David Zuckerman, our manager for health care engagement, authors this report (Going All-In: Why Embracing an Anchor Mission Is How Health Systems Benefit Their Communities) featured by the Catholic Health Association of the United States:
Traditionally, health care institutions provided quality health care and produced research and grant-making or charitable services. As hospitals and integrated health systems increasingly prioritize improving community health, they are recognizing that everyday internal operations can be aligned for a higher external impact. Through this approach, health systems, which are increasingly the largest employers and purchasers in their communities, can leverage existing financial flows for local benefit and expand the set of resources and tools that institutions have available to carry out their mission. They can help address social and economic conditions that underlie poor health outcomes, lower life expectancies and higher health care costs and overtime, and reduce utilization of unnecessary and costly services.
The economic impact of hospitals and health systems is significant. They purchase $340 billion in goods and services annually, have investment portfolios estimated at $500 billion and employ more than 5 million people. Currently, few of these procurement dollars, employment opportunities and investment dollars reach lower-income communities of color that many of these institutions serve... Read the full article featuring the report.