Every day our hospitals voluntarily offer programs and services in their communities that exceed the routine and emergency care provided around the clock. Often provided free of charge, these programs and services – called Community Benefits – deliver health care assistance and solutions to specific populations with unique medical needs.

With the goal of improving the health of Alaska by improving the quality of life for Alaskans, these benefits identify and address the medical, social and welfare needs of the people in a particular community and provide measurable improvements in health care status and access regardless of ability to pay. Programs and services can include prenatal care for expecting mothers and families, mental health and depression screenings, adult and child immunizations, blood drives, CPR and first aid classes, help for elderly citizens, and so much more.

For the very first time, ASHNHA has quantified and reported the community benefits provided by the state’s acute care hospitals. In 2006, the most recent year for which data is available, Alaska hospitals provided $151.6 million in Community Benefits to citizens throughout the state. The hospitals also paid more than $10.3 million in taxes and fees to state and local governments.

For more information, click here to download a copy of ASHNHA’s Alaska Health Care Survey Results and Community Benefits Update.