Ascension is the largest Catholic health system in the world[1] and the largest non-profit health system in the United States [2][3] with facilities in 23 states and the District of Columbia. It is a faith-based collaboration of hospitals, medical practices, and innovators that shares best practices and the objective of developing healthier communities throughout the United States by community outreach[4] and researching means of reducing the cost of healthcare.[5] The organization is headquartered within Greater St. Louis in the northwestern suburb of Edmundson, Missouri.
Blessings in a Backpack is a non-profit organization that feeds school children in the United States who currently are fed during the week on the federally funded Free and Reduced Meal Program and are at risk of going hungry on the weekends.