The Needs

SAFETY NEEDS

Replace elevators in Julie Hall.

Two elevators located in Julie Hall, the independent, seven-story living residence connected to the Health Center, require complete replacement. Sixteen Sisters currently reside in this area of campus along with staffing. The Sisters depend on these elevators daily for safe mobility and continued independence. Reliable elevator access is essential to ensuring their dignity, safety and quality of life.

Replace aging roof.

The roofs throughout the Health Center, Chapel and Julie Hall have reached the point of needing full replacement. Protecting these buildings from water intrusion and structural deterioration is critical to preserving a safe and secure home for the Sisters who live and worship here each day.

Update common area flooring and carpeting.

After more than 25 years of use, carpeting and flooring throughout the Health Center’s common spaces are worn and deteriorating. Cracks have begun appearing in activity room flooring, creating potential safety concerns. Replacing these surfaces will improve accessibility, safety and comfort for the Sisters and visitors alike.

Update campus security systems.

As technology evolves, so must the systems that help protect our Sisters. Upgrading the campus security system will provide improved monitoring, communication and emergency response capabilities throughout the property, helping ensure a safe environment for all who live, work and visit Mount Notre Dame.

Replace obsolete fire alarm equipment. - FUNDED

Fire safety is a top priority. There are five alarm loops installed in the health center. Due to the age of the system, components are no longer being manufactured. We are unable to make repairs. While our current system passes fire code inspection now, there will soon come a day when it will not. There is an immediate need to install modern smoke detectors, heat detectors, pull stations and alarms. 

Install modern call system. - FUNDED

When there is a health emergency, seconds count. The quality of care we are committed to offering requires state-of-the-art equipment that quickly alerts staff when a resident needs attention. Call system upgrades include wireless phones for the nursing staff, alert pendants and “wander guards” for memory care patients. An updated system will also allow us to analyze response times, improve operations and better serve our Sisters.

QUALITY OF LIFE NEEDS

Replace worn plumbing and fixtures. - FUNDED

After 25 years, our plumbing is not what it used to be. The shower valves are worn out and no longer keep hot and cold water separate; our Sisters step into cold showers even on the coldest days. It’s no surprise that replacing these valves is one of the top requests from the Sisters.
Installing larger shower handles will mean Sisters with arthritis can grip and turn the handles without assistance, protecting their dignity and promoting independence.  

Protect elevators from electrical surges. - FUNDED

Our elderly Sisters who use walkers and wheelchairs rely on three elevators to safely and independently move around Mount Notre Dame Health Center.
Unfortunately, the elevators are subject to electrical surges from lightning. Upgrading the technology to protect the control boards will save up to $5,000 per year in costly repairs and, most importantly, keep our elevators in good working condition. 

ENERGY EFFICIENT NEEDS

Replace outdated HVAC systems. - FUNDED

Cincinnati weather runs the gamut from very cold to quite hot and humid. A large building like the health center needs modern HVAC equipment that is more efficient at keeping the facilities comfortable. The original HVAC still in use today is beyond life expectancy; replacing it would impact the dining hall, kitchen, bedrooms, common areas and laundry area.

Restoration of Stained-Glass windows. - FUNDED

The stained-glass windows in the St. Julie Chapel are in need of being restored. Each piece of glass in the stained-glass windows will be removed, cleaned, and restored before being set back in the iconic windows.