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10/28/2009
Ephraim McDowell Health’s mission statement describes the healthcare organization as one that is “committed to providing a healing environment in the communities we serve, built on best people, practices and performance.” Yet, the organization’s mission extends beyond the medical care provided in its hospitals, family medical centers and other facilities.
“As a non-profit organization, our healthcare system has an obligation to make quality health care accessible to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Clark Taylor, chief executive officer of Ephraim McDowell Health. “We also have an obligation to improve the health and well-being of those communities we serve in ways that go above and beyond what is normally expected of us.”
Ephraim McDowell Health provides medical care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay. The healthcare system also provides a subsidy for charges for hospital patients under 200% of the federal poverty level and a 30% prompt pay discount off charges to individuals who are not eligible for charity care but who are uninsured.
In 2008, Ephraim McDowell Health provided $7.3 million in charity care to individuals with low incomes or who were uninsured or underinsured. The healthcare system also provided $16.4 million in unreimbursed Medicaid care during 2008. This represented services provided to low-income individuals that were partially funded by federal, state and local programs.
In addition to treating the sick and injured, Ephraim McDowell Health contributes in other ways to the health and wellness of the communities it serves. One example is free health screenings that are provided in the community. In partnership with the Central Kentucky Cancer Program, Ephraim McDowell Health screened 101 people for colorectal cancer, 126 men for prostate cancer and 100 people for skin cancer in 2008.
Ephraim McDowell Health is also improving the health and wellness of the communities served through various programs that address important health issues. One program focused on increasing awareness of childhood obesity by sponsoring an Arts Walk for Kids and measuring the body mass index of students at one elementary school. In conjunction with the Auxiliaries at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center and Ephraim McDowell Fort Logan Hospital, Ephraim McDowell Health distributed 710 jump ropes to local children and encouraged them to engage in physical activity to reduce their risk for weight problems.
Ephraim McDowell Health also offers a Faith Community Nursing Program that involves 12 area churches providing faith community nursing services to their congregations.
One of the more significant contributions that Ephraim McDowell Health has made to the communities it serves is the Hope Clinic and Pharmacy, which is a partnership of Ephraim McDowell Health, Heart of Kentucky United Way, the Salvation Army and the Boyle County Health Department. The Hope Clinic and Pharmacy serves individuals in Boyle, Casey, Garrard, Lincoln, Mercer and Washington counties who do not have health insurance and are at 150 percent or less of federal poverty guidelines. To receive services, those individuals must have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type II diabetes, obesity and/or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
“As a non-profit organization, we are the community’s lifeline to health care,” Taylor said. “Services are available to all in need.”
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