SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., - Nebraska’s hospitals provided nearly $697 million in community benefits in fiscal year (FY) 2006, according to a recent report by the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA). Of the 85 NHA member hospitals, 67 participated in the 2007 Nebraska Hospitals Community Benefits Report.

Locally, Regional West Medical Center provided $24.6 million in community benefits in FY 2006 (the most current year for which data is available).

“In addition to being a major employer in the area and providing essential health care services, Regional West annually provides community benefits, such as health screenings, immunizations, free and reduced-cost clinics and vital health care services to patients who were unable to pay,” said Todd Sorensen, Regional West president and CEO. “This new report quantifies the enormous positive impact Nebraska’s hospitals have on improving health and quality of life within and beyond hospital walls.”

During FY 2006, Regional West:
--Provided more than $21.4 million in uncompensated care to patients who were unable to pay for their necessary health care services
--Provided more than $1 million in medical education for scholarships and funding for health professionals
--Offered more than $1.2 million in other community programs and services; and
--Supplied the community with a variety of health-related programs and services, such as:
The Stepping Out For Women's Heart Health program
Flu Shot Clinics
Support groups
Health fairs and screenings
Cancer Survivors Day
Diabetic Youth Camp
Youth job shadow program

“The report demonstrates how Nebraska’s hospitals – including Regional West Medical Center – go above and beyond the mission to deliver essential health care services,” Sorensen said. “We are devoted to keeping area residents healthy and to always meeting our community’s needs.”

For a complete copy of the 2007 Nebraska Hospitals Community Benefits Report visit www.nhanet.org.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,300 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, we offer care that spans more than 40 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and is one of only three Level II Trauma Centers in the state of Nebraska.