Community Benefit

Hello Friends,

What does it mean to be a lifesaver? In an ever-more-challenging world, CommonSpirit Health plays a crucial role in communities where we care for the most vulnerable. It’s more than a phrase in our deeply held mission. It’s what happens every day at our hospitals and clinics in Nebraska, southwest Iowa, North Dakota and Minnesota. 

In fiscal year 2023, our community benefit impact totaled $231 million, which included $183 million in medically-needed care for 426,000 patients who were uninsured or underinsured. For each of those individuals, that financial safety net is a Godsend.

It’s also a saving grace in our communities, where we address the specific needs identified in locally-conducted community health needs assessments. Access to care is essential and remains one of our top focus areas. We are investing proactively in community health initiatives and partnerships to promote health, prevent chronic disease and reduce health disparities. Strategic initiatives involve workforce and economic development, as well as investing in local food systems, community-based violence prevention programs and expanding access to mental health and substance misuse treatment. Some highlights of this local work include:

• Siembra Salud/CNA Career Ladders - 32 students experienced health care careers as part of our Siembra Salud/CNA Career Ladder program in Omaha, Nebraska. Four of these students completed Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification and two are currently working in our hospitals – thanks to this strategic partnership with Latino Center of the Midlands, Metropolitan Community College and Omaha Public Schools.
• Farm at CHI St. Francis Health - One ton of fresh produce grown on the campus of CHI St. Francis Health in Breckenridge, Minnesota, was donated to the local Richland-Wilkin Emergency Food Pantry. Through the farm to hospital program, Nutrition Services also served these healthy fruits and vegetables in patient meals at CHI St. Francis Health.
• Daycare at CHI St. Alexius Health Williston - 60 new child care spots were created at Coyote Pups Learning Den in Williston, North Dakota. This facility was made possible by renovations to the former Sisters of Mercy House with funding provided by the CHI St. Alexius Health Williston Foundation and Williston STAR board.

We are proud to serve, heal, partner and invest in our friends and neighbors from Baudette, Minnesota to Kearney, Nebraska. Thank you for spending time with our annual report and supporting this vital work throughout the year.

Tim Bricker
President
CommonSpirit Health Central Region

CHI Health and Midwest Community Benefit Reports

• Community Benefit Report 2023
• Community Benefit Report 2022
• Community Benefit Report 2021