Northwest Health has released its annual community benefit report, outlining the contributions it made to the health of its patients and its impact on the region’s economic health last year.
The report outlines the ways the physicians, nurses and other team members of Northwest Health supported the health and well-being of patients who turned to the three hospitals for expert care and how, as a major employer and tax-payer, the organization was a significant contributor to the economic health of the region. The health system’s impact totaled more than $429 million in 2022.
Numbers shared in the report state that the organization provided care at more than 937,000 patient encounters, including more than 81,000 emergency department visits, more than 17,500 inpatient admissions, more than 25,800 surgeries and more than 2,000 deliveries in their maternity units. Over 811,000 patients received care across Northwest Medical Group offices and other outpatient settings receiving services such as imaging, physical therapy, lab work, wound care, office visits and more.
“We help people get well and live healthier by providing quality care for patients,” said Ashley Dickinson, chief executive officer for Northwest Health. “Our communities are truly blessed to have this dedicated team of clinicians and caregivers who are making a meaningful difference each and every day.”
Northwest Health applies its resources to medical services, facilities and technologies that are important to patients. In 2022 this included expanding Northwest Health Lakeshore Surgicare, an orthopedic surgery center, and adding an AI-based maternal-fetal early warning system to identify and respond to potential complications during birth. Access has been enhanced with the opening of another primary care clinic in Michigan City and recruiting 24 new providers to the region. Capital improvements totaling more than $14.5 million helped add new equipment and technology.
In 2022, the system provided over $32.9 million in charity and uncompensated care for the community’s most vulnerable and payed $48 million in taxes that support civic resources and services. Support for local charitable and community organizations such as the Pax Center, Starke County Youth Club, and the Caring Place, included donations and outreach activities such as food drives, serving meals to those in need, and providing health and wellness education programs.
The system reported a payroll of more than $300.9 million that in turn assisted the local economy as employees buy goods and services. Last year Northwest Health added enhanced benefits to help its team members achieve their personal and professional goals, including assistance with student loan repayments, reimbursement of licensure and certification expenses, as well as tuition reimbursement.
The report shows that educating future clinicians is a priority for the system. A teaching site for seven colleges, Northwest Health helps educate nurses, emergency medical technicians, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, imaging technologists and other future clinicians. More than 500 students completed training at a Northwest Health facility in 2022.
Dickinson continued, “The vital care we provide is only one part of our broad impact. We are a cornerstone of the community and are committed to doing all we can to make Northwest Indiana a healthier community for all.”
To review the Northwest Health 2022 Community Benefit Report, visit NWHealthIN.com/community-benefits
