2021 Community Benefit Impact

In 2021 Ochsner Health’s community benefit represented 7.5% of the organization’s total expenses, reinforcing our commitment to healthier communities and further driving health equity throughout the Gulf South.

$8.4 million

Cash and In-Kind Donations

Cost of cash and in-kind donations to any charities that perform a community need related to furthering Ochsner Health’s mission and services.

$8.8 million Health Professions Education

Cost associated with Ochsner Health’s academics and education division. It includes The University of Queensland – Ochsner Clinical School program, residency programs, allied health programs and continuing medical education.

$12.5 million Research

Cost of groundbreaking medical research with local, national and worldwide reach.

$42.5 million

Financial Assistance at Cost

Cost of financial assistance to uninsured and underinsured patients.

$7.6 million Community Health Improvement Services

Cost of community health improvement, outreach and donation efforts, communitybuilding activities and other services and initiatives that strengthen health and equity for local communities.

Uncovering Our Communities’ Greatest Health Needs

A Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) helps us better understand where and why health outcomes differ across a region, how a variety of health factors combine to influence these outcomes, and how current policies and programs are supporting, or restricting, opportunities to improve health for everyone.

Our CHNA was informed by more than 5,500 community surveys, 16 focus groups and interviews with 110 community stakeholders.

$349.3M in community benefit

Community input in the CHNA process allowed us to determine which significant health needs should be prioritized in our Community Health Improvement Planning process. They include:

1. Access to and Continuity of Care

2. Health Equity and Discrimination in Healthcare

$269.5 million

Medicaid, Medicare, and Subsidized Health Services

Costs of providing services to Medicaid and Medicare patients, and the cost of operating clinics that met a designated community need and operate at a financial loss. This primarily includes community clinics in areas where access to care is a concern.

3. Education and Health Literacy

4. Mental and Behavioral Health

5. Poverty and Economic Opportunity

Ochsner Health is listening to our communities. On the following pages, you’ll discover more about what we heard and how we’re responding.