I write today with gratitude for the resilience of our provider team at Northwest Health. The pandemic continues to demonstrate how interconnected we all are, the impact each one of us can have and the benefit of working together for a common cause. We care deeply about our community and remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver safe, quality healthcare services.
The arc of life is always present in a hospital, but its frailty is also clear. Each year, tens of thousands of patients receive the medical care they need thanks to our physicians, nurses, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, lab techs, housekeepers, food service workers and other providers who work tirelessly to maintain a safe environment. Our family of caregivers put aside their personal fears and concerns and are ready to help every single day, with bravery and courage.
In 2020 alone, more than 1,900 babies took their first breaths and we celebrated with their moms. More than 70,000 walked away in better shape than when they came in - with less pain following a joint replacement, a heart beating in rhythm after receiving a pacemaker or a smile of relief when their screening mammogram or colonoscopy was clear.
With pride and relief we have cheered hundreds of patients who left for home after beating COVID-19. But there are times of sadness too, as our caregivers help patients transition at the end of life and comfort the loved ones who grieve for their loss.
Helping people get well and live healthier is rewarding work, and we are grateful for the trust every patient places in us. And we feel the support of the community as you extend your thanks and encouragement through prayer, first responder parades, signs, meals and more. Led by a local administration and advisory board of community leaders and physicians, we are putting our resources toward increased medical services, facilities and technologies that are important to our patients, including a new hospital that opened in La Porte in October 2020. The healthcare system also enhances access to care with the recruitment of 26 new providers in the past year. And in addition to in-person office visits, many of our physicians continue to offer telemedicine, making it easier than ever to see the doctor when you're in the comfort of home.
We value our relationship with the communities of Northwest Indiana and our impact is felt in many ways. The more than $37 million in taxes we paid last year support critical infrastructure such as first responders, schools and roads. Wages and benefits for our provider team generate buying power for local goods and services and help drive the local economy. And we deliver care for our most vulnerable residents, last year providing more than $51 million in charity and uncompensated care.
Like many areas of the country, Northwest Healthcare is seeing an increase in admissions of COVID-positive patients. Our staff continues to rise to meet the need and we are tremendously proud of them. If you've not already been vaccinated, we encourage everyone to do so as soon as you can. Each shot delivered is one more push for the safety of the individual and our larger community.
With continued hope and gratitude,
Ashley Dickinson, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer
Northwest Health
