 |
 |
Send to a Friend |
|
|
|
For Immediate Release | For more information, contact: |
Buffalo Hospital invests over $2.6 million caring for the communityBuffalo, Minn 12/14/2007--From charity care to wellness programs, Buffalo Hospital is a valuable community partner Buffalo Hospital invested more than $2.6 million in the communities it serves in 2006 in the form of reduced-cost and free care for the uninsured, community health initiatives and services. Buffalo Hospital’s investment is part of a statewide report released this week by the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA). The second-annual MHA Community Benefit Report highlights $1.37 billion contributed by all 131 of the state’s acute-care hospitals. In 2006, Allina Hospitals & Clinics invested $132 million serving people who don’t have the financial means to pay for their care, working to improve the health of the communities it serves and conducting medical research and education. These reported contributions follow the national standards set by the Catholic Health Association and VHA. ''The 2007 Community Benefit Report illustrates the myriad ways Minnesota hospitals improve the quality of life and economy here in Minnesota'' said MHA President Bruce Rueben. ''Part of our mission is to treat all patients in need of care, regardless of their ability to pay'' said Steve Hatkin, president, Buffalo Hospital. Current government estimates place the number of Americans without health insurance at more than 41 million. In addition, Medicare and Medicaid don’t pay the full cost for health care services, and the hospital must cover those costs. ''We’re committed to investing in preventing illness and keeping people healthy'' said Hatkin. ''For the past decade, Buffalo Hospital has been instrumental in launching and sustaining a variety of efforts'' continued Hatkin. For example, Safe Communities of Wright County has reduced severe injury and fatal crashes by 38 percent over the past ten years. To combat the obesity epidemic, DAAN™ was created to inspire wise nutrition and activity choices. ''The DAAN Youth Curriculum successfully helped children control their body mass index and improve eating habits at pilot elementary schools in Annandale, Delano and St Michael/Albertville,'' said Holly Minke, a member of Community Benefit Advisory Council and Foundation Board at Buffalo Hospital. ''DAAN@Work has also helped many adults in Wright County live healthier lives and will ultimately reduce medical costs for their employers'' More than 160 defibrillators have been placed in public gathering places and squad cars throughout Wright County to increase survival from sudden cardiac arrest by Heart Safe Communities of Wright County. These defibrillators have saved five lives in the last five months alone. To learn more about charity care or how you can support the hospital and these community benefit initiatives, visit www.buffalohospital.org. or call 763-684-3877. About Buffalo HospitalPart of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Buffalo Hospital is a not-for-profit regional medical center committed to providing exceptional care and improving the health of the communities it serves in and around Wright County. Information about Buffalo Hospital's services, along with the latest health information, can be found online at www.buffalohospital.org. # # # |