La Porte Hospital Invests Millions Into Local Community, Releases 2016 Report to the Community

La-Porte-HospitalA look back at 2016 at La Porte Hospital reveals a year of excitement and success that represents an unprecedented commitment to the community.

The hospital released its 2016 Report to the Community, revealing the financial investments made throughout the community and highlighting how the hospital remains a strong part of the fabric of La Porte and surrounding areas.

“For more than 40 years, La Porte Hospital has been the community’s choice for healthcare because of this special community connection we have with our residents. We have rallied around a solid mission that everyone can get behind: to improve the health of our patients and communities,” said Mark Kosior, chairman of the La Porte Hospital Board of Trustees.

La Porte Hospital CEO Ashley Dickinson said the hospital staff drive the organization’s pursuit of excellence, and that many of the organization’s employees also call La Porte County home.

“La Porte Hospital has also been the choice for healthcare because of the hospital’s persistent and deliberate pursuit of excellence while keeping mission top of mind. Quality, patient satisfaction, and compassion continue to drive the every-day practices of our hospital staff. Through many transitions and challenges over the last four decades, the hospital has emerged stronger each time, and therefore, able to support the growing health needs of our community better each year.”

In 2016 (March 1-Dec. 31), La Porte Hospital invested more than $112 million into the community through charitable contributions and public service, economic impact, and uncompensated care. Additionally, for the first time, La Porte Hospital has become a tax-paying entity, and between March 1 and Dec. 31, 2016, the hospital contributed $1.1 million in local property and sales tax.

“As we look back on the last year, we are reminded of the strong spirit of our providers and staff, the dedication of our board, committee members and volunteers, and most of all – the continued heart-felt interest the community has shown toward the hospital. It makes us proud to be your hometown hospital,” Dickinson said.

“Our most notable accomplishment in 2016 was being able to direct funds from our recent transition into a local foundation which will begin to invest more than $100 million into our community, with the goal of improving health,” Kosior added.

Highlights of the report include stories of how La Porte Hospital’s associates continued to carry on the hospital’s strong community connection in 2016 by donating time, expertise, funds, and resources to local organizations to improve health and wellbeing of those they serve. Examples included work at the Jackson Street Community Garden, providing naloxone and trauma kits to first responders, and sponsoring activities at local parks and outdoor spaces that encourage the community to live a healthy lifestyle by being active outside.

In 2016, La Porte Hospital also was recognized both state-wide and nationally for quality, safety and providing compassionate care. La Porte Hospital secured certification as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, and was among the top five Patient Safety Award Winner s by the Indiana Hospital Association’s Patient Safety Center for the medication reconciliation program coordinated through the hospital’s pharmacy program.

One of La Porte Hospital’s own shining stars, Doris Agemy, RN, cath lab nurse, was the recipient of the inaugural Patient Caregiver of the Year Award by the Indiana Hospital Association in 2016.

The hospital finished 2016 strong, and for the months of March 1-December 2016, reported caring for 20,000 ER patients and 3,800 Inpatients, treating 79,000 Outpatients, and delivering 600 babies.

“The report represents some of the investments we have made to make our community a better place to live, work, and play. We are honored to continue to take care of you, and look forward to many healthy years to come,” Dickinson said.

The full 2016 La Porte Hospital Report to the Community can be found in the About section of laportehealth.com.