The advocacy efforts of Mercy Health System of Kansas (MHSK) continue in the Mercy commitment to embody God's mercy and justice in the world. In partnership with others who share this commitment to social action, we aim to be an increasingly effective voice for the economically poor and the underserved, and to help them raise their own voices in seeking justice and mercy. This means strengthening the whole community by helping those who are most vulnerable. For more information on MHSK Advocacy efforts, contact Reta Baker.

Principles of Advocacy

The MHSK call to be an advocate and provider, especially on behalf of the poor, is rooted in the Constitution of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

We together, with our co-workers and those we serve, endeavor to model mercy and justice to promote systemic change. Through our influence we seek to relieve misery and address its causes and support persons who struggle for full dignity.

In fulfilling the Mercy commitment to advocacy, the Mercy Advocacy board has prepared the following set of principles to help members evaluate the public policy issues as they relate to the Mercy mission and vision.

• Our advocacy activates flow from Catholic social teachings and we constantly strive for a deeper understanding of them.


• Our choice of advocacy activities shall always reflect the dignity and welfare of those we serve as well as those with whom we minister, and are always influenced by our fundamental commitment to the preferential option for the poor.


• We work toward assuring the rights of each person for those things necessary for the proper quality of life and challenge others to join us in assuming responsibility for helping to meet social needs.


• Our advocacy activities shall focus on both the good of human persons and the common good of the community.


• We advocate to obtain an equitable distribution of resources, especially in the allocation of health care resources.


• Justice calls us to promote systemic change by working collaboratively with others in the public and private sector to address the needs of the most vulnerable persons.

Click to access the Sisters of Mercy Health System Advocacy page.

Click to access the Catholic Health Association Advocacy page.

Click to access the 2003 Advocacy Agenda for Mercy Health System of Kansas.