Released by the Florida Hospital Association …
Tallahassee, FL – Today, the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) released its 2019 Community Benefit Report, highlighting member hospitals’ impact beyond direct hospital care to improve the health and well-being of their communities. In 2018, hospitals contributed more than $4.1 billion in benefits to their communities, including $3.2 billion in free care for low-income patients; $401 million in costs associated with health professional education, workforce development and research; and $493 million in community health improvement and community building activities.
View a copy of the 2019 FHA Community Benefit Report.
“Florida’s hospitals are cornerstones of strong, healthy communities. Every day, our caregivers and hospital teams save lives, restore health and provide a wide array of critical services,” said Bruce Rueben, FHA president. “We are delighted to share stories detailing their great work on behalf of local communities and our state overall.”
The 2019 Community Benefit Report highlights 11 hospitals and programs that demonstrate how hospitals go beyond their walls to improve lives and strengthen communities. The report also gives specific examples of several hospitals’ hurricane response efforts, from free e-care visits to efficiencies in evacuating patients and helping them feel comfortable during an uncertain time.
Florida’s hospitals work with stakeholders and community partners to identify, prioritize and address critical health care needs in their local community through regular community needs health assessments. This collaboration among local partners has led to stronger communities with better health outcomes.
The community benefits Florida’s hospitals and health systems provide are tailored to the needs of their own communities and include free or discounted care, underpayments from government programs, education for health care professionals and medical research. They also include activities that improve a community’s health, such as free health screenings and fairs, and community building activities that invest in local socio-economic development and strengthen community partnerships.
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About the Florida Hospital Association
The Florida Hospital Association comprises over 200 hospitals and health systems from across the state. Through representation and advocacy, education, and informational services, we support the mission of our members to provide the highest quality of care to the patients we serve. For more information, visit www.FHA.org.