Sacred Heart Health System has formed a partnership with CaringBridge, a nonprofit Web service that connects families and friends when someone is facing a serious medical condition, treatment or in recovery. A CaringBridge Web site provides a place for users to post journal entries and photos, and receive messages of hope and encouragement in a guestbook.

“This partnership enhances our patient and family support system,” said Debbie Bostic, president of Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. “Having a CaringBridge Web share updates online, rather than fielding numerous phone calls and emails, allows families at our hospitals to focus their time and energy on the person who requires healing.”

CaringBridge is the largest charitable nonprofit Web site in the world, according to Nielsen//NetRatings’ traffic rankings. More than 100,000 Web sites have been created, generating more than 600 million visits. The free service is funded by individual donations and hospital partnerships.

“Hospitals and facilities quickly see uplifted spirits and fewer phone calls when CaringBridge is used for patient and family communication,” said Judy Trucano, partnership manager, CaringBridge. “We’re excited that Sacred Heart Health System has joined our mission to bring together a global community of care.”

CaringBridge can be recommended to patients with all types of medical situations, including cancer, premature birth, organ transplant, hospitalization, hospice care, war injury, chronic illness, stroke, rehabilitation, and more.

From any computer with a connection to the Internet, a patient, family member or trusted friend can go to www.sacred-heart.org to get started. They will then follow three easy steps to set up a site complete with personalization and privacy options.

Access to a CaringBridge Web site requires that visitors know the exact name of the site they’re trying to reach. In addition, CaringBridge site authors have the ability to add password protection, create a “by invitation only list” to allow access to pre-approved visitors, or block access to specific unwanted visitors.

When a new site is created, CaringBridge sends the author a confirmation message, and provides a sample announcement e-mail that can be forwarded to family and friends. CaringBridge can provide much needed support for families who are overwhelmed by a healthcare diagnosis.

For more information on CaringBridge, please visit www.CaringBridge.org.

For more information on services at Sacred Heart, please call (850) 416-1600 or visit www.sacred-heart.org.