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Community Benefit Survey Results
In 2007, Palmetto Health provided more than $128 million in free services, according to the South Carolina Hospital Association's (SCHA) community benefit report. This is SCHA's second year offering the report.
Included in the $128 million were prenatal services for 40-year-old Jennifer Lucas. After having two miscarriages and two premature babies who died at birth, Lucas gave birth to Noah at 37 weeks, her longest pregnancy ever. Lucas credits Palmetto Healthy Start and the Parents of Preemies support group for her healthy baby boy.
There are millions more stories of patients who are now enjoying a better quality of life because of programs provided by Palmetto Health and other hospitals across the state. According to the 65 hospitals who participated in the survey, approximately 4.8 million people received more than $1.3 billion in traditional and non-traditional community benefit services. Traditional community benefits are uncompensated care costs and include health care services provided to patients who are unable to pay as well as the unreimbursed costs of government programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. Nontraditional community benefits are programs and services offered by South Carolina's hospitals out in the community-beyond hospital walls-to improve health status or increase access to care.
Some notable statistics include that Palmetto Health:
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provided more than $128 million in total community benefits to Midlands and Pickens county residents (more than $169 million when taxes are included)
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offered more than $10 million 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 (together, South Carolina hospitals provided $28.6 million)
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supplied the community with nontraditional community benefits such as health screenings, education, support groups, counseling services, transportation, prescriptions and more
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provided $2.1 million in financial and in-kind contributions (statewide contribution was $8.9 million)
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invested $1.63 million in research (statewide contribution was $7 million)
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invested more than $32 million in health professions education (statewide contribution was $61.8 million)
Palmetto Health CEO Charles D. Beaman said, "Our goal has always been to improve the quality of life and health of our community, and we take pride in the fact that we take care of everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Many of the programs and services reflected in this survey were established with input from the community. Together, we've tackled tough issues, and I believe we've made a real difference in people lives."
