Mission StatementWe exist to improve the health of the communities we serve and to meet individuals’ healthcare needs.

VisionNorthwest Community Healthcare will be an Integrated System of Care that delivers innovative, exceptional, and coordinated care while creating value for the communities and populations we serve.

ValuesCompassion – We genuinely care about the well-being of people.

Commitment – We are committed to those we serve and their individual needs are at the center of all decisions.

Excellence – We are committed to exemplary service, clinical practice, quality and safety.

Integrity – We are good stewards in doing the right things in the right ways.

Collaboration – We leverage teamwork and partnerships to deliver optimal outcomes, treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Advancing Knowledge – We are dedicated to professional development and the process of applying and sharing knowledge.

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Over a half century ago, we laid the foundation for a strong community hospital to serve the needs of our neighbors living in the northwest suburbs. Today, Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) is a growing healthcare system. Through collaboration with partners, innovative strategies and state-of-the-art technology, we strive to provide a comprehensive, integrated system of care that focuses on people.

Community isn’t just part of our name – it’s at the core of who we are. As an independent, not-for-profit organization governed by an elected Board of Directors, we’re able to maintain control of our assets. In concert with the commitment of our generous donors and partners, we’re able to

invest our resources in local outreach programs and support services that have the greatest impact and best suit our community’s unique needs.

We are very pleased to issue this report summarizing the positive impact NCH continues to have on the community, and it is with great anticipation that we look forward to making an equally substantial investment in 2014. Sincerely,

Stephen O. Scogna

Moving Forward. Giving Back.

Stephen O. Scogna, President and CEONorthwest Community Healthcare

2014 NCH Board of Directors

James H. Bishop

Craig E. Christell

Kirk Clark, MD

Dale J. Garber

Louis A. Gatta, PhD

Marla F. Glabe

Raymond Grady

Charles A. Hempfling

Diane G. Hill

Marsha C. Liu

Thomas P. MacCarthy

Quinn Regan, MD

Stephen O. Scogna

Mary R. Sheahen, MS, RN

Cynthia M. Valukas, MD

Thomas P. MacCarthy Chairperson

Marla F. GlabeVice Chairperson

Stephen O. ScognaPresident and Secretary

Marsha C. LiuTreasurer

OFFICERS

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ONE COMMUNITY | DIVERSE NEEDS

NCH is a charitable organization singularly focused on the diverse needs of our patients and neighbors in the northwest suburbs. More than ever before, the needs of our community are changing. It’s becoming more culturally diverse, and we are seeing an increase in the medically vulnerable population – the uninsured and under-insured. To ensure we are adapting to these changing needs, NCH conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and reaches out to local agencies and organizations to identify the most urgent needs of our community. From this research, we are able to identify the key areas in which to carefully focus our strategies to improve the health and enhance the quality of life of the more than 650,000 individuals in our service area.

Based on this extensive research, the broad range of programs and partnerships we are committed to are designed to increase access to healthcare, to bridge the gap for the medically underserved, to promote wellness programs and to fund education and research.  In 2013, we directed over $ 96.5 million to community benefit programs, the impact of which has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

$74.14 million in Government-sponsored healthcare

The cost of caring for Medicare and Medicaid patients exceeds the current level of reimbursement.

$14.77 million in Charity Care

NCH’s assistance program covers individuals with limited financial resources with free or reduced-rate services.

$3.41 million in EducationNCH supports health education for students and allied health professionals.

$1.10 million in Donations

Financial and other resources are donated in support of community programs.

$1.02 million in Subsidized Health Services NCH provides support for community-based health programs and services.

Total Community Benefit$96.5 MILLION

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Illinois Attorney General Report FY 2013

$ 74,141,804 Government-Sponsored Healthcare (Medicare and Medicaid)

$ 14,771,889 Charity Care

$ 3,413,815 Education

$ 1,103,198 Donations

$ 1,021,892 Subsidized Health Services

$ 851,227 Volunteer Services

$ 686,122 Language Assistance Services

$ 315,818 Other Community Benefit

$ 201,173 Research

$ 96,506,938 Total

The Annual Non-Profit Hospital Community Benefit Plan Report is public information and has been filed with the Illinois Attorney General. Copies of the report are available to the public upon request from the Illinois Attorney General.

$851,000 in Volunteer Services

Over 850 individuals volunteered their time and talent in support of NCH programs and community services, totalling 103,179 hours.

