Christus Spohn Health System Corporation

The greatest share of these expenses is dedicated to community health improvement services. this community benefit category includes activities carried out to improve community health, which extend beyond direct patient care services christus spohn's community health development department constitutes a majority of this category's expense. the community health development department is comprised of community health workers and registered nurse navigators that dedicate 100% of their time to providing education to, improving access for, and reducing barriers for the vulnerable, underserved, uninsured, and underinsured population. in the fiscal year 2024, this group of associates had more than 45,400 encounters with patients to establish with physicians, keep follow-up appointments, obtain needed medications and medical equipment, obtain transportation, obtain referrals to needed services, acquire knowledge and coaching on how to improve their health, manage their chronic disease(s), and countless other endeavors. in fy 2024, the christus spohn carevan mobile clinic delivered ob and women's services to the region's uninsured women including pre-natal care, pap smears, laboratory and ultra-sound testing, annual exams, referrals for free mammograms and pre-natal care. this preventative and wellness care helps with early detection that otherwise might result in more serious health issues requiring hospitalization in the future. the carevan provides health screenings, immunizations, and health education to vulnerable and underserved populations in the community. in fy 2024, the carevan had 499 encounters with women and other vulnerable community members christus spohn awarded grants to local organizations through the christus fund program. grants were awarded to address community needs identified through the last iteration of the community health needs assessment. christus health established the christus fund to provide resources to not-for-profit agencies and groups whose vision, mission, and goals are consistent with christus health's mission, values, and philosophy of a healthy community. we believe that by working together, we can make a profound difference in the quality of people's lives and create sustainable health in our communities. in fy24, the christus fund dispersed grants to local organizations that actively address mental health, affordable housing, community and family violence, vulnerable populations and trust, or high emergency room use. advocacy for improving public policies, working to establish and augment grassroots advocacy, and greater access to healthcare services for the patients we serve. these efforts take place at the state and national level through christus health. enrollment assistance to the community. eligibility vendors assist community members with enrollment in public programs to increase access to quality healthcare services. they provide education and enrollment assistance to the uninsured population identified at the hospital.

Rooted in our mission and heritage, the founders and sponsors of christus health and those who co-minister with them seek new and innovative ways of delivering quality health care that is both affordable and accessible to all. today, more than ever, we must aim to improve the total health status of the community through programs that place our services where they are needed most, with special attention and preference given to programs that support and benefit the health and welfare of the poor and underserved. community services for the poor and underserved represent the unpaid cost of services provided for which a patient is not billed or for which a fee has been assessed that recovers only a portion of the cost of the rendered service. this category includes initiatives that reach out to those in need through community health and social programs. these programs seek justice for the vulnerable and work to bring about changes in our political and economic systems. the pr