ALTOONA – In fiscal 2012, Altoona Regional Health System provided $49 million in charitable giving and community support. The fiscal year covers the period from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012.
“As a nonprofit health care organization dedicated to providing tangible community benefit,” said Jerry Murray, Altoona Regional president and chief executive officer. “Our goals are to increase health care access, reduce disparities in the local health care system and champion the causes of those who face obstacles in their daily lives.”
To qualify as community benefit, programs and services must meet at least one of the following universally recognized criteria:
- Generate a low or negative margin
- Respond to the needs of special populations, such as people living in poverty and other disenfranchised persons
- Supply services or programs that would likely be discontinued or need to be provided by another nonprofit or government provider if the decision was made on a purely financial basis
- Respond to public health needs
- Involve education or research that improves overall community health
The annual report provides details of how the health system gives back to the community and is available online at www.altoonaregional.org or by calling 889-2271. The report is free.
“Altoona Regional exists solely for the well-being of the communities and people we serve,” Murray said. “Unlike for-profit health care providers, all funds left after expenses are used to improve and/or expand local health care services.”