$686,000 in Language Assistance Services

Interpretation services are provided free of charge for individuals with language

barriers to healthcare.

$316,000 in Other Community Benefits

These assets include dedicated staff, community assessment programs,

economic development and more.

$201,000 in Research

NCH’s on-site Institutional Review Board (IRB) conducts careful review of all

research and clinical trials.

Our substantial commitment to the community reflects our fiscal responsibility.

Compassionate care for those in needThe population in our community with limited resources is growing larger every year, limiting access to care and putting the health of many families at risk. NCH’s various support programs and services offer this group of people a heathcare safety net and medical home.

The Mobile Dental ClinicOver a decade ago, when NCH realized the overwhelming correlation between overall health and oral health, we launched the Mobile Dental Clinic (MDC) with philanthropic help from local partners. Today, through continued charitable contributions, the Mobile Dental Clinic (MDC) offers emergency treatment, preventative care and proper maintenance of oral health. While most dental clinics only provide emergency treatment, our program emphasizes overall oral health and encourages patients to get in the habit of regular cleanings and exams. Together, the UIC College of Dentistry’s fourth-year dental students and NCH’s volunteers and staff provided 2,570 patient visits and afforded them with a “dental home” last year.

In 2013, the total cost to operate the Mobile Dental Clinic was over $350,000, which does not include the monetary value of the generous time donated by the healthcare professionals. NCH directed $215,200 to the MDC, and the remaining support came from public aid reimbursement,

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ACCESS TO CARE

We treat all patients equally, regardless of their ability to pay. Last year alone, we directed nearly $15 million dollars in charity care to cover expenses for the medically under-resourced.

patient copays and from our partners in Palatine, Elk Grove, Schaumburg and Wheeling Townships. We also received grants from the Walter J. and Edith E. Best Foundation, the Chicago Dental Society Foundation and the Illinois State Dental Society Foundation.

Navigating the Way to Better Mental HealthOne in four adults experience mental illness in a given year, yet according to the Illinois National Alliance on Mental Illness, Illinois ranks first in mental health care cuts due to Medicaid restrictions and state budget cuts. The ensuing reduction in behavioral health services has had an overwhelming impact on the uninsured and under-resourced seeking help with mental illness. Without proper facilities and care options, people with untreated mental illness and those seeking medical management for existing behavioral health conditions will be forced to seek treatment at higher-cost settings, such as hospital emergency rooms, which is neither beneficial for the patient nor the hospital.

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In 2011, NCH launched the Behavioral Health Navigator Program with two local healthcare clinics – ACCESS at Northwest Community in Arlington Heights and the Vista Health Center in Palatine. The Behavioral Health Navigator (BHN), along with a retired NCH physician, acts as a case manager and works with local hospitals and agencies to ensure that each patient is connected to appropriate, affordable therapies, medication, and the support they need to live their lives productively.

Senior Services The Be Healthy, Stay Healthy Program, made possible by a generous grant from the George M. Eisenberg Foundation for Charities, benefits the residents of three low-income senior housing developments within a five-mile radius of the Hospital. A registered nurse and licensed clinical social workers counseled nearly 1,000 seniors last year about health concerns such as medications, blood pressure, diabetic management and fall prevention. They also provided assistance with community resources such as transportation, eyeglasses, hearing aids and meals.

In 2013 the program received 117 referrals and 270 active cases, resulting in 1,227 patient visits or assistance. Ninety-three percent of those cases were patients with an annual family income of less than $25,000.

$484,200

for the Under-Resourced Community

� Mobile Dental Clinic

� Behavioral Health Navigator

� Community Nursing Program

� Promotoras de Salud (Latino Outreach)

� Public aid enrollment assistance

� Gift-A-Mammogram Program

� Be Healthy, Stay Healthy Program

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Caring for you in healing and in healthOur community outreach programs are designed to improve the health and quality of life of the members of our community.

Senior CareSeniors are a large and important part of our community. NCH has many programs in place to support this growing population—the Shake, Rattle and Roll program and the Walkers Club —to name a few. Both of these programs are designed to reach out to the older population to provide them with the support and education they need to remain healthy and independent.

