OSF HealthCare featured in USA TODAY America 250 documentary series

OSF HealthCare will appear in USA TODAY's America 250 documentary series as the only U.S. health care system included. The feature spotlights the Peoria-based system's 150-year history, innovation and mission-driven care as it expands access across urban and rural communities.

Why it matters: - OSF HealthCare's inclusion in USA TODAY's America 250 documentary series puts a 150-year Catholic health ministry on a national stage. - The feature is notable because OSF HealthCare is the only health care system in the country selected for the series. - The documentary frames access to high-quality care in both urban and rural communities as a core national challenge.

What happened: - USA TODAY selected OSF HealthCare for its America 250 documentary series as the United States prepares to mark 250 years of history, innovation and resilience. - The series highlights organizations whose stories reflect how innovation and purpose shaped the nation. - OSF HealthCare was founded in 1877 in Peoria, Illinois, by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. - Michelle Conger, chief executive officer of OSF HealthCare, said the recognition captures the organization's legacy and its work building new models of care. - Sister Judith Ann Duvall, O.S.F., said the recognition is deeply personal and humbling.

The details: - OSF HealthCare grew from a single hospital into an integrated health system serving communities across the Midwestern United States and beyond. - The Ministry says it remains guided by the Sisters' promise to serve all people with the greatest care and love and to honor the dignity of every human life. - The documentary includes scenes from across the OSF Ministry and highlights innovations in care delivery. - OSF HealthCare is using new models of care to expand access, improve outcomes and meet people where they are, Conger said. - Sister Judith Ann said the story reflects 150 years of responding to changing needs with faith and trust in God's providence. - Sister Judith Ann described the documentary as a bridge between the founding Sisters and today's Mission Partners working in laboratories, operating rooms, clinics and virtual care platforms. - Sister Judith Ann said the Sisters set out to serve people who were sick, poor and often forgotten. - OSF HealthCare said its recognition on the series connects its history to America's broader story of service, innovation and purpose. - OSF HealthCare operates 18 inpatient facilities, including 10 acute care facilities and five critical access hospitals. - The system has 2,141 licensed beds across Illinois and Michigan. - OSF HealthCare employs more than 27,000 Mission Partners across more than 170 locations. - OSF HealthCare Children's Hospital of Illinois is the third-largest pediatric hospital in the state. - OSF OnCall provides digital health services, including hospital-at-home care. - Fortune has recognized OSF HealthCare as one of the country's most innovative companies. - Forbes has named OSF HealthCare one of America's Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals. - OSF HealthCare included links to its LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook pages in the release.

Between the lines: - The selection signals that OSF HealthCare wants to be seen not just as a provider, but as a faith-based system pairing tradition with technology and new care models. - The focus on rural and urban access suggests the documentary is also a platform for a broader policy message about where U.S. health care still falls short. - The feature gives OSF HealthCare a national branding moment at a time when health systems are competing on innovation, reach and patient access.

What's next: - The America 250 documentary series is expected to continue rolling out as the U.S. approaches its semiquincentennial. - OSF HealthCare is promoting the campaign through a live video link and its social channels. - More information is available at OSF HealthCare.