According to a Modern Healthcare analysis of data from 255 health systems, Wellstar Health System provides the second-highest percentage of charity care among large nonprofit U.S. health systems. The rankings are based on a review of charity care reported as a portion of operating expenses for fiscal year 2022[1].
Wellstar devoted 6.11% of its operating expenses to charity care, making the system the top provider of charity care in the state and the second nationwide. As a nonprofit healthcare system, Wellstar is committed to bringing expert, compassionate health services to those who need them.
“Wellstar is committed to providing compassionate, expert care to the communities we serve,” Julie Teer, SVP and President of Wellstar Foundation, said. “As a nonprofit health system, we rely on the generosity of donors and strategic partnerships to help us expand access and impact. The Wellstar Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the health system and is fueling innovation and action to address the state’s most pressing health needs.”
Our nine safety net hospitals[2] care for every patient that comes through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. Wellstar intentionally focuses on philanthropy and partnerships that support health equity, behavioral health, innovation, workforce development and clinical excellence initiatives. Each is critical to the health system’s efforts to provide holistic, tailored care that meets people’s health needs at every age and stage.
As we lead the way to a healthier Georgia, Wellstar is the only health system in the state with an established Center for Health Equity. The Wellstar Center for Health Equity (WCHE) is critical to reaching underserved communities. Every three years, a Community Health Needs Assessment is conducted to help better understand the unique health needs of the communities we serve – further enabling us to create and implement a plan to improve care and promote healthy lifestyles for every person regardless of their race, gender, culture or income.
“We are able to reach a broader range of people in need because of the partnerships we’ve formed,” Elise Lockamy-Kassim, AVP of the WCHE, said. “As a community, we are stronger together. Working with organizations like Goodr; Wholesome Wave Georgia; Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies; Ser Familia, and hundreds of other partners, we’re able to make a much greater impact.”
Food insecurity is one of Wellstar’s six strategic initiatives because of the WCHE’s findings. Wellstar and the Wellstar Foundation first partnered with Goodr in 2020 to tackle food insecurity during the pandemic. Our partnership initially focused on Mobile Markets, pop-up grocery markets that provide food and fresh produce to thousands of families each year.
The partnership has evolved to also include a Surplus Food Recovery service where leftover food from hospitals and donated to community-based organizations. Most recently, the system launched an Organic Recycling Program with support from Goodr, the Wellstar Foundation, Catalyst by Wellstar and Wellstar Strategic Community Development.
At Wellstar, our strong commitment to clinical and community initiatives, designed to help enhance care and create a healthier Georgia, has recently grown with the addition of Wellstar MCG Health and Children’s Hospital of Georgia.
Please consider supporting Wellstar’s nonprofit work by making a tax-deductible donation through the Wellstar Foundation at wellstar.org/give.
[1] Source: Merritt Research Services, an Investortools Company
[2] Source: Georgia Department of Community Health, Safety Net Hospitals (2019 Data Year)
