Mercy Director Named President of National Board

SPRINGFIELD — Doreen Fadus, executive director of Community Benefit and Health at Mercy Medical Center, has been tapped to serve as president of the Board for National Health Care for the Homeless Council, a network of more than 10,000 doctors, nurses, social workers, patients, and advocates who work to eliminate homelessness by ensuring comprehensive health care and secure housing for all. In this role, Fadus serves as the council’s lead representative on the national stage for advocacy issues such as the Accountable Care Act, Medicaid reimbursements, and housing and health collaboration. “Doreen personifies our mission to serve as a transforming, healing presence. She is a tremendous advocate for the local homeless community and her selection to this national position will allow her dedication and talent to benefit a greater number of individuals,” said Yvonne Boudreau, senior vice president of Mission Services for the Sisters of Providence Health System.

As Mercy’s executive director of Community Benefit and Health, Fadus oversees the hospital’s Community Health programs, including Health Care for the Homeless, which works in partnership with the city of Springfield, and Open Pantry to provide primary care services at 23 homeless shelters, soup kitchens, job placement sites and transitional programs. These services are delivered to more than 2,200 people each year in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. She also oversees Mercy’s Vietnamese Health Project, Faith Community Nursing, High End Utilizer Program and Community Benefit. Fadus began her career at Mercy Medical Center as Director of Health Care for the Homeless in 2001, and she has an extensive background in community service. She currently serves as co-chair of the Western Mass. Network to End Homelessness, as an Advisory Board member of the Hampden County Continuum of Care Board, the Catholic Charities Diocesan Board and the Western Mass. Task Force on Homelessness, and as a member of the Regional Employment Board.

The founder and past president of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, Fadus also serves on the Board of Friends of the Homeless. “The National Health Care for the Homeless Council works with government agencies and private institutions to foster collaboration on the varied and complex problems associated with homelessness,” said Fadus. “These remarkable individuals have dedicated their lives to this important cause and it is an honor to serve as their leader.”