Our Commitment

What is Community Benefit?

Froedtert Hospital and many other health care systems around the country subscribe to a common definition of community benefit developed by the Catholic Health Association.

Community Benefit is most commonly defined as: "a planned, managed, organized and measured approach to a health care organization's participation in meeting identified community health needs." It implies collaboration with a "community" to "benefit" its residents — particularly the poor, minorities and other underserved groups — by improving health status and quality of life.

Framework

To improve the quality of life in the communities we serve through healthcare programs and services that are measurable, accessible and culturally appropriate — recognizing the greatest opportunity for impact is in Milwaukee’s underserved, urban population.

Froedtert promotes community outreach programs and provides financial support to community organizations that have a strong commitment and interest in community health improvement.

How are programs and services determined?

Hospital activities are considered to benefit the community if they provide medical care and promote health improvement as a response to community needs. In general, community benefits are recognized as:

Uncompensated and financial assistance
Programs that respond to needs of special populations such as persons living in poverty and other disenfranchised persons
Programs that respond to demonstrated public health needs
Activities supporting health professions education or research that improves overall community health

Date: Mar. 26, 2012

Online Editor(s): Richard Petre

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