In 2013, nearly half a million patients in Indiana received free or reduced-cost care from Indiana University Health. Beyond the $308 million provided in charity care, IU Health also brought healthcare into the community by investing nearly $32 million in community health initiatives, reaching nearly a million people through health screenings and health education programs.
Throughout the year, IU Health North Hospital supported many local organizations including Trinity Free Clinic and the Carmel Police Department in the organizations’ joint Car Seat Safety Program. Through the partnership, 145 free car seats were provided to Hamilton County families unable to afford them.
“The Carmel Police Department was thrilled to partner with IU Health North Hospital for our Trinity Free Clinic Child Safety Seat Program,” said Ann Gallagher, community resource specialist with the Carmel Police Department. “We are fortunate to have found this association so that the program could continue to serve those children in need in Hamilton County.”
The state’s largest health system also invested in the health of its communities, by funding education and training to more than 17,000 health professionals and providing $72 million to support research initiatives at the IU School of Medicine.
2013 IU Health North Community Benefit highlights:
· IU Health North Hospital provided more than $50,000 in financial and in-kind donations to community organizations such as Trinity Free Clinic, Chaucie’s Place, Indiana Women In Need (I.W.I.N.), the Indiana Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Carmel Lions Club to help fund the Operation KidSight program.
· During the 2013 Day of Service, IU Health North associates installed five fitness stations in Carmel’s River Road Park to promote exercise and physical fitness.
“The mission at IU Health is to improve the health of our patients and communities – we do that by investing in initiatives both inside and outside of our hospital walls,” said Ron Stiver, senior vice president for Engagement and Public Affairs, IU Health. “From free and reduced care in our hospital walls to taking steps to improve the health of our neighbors in the community, IU Health works to make a positive impact on health in the State of Indiana.”
Other 2013 community benefit highlights:
· To encourage physical fitness, more than 1,500 team members volunteered across the state during the annual IU Health Day of Service to enhance 19 parks in 12 counties and installed 40 fitness stations, benefitting nearly 365,000 community members.
· The successful Kindergarten Countdown camp helped more than 400 high-risk children from nine counties improve their Get Ready to Read scores by 21% on average.
· IU Health hospitals across the state founded and/or supported walking groups in their communities, reaching nearly 1,100 community members who’ve logged hundreds of hours and miles.