Shake, Rattle and RollNCH staff leads this fun and beneficial class for community members who have Parkinson’s disease and require ongoing exercise to maintain optimal functioning. The class meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month and is held at the Rolling Meadows Outpatient Center. For additional assistance, NCH’s Parkinson’s support group meets monthly at the Arlington Heights Senior Center.

The Walkers Club Led by a NCH staff member, the Walkers Club meets monthly at the Arlington Heights Senior Center. Membership is free, and participants are encouraged to walk on a daily basis and log their miles at the Center each month.

Thirty-eight seniors participated in the Walking the Great Wall of China themed program last year. Long distance

winner, Polina Mazar, logged 1,710 miles!

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Cancer SupportCancer doesn’t discriminate. It affects all people, regardless of age, race or income. Our many support groups for those touched by cancer in our community served nearly 1,000 people last year. By coming together, individuals with cancer and their families are able to share their experiences and feelings in a safe environment. The many benefits of support groups include understanding treatment options better, improving coping skills, and reducing the stress and anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

At NCH, we support hundreds of survivors of all types of cancer as they move beyond treatment to wellness. Last year, over 700 people attended our annual Survivor Celebration events which featured dancing, games, prizes and food, proving that life is enjoyable – even after cancer.

We recognize that survivorship is a lifelong journey. At NCH, we provide a welcoming environment that offers friendship, connection and hope.

Pam and Brian Coyne at the 2013 Cancer Survivor Celebration.

$550,200 in Community Programs

� Senior Care

� Cancer Support

� Tobacco Cessation

� Health Fairs

� Immunization Clinics

� Lactation Assistance

� The Walkers Club

� Nurse Navigator Programs

� Domestic Violence Support (collaborative with Women in Need Growing Stronger–WINGS)

� Shake, Rattle and Roll

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EDUCATION

Training tomorrow’s healthcare professionals todayOur workforce development programs remain a vital part of our commitment to the health and safety of the community.

We Are an EMS Resource HospitalLaunched in 1972, NCH’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System was the first Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) program in Illinois and the first in the nation to involve multiple communities. Today, NCH continues to serve as the system’s EMS Resource Hospital within a 450-square-mile area. The system is comprised of a coalition of six hospitals and 25 EMS-provider agencies that employ over 950 paramedics and 400 EMTs who responded to more than 68,000 patients each year.  NCH’s EMS System continually strives to achieve a best-practice model of mobile, integrated healthcare. To that end, quality education programs are a key prerequisite to delivering safe, timely and patient-centered, out-of-hospital care.  

As an Illinois EMS Resource Hospital, NCH is required to conduct EMT and paramedic education programs within the context of federal and state guidelines and standards. The EMS System provides entry-level courses for EMTs and paramedics that are a joint venture between the NCH EMS department and Harper College.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) CourseGraduates had a greater than 94 percent pass rate on the state credentialing exam on the first attempt, far exceeding the state average.

The Paramedic Course All students successfully passed the state exam on the first attempt (100 percent), exceeding the state average.

In-Station Continuing Education (CE) ProgramOver 950 CE classes were conducted last year for all System members. This is the most extensive EMS continuing education program conducted in Illinois. On average, continuing education was provided to more than 1,400 EMTs, paramedics and ECRNs every month.

Emergency Communications Registered Nurse (ECRN)ED nurses completed an 84-hour course, credentialing them to provide on-line medical control to EMS personnel.

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Excellence in NursingAt a time when the nation is experiencing a healthcare professional shortage, NCH’s Magnet designation in nursing excellence draws hundreds of nursing students. Our committed, professional nursing staff provided their time and expertise to serve as clinical preceptors for 430 nursing students who came to the organization to complete their clinical practicum requirements from various colleges and universities throughout the Chicago area. Some will pursue advanced nursing degrees, and many others will seek NCH to complete their clinical requirements in a broad range of clinical and specialty areas. 

NCH also financially supports master’s-prepared staff members who serve as adjunct clinical faculty at local colleges and universities. The Director of Professional Practice at NCH sits on the Harper College Nursing Advisory Committee, helping to strengthen the partnership between academia and nursing service. NCH remains committed to these efforts and strategic programs because they are inextricably linked to supporting the ever-growing need for educated nurses.  

$3,413,800 in Professional Development

� EMS Program

� Nursing students

� Psychiatry students

� Radiology students

� Pharmacy students

� Lab students

� Dietician students

� Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation students

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GIVING BACK

Giving above and beyond charityWe express our commitment as a trusted member of the community by providing financial and in-kind support to unmet healthcare needs.

