their courage will inspire others

written and directed by
Betsy Cox

edited by
Bob Kanner

original music
Michael Josephs

produced in partnership with
The Catholic Healthcare Association

A Call to Care: The Women Who Built Catholic Healthcare in America showcases previously
untold stories of Catholic women religious whose courage and vision fostered healing and
hope among underserved and vulnerable populations.

Talking to members of the Catholic Health Association, we uncovered one story after another about the founding of hospitals by Catholic women religious. These were women of vision. They were courageous too. And enormously creative. They had to be. How else do you start a hospital in the United States with $5 in your pocket?

It is our hope that their works, their courage, and their willingness to give lives to meet the needs of people will inspire others in our society to give selflessly. The world needs more of that.


Suzy Farren
Author, A Call to Care
A Call to Care premiered in 1996 at the Catholic Health Association’s Annual Conference in San Antonio. It aired on KQED in the California Bay Area and was subsequently distributed by American Program Service (APS) for broadcast on public television affiliates across the country. Funding for production and publication of the companion book was provided by:

  • The Connelly Foundation
  • Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
  • Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities
 

AWARDS and HONORS

  • Emmy for Outstanding Documentary, Capital Area Region
  • CINE Golden Eagle
  • Gold Award, Worldfest Charleston
  • Gold CINDY, Association of Visual Communicators
  • Silver Telly
  • Honorable Mention, Chris Award, Columbus International Film Festival
  • Certificate For Creative Excellence, U.S. International Film and Video Festival