Sister Charlotte Kerr’s vision of healing has always included care of the whole person and care of a world broken in many pieces. In the 1980s she accepted then-Senator Barbara Mikulski’s invitation to be an advisor in shaping public health initiatives that go beyond the conventional model of health care. In that role she participated in the first Senate hearing on integrative health and served on two Presidential Commissions. Earlier this year, Senator Mikulski presented to Sister Charlotte a certificate of appreciation for her many years of service, stating:
“This citation is presented in recognition of your strategic advice and advocacy on behalf of the American people to improve their health and well-being through public policy initiatives in the areas of integrative health and achievement of wellness. The United States Senate thanks you and the Sisters of Mercy for their efforts and support to help so many for so long.”
Senator Mikulski noted that Sister Charlotte brought to each occasion the concept that true healing must include the spirit as well as body-mind, that she encouraged all to think in new ways and of new possibilities, and that members of Congress were more effective and mindful because of her presence and participation. In a letter accompanying the citation, the Senator stated, “. . . your work has had a transformative impact on federal health policy.”
Sister Charlotte’s was also recently acknowledged by Surgeon General Vivek Murphy in a Certificate of Appreciation “for outstanding service on the Presidentially-appointed Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health, and contributions to the implementation of the National Prevention Strategy.”
A registered nurse, acupuncturist, Professor Emerita at the Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH), and public health consultant, Sister Charlotte sees patients in the MUIH Natural Care Center in Columbia, Maryland.
Read Sister Charlotte’s bio here.