PCH PROVIDES SIGNIFICANT COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Nebraska's hospitals provided nearly $640 million in community benefits in FY 2005, according to a recent report by the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA). Of the 85 NHA member hospitals, 59 participated in the Nebraska Hospitals Community Benefits Report.

Locally, Pender Community Hospital provided $233,885 in community benefits to hundreds of residents in FY 2005 (the most current year for which data is available).

"In addition to being a major employer in Thurston County and providing essential health care services, Pender Community Hospital annually provides community benefits, such as health screenings, immunizations, free and reduced-cost clinics and services to patients who were unable to pay," said Michael Hansen, CEO. "This new report quantifies the enormous positive impact Nebraska's hospitals have on improving health and quality of life, within and beyond hospital walls."

    During FY 2005, Pender Community Hospital:
  • Provided more than $233,885 in total community benefits to local residents;
  • Provided more than $51,020 in uncompensated care to patients who were unable to pay for health care services;
  • Offered more than $93,043 in free or reduced-fee community-based programs to ensure healthier children, safer environments, earlier detection of disease, and enhanced access to basic health care services;
  • Supplied the community with health care programs and services, such as Health Fairs, Lunch and Learns, Wound Ostomy and Continence Services, Lifeline, Diabetic Education, Medicare Part "D" Education and Enrollment; and
  • Served Thousands of Pender Community Hospital District residents and non-residents through various programs and services.

"The report demonstrates how Nebraska's hospitals - including Pender Community Hospital - go above and beyond the mission to deliver essential health care services," Hansen said. "We're fighting to keep local residents healthier and to always meet our community needs."

For a complete copy of the report, visit www.nhanet.org.