Fall River, MA – Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, part of Steward Health Care, provided an estimated $3.5 million in community benefits in fiscal year 2014, as published June 2 by the Office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey.

The hospital’s reported total community benefits expenditures of $3,605,035 for fiscal year 2014 include free or discounted care provided directly to patients. These expenditures were among more than $631 million in benefits provided statewide by Massachusetts hospitals. Saint Anne’s also reported expenditures of $324,759 for community service programs.

These programs addressed one or more of the four statewide health priorities identified in the Attorney General’s Community Benefit Guidelines. The statewide priorities are: supporting health care reform; improving chronic disease management in disadvantaged populations; reducing health disparities; and promoting wellness in vulnerable populations.

Saint Anne’s Hospital President Craig Jesiolowski noted that the hospital’s commitment to its community benefits program is integral to its mission as a community hospital.

“As a local leader in health care, Saint Anne’s has a long history of identifying and meeting the needs of our communities,” said Jesiolowski. “From wellness and prevention, to supporting programs and services that meet otherwise unmet needs, we are committed to optimizing our community’s health and ensuring access to care. We gratefully support those who complement our programs and services so that, together, we are able to create a healthier community.”

Among Saint Anne’s Hospital’s listed accomplishments for 2014 were:

• 1,978 individuals and families received enrollment assistance in obtaining health insurance.
• A free six-month, weekly farmers market voucher program helped patients with diabetes improve their health status.
• 1,209 individuals were screened and assessed in the Emergency Room by specially trained staff for substance abuse and provided with community treatment referrals. 
• A new position for a certified addictions nurse specialist was added to provide staff training, patient and family support and community outreach.
• annual monthly subsidy to purchase staples for local food pantry
• 462 child/family victims of sexual abuse and/or violence received therapy and support services at no cost.

More than 70% of the hospital’s community services expenditures go to support the operating budget, primarily for staff salaries, for Greater Fall River Partners for a Healthy Community, Inc. This is the locally designated non-profit Community Health Network Area (CHNA) organized by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). As described by DPH, CHNAs collaboratively identify local and regional health priorities, design community-based prevention plans, and track success in achieving healthier communities.

These funds were given under regulations for approval of certain kinds of new health care construction, requiring that 5% of project costs be paid over a five-year timeframe to provide for other community health care needs. Significant new construction costing more than $110 million at the hospital campus and its community satellites over the past five years has resulted in more than $200,000 in annual funding for the Partners for a Healthy Community CHNA.

All non-profit hospitals are required to provide community benefits; however, Saint Anne’s Hospital, part of the Steward Health Care System, provides the same level of community benefits as non-profit hospitals, as well as paying real estate taxes to the City of Fall River. In 2014, these taxes topped $1.9 million, helping to support the salaries of more than 32 teachers, police officers and firefighters.

“Our hospital’s growth in recent years is not only benefiting the health and welfare of area residents, but also supporting vital public services,” said Jesiolowski. “As one of Fall River’s largest employers, we are committed to doing our part by contributing to the city’s ability to provide these services.”

About Saint Anne’s Hospital

Saint Anne’s Hospital is a community hospital with comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care services, serving adults and children from southeastern Massachusetts and nearby Rhode Island at its main campus in Fall River and its community satellites. Founded in 1906 by the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, Saint Anne's Hospital is a member of Steward Health Care System LLC, the largest community-based accountable care organization in New England. Saint Anne’s has been recognized time and again for quality, safety and service by such organizations as The Joint Commission, The Leapfrog Group, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

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