a nursing degree, she joined the Daughters of Charity, and at age 25, opened a children's hospital in Pensacola, Florida. She later returned to school for a master’s degree, and went back to Washington, D.C.

Sr. Carol's life work is rooted in her Catholic faith and the tradition of the Daughters of Charity. She devotes time each day to advocate for affordable healthcare for those in need, and has been a member of several labor, health and domestic policy committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, working to help draft legislation that would expand healthcare coverage.

Sr. Carol believes one cannot subscribe to Catholic social teaching without advocating for affordable healthcare. She is proud of the role Catholic Sisters have played in building the healthcare system, but is adamant that they have a moral responsibility to continue advocating for those in need of health services.