Last year, HAN member RWJBarnabas Health launched a “Social Impact and Community Investment Practice” (SICI) that includes collaborative social impact initiatives which address the social, economic, and environmental conditions that contribute to poor health outcomes, reduced life expectancy, and higher costs.
Continue ReadingHealth systems are a key sector for driving local and national goals for sustainable & equitable development
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network article focuses on the growing number of hospitals and health systems that are initiating projects to deal with the effects of the national housing crisis.
Continue ReadingPutting healthcare dollars to work
HAN is highlighted in this Shelterforce article, along with Enterprise Community Partners, the Center for Community Investment, and the Nonprofit Finance Fund, as organizations working with health care institutions, community development organizations, and other stakeholders to invest in the health of a community.
Continue ReadingHealth systems are a key sector for driving local and national goals for sustainable & equitable development
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a report, “Economic and Social Impacts and Benefits of Health Systems,” which provides evidence and practical methods to show that the health sector is essential to a stable and functioning economy. This report seeks to assist European policy-makers by providing guidance and tools to engage in stronger dialogue and prevent disinvestment in health.
Continue ReadingA “prescription” for food insecurity
HAN member Fairview Health Services’ Health East is working with the Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA) in St. Paul, Minnesota to provide access to healthy food for families experiencing food insecurity who are economically challenged to put healthy food on the table. This is particularly vital for people struggling with chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Continue ReadingHealthcare Anchor Network members are creating healthier communities by investing in and supporting the community conditions that improve overall health
Intermountain Healthcare announced a commitment to local impact investing as a part of its commitment to improving health in the communities it serves. Marc Harrison, MD, Intermountain’s CEO and president, and Mikelle Moore, Intermountain’s senior vice-president of community health (pictured above), made the announcement at the Sorenson Impact Winter Innovation Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Continue Reading“Housing for Health” Policy Day draws attention to the need for stable, affordable housing
On February 28, 2019, the Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN) convened its members in Washington, D.C. for “Housing for Health” Policy Day, an inaugural event on Capitol Hill which saw Congressional and Administration staff, national healthcare associations, housing advocacy groups, and philanthropy organizations attend a federal policy briefing about the impact of economic determinants on health and the universal need for stable, affordable, and healthy housing. 17 HAN member health systems attended the event, and 21 health systems signed onto a Principles for Healthy and Affordable Housing document that was shared with Congressional members. Together, these health systems represent more than 500 hospitals in 37 states.
Continue ReadingInvesting in broadband internet access to better connect healthcare providers and patients
Geisinger, a member of the Healthcare Anchor Network, will provide a $300,000 forgivable, interest-free loan to fund fully the start of a new groundbreaking high-speed broadband internet access project which is expected to serve about 90 percent of Montour County, Pennsylvania’s population.
Continue ReadingKaiser Permanente’s Bernard Tyson: “Housing security is a crucial health issue for vulnerable populations.”
Healthcare Anchor Network member Kaiser Permanente’s chairman and chief executive Bernard Tyson, along with other Kaiser Permanente leaders and joined by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, announced three major initiatives to improve health outcomes by creating safe, stable, and affordable housing in Oakland and across the country, explaining that “access to affordable housing is a key component to Kaiser Permanente’s mission to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve and to advance the economic, social and environmental conditions for health.”
Continue ReadingDignity Helps Unlock Capital—and Convening Power—for Housing
An article in Shelterforce article details how Healthcare Anchor Network member Dignity Health (now CommonSpirit Health – a merger between Dignity Health and Catholic Health Initiatives completed on January 31, 2019) stepped in to fund a stalled affordable housing project in San Bernardino’s core neighborhoods.
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