River Falls Area Hospital's community benefit more than $3 million in 2006
From charity care to wellness programs, RFAH is a valuable community partner
RIVER FALLS, Wis. 08/07/2007--The total value of River Falls Area Hospital's community contributions for 2006 was more than $3 million, according to data recently released. The figure represents a 31 percent increase over 2005.
"As a not-for profit organization, the health of the communities in which we operate is essential to our mission and strategy," said Randy Farrow, president of River Falls Area Hospital. "Like all health care providers, our hospital faces financial challenges related to caring for the growing population of uninsured patients, however we continue to invest in programs to reduce the number of uninsured while elevating the health of everyone in the communities we serve."
River Falls Area Hospital's total 2006 investment of more than $3 million represents approximately 13 percent of its $24.5 million operating expense.
Of that total contribution, $1 million provided community benefits designed to lessen the health care burden for all in the community, as defined by two leading national organizations, Catholic Health Association (CHA) and VHA. Using the CHA/VHA guidelines for tracking, River Falls Area Hospital's community benefit contribution in 2006 included:
- cost of providing charity care: $324,000
- costs in excess of Medicaid payments: $338,000
- community services: $199,000
- cash and in-kind donations: $75,000
Another $2 million supported community contributions, as defined by the Minnesota Hospital Association, included:
- discounts offered to uninsured patients: $341,000
- costs in excess of Medicare payments: $1.1 million
- other care provided without compensation: $638,000
"We're proud of the community benefit services we provide," said Heather Logelin, River Falls Area Hospital's director of community benefit. "We strive to work with our community partners to improve the health and wellness of our region while providing care to all who need it."
About River Falls Area Hospital
River Falls Area Hospital is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a not-for-profit health care system of hospitals, clinics and other patient care services that provides exceptional care to communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
The total value of Allina Hospitals & Clinics' community contributions for 2006 was more than $396 million. Allina Hospitals & Clinics facilities, services and jobs can be found online at www.allina.com.
# # #
Related Links
Kinnickinnic Health Foundation supports River Falls Area Hospital and other community health initiatives
Allina Hospitals & Clinics: Community involvement
|