Monetary DonationsIn 2013, NCH made financial donations to our committed community partners valuing $215,500. In total, more than 50 community organizations received donations of $300 to $100,000 to support their health and human service missions. Cook County Health and Hospitals System/Vista Health CenterThe Vista Health Center (Vista) in Palatine provides healthcare services to the uninsured and underinsured of all ages in the community. Services are rendered by the Cook County Health and Hospital System, and NCH provides a financial contribution to help with staffing costs. In 2013, Vista cared for 20,516 patients. In addition to directing $100,000 to the operation, NCH also supports Vista by absorbing operating expenses and providing clinic space and medical and office supplies.  Illinois Poison CenterThe Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is a not-for-profit health service that provides access to comprehensive and trusted information and treatment advice on potentially harmful substances via a free and confidential 24-hour hotline. NCH donated $23,500 last year to help the IPC save lives and improve patient care.

In-Kind DonationsLending support to the community also comes in the form of in-kind donations to our partners and agencies in the northwest suburbs.

Community Resource CenterIn 1999, a significant donation from a caring benefactor enabled NCH to purchase a 20,000-square-foot building in Palatine and convert it into a community center known as the Palatine Opportunity Center. The center coordinates resources to provide direct services, referrals and other assistance to the under-resourced. NCH owns and maintains the building and provides free or low-cost rent to local not-for-profit agencies. In 2013, NCH contributed $248,000 in operating costs.

Medical Missions Team

NCH lends generous support to its employees and medical staff known as the Medical Missions Team. This group of dedicated individuals travels throughout the U.S. and overseas to help others with medical needs. NCH donates equipment, as well as medical and general supplies, to be used on mission trips and to local not-for-profit organizations. In 2013, the value of the donated equipment, immunizations and paid employee time was $365,800.

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Helping the HomelessThere are over 3,000 homeless people in suburban Cook County. NCH and Journeys: The Road Home, a local not-for-profit that provides emergency shelter, counseling, and employment assistance to the homeless, have worked closely together for many years to address the needs of the homeless. Last year, NCH provided over $29,000 to its Charitable Prescription Program, providing a 30-day supply of crucial medication to homeless individuals who can’t afford to fill their prescriptions. Additionally, NCH provided more than $42,100 in laundry services for 14 local emergency shelter sites.

The Wellness Center In our ongoing effort to promote wellness in the community, NCH donated $89,470 in free memberships at our Wellness Center last year to select military personnel, under-resourced individuals and charitable organizations.

$1,103,200 in Financial and In-Kind Donations

� Palatine Opportunity Center

� Community clinics (ACCESS & Vista)

� National and local organizations

� Illinois Poison Control Center

� Medical Missions Team

� Homeless

� Charitable Prescription Program

� The NCH Wellness Center

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For NCH to move forward and to thrive in today’s ever-changing healthcare market, we are making investments in advanced practices and programs, technology and personnel so that we can excel our services and fund the education, research, community programs and local partnerships we have pledged to support in 2014.

For example, in 2013 we embarked on several strategic initiatives to evolve our organization and enable long-term success.  In response to the Affordable Care Act, we initiated a new care-coordination model, Aim for Excellence, designed to improve efficiencies, reduce costs and enhance patient care. 

As we evolve into a more integrated model of care for our patients, we continue to form strategic alliances with specialized medicine partners, and our Medical Group continues to expand.

To allow us to better manage health records, scheduling, and revenue cycles, we made a substantial investment in Epic, an electronic medical records platform, that will enable us to better connect with each other, enhance physician collaboration and transform the patient experience.

We are dedicated to our patients, our neighbors and our many supportive alliances in the northwest suburban area. We invite you to learn more about our organization by visiting us on the web at nch.org.

WE ARE MOVING FORWARD SO WE CAN GIVE BACK.

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2013 NCH Community Benefit ReportNorthwest Community Healthcare800 W. Central RoadArlington Heights, IL 60005847.618.1000

For additional copies of this report, visit nch.org

Northwest Community Hospital is a charitable organization, and along with the Day Surgery Center, provides financial assistance to people who are eligible. For more information, please call 847.618.4542 or visit our website at nch.org.

03.2014© 2014 Northwest Community Healthcare. All rights reserved.