CHICAGO: The patients of Swedish Covenant Hospital will now heal in the woven beauty of hand-made carpets, thanks to the talents of women from half a world away.The hospital's Women's Board recently purchased three woven carpets from Arzu, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that provides sustainable income to impoverished Afghan women by sourcing and selling the high-quality rugs they weave.

The rugs are prominently displayed off the hospital's main entrance, allowing patients and visitors the opportunity to view them.The rugs were unveiled at a special reception hosted by the Women's Board and Arzu recently. "Arzu means 'hope' in Dari, and that is exactly what they bring to the women who create these beautiful rugs," said Mark Newton, president and CEO of Swedish Covenant Hospital. "We at Arzu are thrilled about this new rug display and we believe the rugs make a wonderful addition to the hospital," said Alyssa Rome. Swedish Covenant Hospital is a comprehensive healthcare facility providing health and wellness services to the communities of Chicago's North Side.

As one of the few independent, nonprofit hospitals in the area, Swedish Covenant Hospital remains focused on its mission of compassionate care. More than 500 physicians join the hospital's nurses and professional staff to strengthen a foundation of excellence established nearly 120 years ago.