Advocate Health Care invests $1.2B in its communities in 2023

Advocate Health Care contributed $1.2 billion in charitable care and services last year. The investment includes free and subsidized care for low-income populations, as well as programs aimed at addressing social drivers of health like food and housing.

As part of the third-largest nonprofit health system in the nation and one of the largest providers of community benefit in the industry, the contribution represents a portion of Advocate Health’s total $6.05 billion in community benefit.

In Illinois, a range of programs and services in underserved communities focus on providing safer, higher-quality care and enhancing overall health and wellness.

Programs in Illinois have increased access to trauma-informed care, addressed high blood pressure in the populations most at risk and more. Last year, thousands of people were served by the Advocate Trauma Recovery Center, a violence intervention program that helps people rebuild and strengthen their sense of safety by ending the cycle of violence.

Meanwhile, enrollment increased 11% in a program that addresses high rates of uncontrolled hypertension in Black and Hispanic patients by providing participants with self-monitoring blood-pressure devices and boxes of fresh produce to eat.

“Critical programs like these reflect our long-standing commitment to building health equity, enhancing access to care and improving health outcomes for the patients and communities we are so privileged to serve,” Advocate Health Care President Dia Nichols said.

Community investments include free care for low-income patients, undercompensated care for those on Medicare and Medicaid, and costs related to medical education and research, among other programs and services. Additionally, 2023 contributions included:

— Subsidized health services including trauma and behavioral health services, screenings, immunizations, school-based health care and other community outreach programs

— Education to train physicians, nurses and other health professionals

— Contributions of equipment and supplies

“This community benefit report is evidence of our commitment to making a significant impact in all the communities we serve to make health care more accessible for all — including by addressing the social drivers that negatively impact people\'s health,” said Eugene A. Woods, CEO of Advocate Health. “And I am inspired on a daily basis by our team\'s dedication to providing nationally leading care, not just within our facilities, but well beyond our walls and into vulnerable communities in greatest need.”