# Ascension **Ascension** is one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States and the largest Catholic system, operating well over a hundred hospitals across many states from its St. Louis base. Despite [[Nonprofit Hospital]] status, Ascension has drawn scrutiny over its large investment operations, executive pay, billing and collections practices, and a 2024 ransomware attack — exemplifying the "nonprofit in name" critique discussed in [[Healthcare Industry Ecosystem]]. > Stub — expand with the financials, the Cerner/investment arm, and the labor and quality controversies.