CareSTL recently celebrated their 54th Anniversary Gala held Thursday, November 16th at the Redbird Club at Busch Stadium,
CareSTL Health is a community-based healthcare system that provides healthcare services to underserved, underinsured, and uninsured populations. They help to shape healthy lifestyles in our community. Their mission is to improve health outcomes in our community by providing comprehensive, multigenerational healthcare, education, and support to all who need their help regardless of income or socioeconomic status. The recent Gala helped support the new health center currently being built, The Ville Wellness Campus. The center will serve new and existing patients who are low-income or under or uninsured.
There is a rich, as well as a complex history behind CareSTL Health. It all began in 1968 with a board of directors. The organization was officially chartered in 1969. CareSTL Health proudly honors the Chief Executive Directors who worked tirelessly to make CareSTL Health the comprehensive primary care provider it is today.
The board members are listed on the articles of incorporation and included notably individuals such as William Danforth and Ina Boon. Boon’s name was synonymous with racial justice and she worked as the Regional leader of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Ina Boon served on the board until her passing in 2017.
The annual Gala offers the opportunity to also honor those who have contributed to CareSTL as well as share about the work being done. Eva Aagaard, MD, the Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Professor of Medical Education, Vice Chancellor for Medical Education and Senior Associate Dean for Education here at Washington University School of Medicine was honored with the Distinguished Academic Partner Award.
“I am very proud to serve as a member of the CareSTL Board and support their critical mission of addressing health equity in North City and County. I am honored to be recognized as a good partner and just as thankful for their partnership with us in education and clinical care.”
Abby L Spencer MD, MS, FACP shared, “The event was truly an inspiring and special evening recognizing and celebrating the tremendous achievements of CareSTL in providing exceptional caring for the underserved, underinsured, and uninsured populations of St. Louis. It was particularly powerful to witness the commitment and impact of WUSM’s partnership and support of CareSTL in their shared educational, primary care, and patient care missions.“
