Giving back and UMHS: How YOU make a difference

Giving back to the community is a part of who we are at UMHS. Philanthropy, volunteerism and community involvement are rooted in the culture here. As one of the largest health care employers in the state of Michigan, we have the power to make a big difference and we owe it to the community — and ourselves as residents — to do what we can to make our state a great place to live.

A new report shows that UMHS has once again proven to be an essential resource in Michigan. According to the findings published by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, our organization provided more than $470.5 million worth of community benefits in fiscal year 2014.

Those benefits come in several forms, including unreimbursed and uncompensated patient care — reflecting UMHS’ status as a safety net provider for all Michigan residents. The health system also provides financial support for training new health professionals and medical residents, while also funding valuable research projects.

“This latest report signals that UMHS continues to be a fantastic neighbor to everyone in our community,” said Tony Denton, senior vice president and chief operating officer for UMHS. “We have never lost our focus on providing essential financial and social support to those who need it most.”

In addition to the uncompensated care, training and research initiatives, the health system is a partner in several programs that improve the health of those most vulnerable across Michigan.

The UMHS Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools operates six school-based health centers in Washtenaw County. RAHS provides family mental health care, nutrition advice, physical activity counseling and assists families with insurance enrollment. In fiscal year 2015, RAHS cared for 2,174 at-risk adolescents.

Additionally, the health system supports the Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels program. The program delivers meals at no charge to residents who are unable to leave their homes. In 2015, Meals on Wheels volunteers delivered more than 132,000 meals to 400 clients in the area.

Finally, U-M’s Cardiovascular Center, along with MHealthy, launched Project Healthy Schools to improve the health of middle school students in the area. The program provides school-based education and environmental initiatives that encourage healthy eating and increased physical activity. The program currently has partnerships with 61 schools across the state.

If you’d like more information about community benefits, click to view the latest report from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.