Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Andalusia Health published its community benefit report for the 2021 calendar year Wednesday.

This yearly report outlines specific ways the hospital is positively contributing to Andalusia and its surrounding areas, and spotlights the various ways it is working to support the health and well-being of the community it calls home – an investment which has become increasingly essential in recent years.

“Our hospital is proud of its role as a community leader in Andalusia as an essential healthcare provider, large employer and active community partner, and we take the responsibility that comes with that role very seriously,” said  Andalusia Health CEO Brian Springate.

“Being part of ScionHealth, which is a new and growing system of community and specialty hospitals, allows us to continue to uphold our legacy of care and community leadership, and cultivate an environment where people choose to come for care. We accomplished this thanks in no small part to the hard work and dedication of our remarkable team of providers, employees and volunteers, and the support of those we serve.”

Andalusia Health’s 2021 community benefit report highlights its continued efforts to meet the growing healthcare needs of its community through welcoming new providers, adding and expanding service lines and continually investing in its facilities and healthcare technology. For example, in 2021, Andalusia Health added 36 affiliated providers in emergency care, urology and walk-in care; and made more than $2.1 million in capital improvements, including 3D mammography, a chiller and patient stretchers.

Additionally, Andalusia Health made a donation of more than $16 million in health services to those in need, demonstrating its continuous commitment to ensuring everyone has access to care, regardless of their ability to pay.

Andalusia Health is also devoted to creating environments where providers want to practice and employees want to work. In 2021, the hospital distributed more than $20 million in salaries, wages and benefits for its approximately 300 employees, and contributed more than $89,000 in professional development and tuition assistance so all its employees can have the opportunity to learn, grow and improve the care they provide their patients.

This year’s annual report also showcases several examples of how Andalusia Health is continually seeking ways to make a positive impact in the communities it serves, extending far beyond the physical walls of its facilities. Last year, the organization paid $148,000 in local and state taxes, displaying its commitment to fiscal responsibility in an effort to boost Andalusia’s economic well-being. The hospital is also honored to continue its support of local activities and organizations that contributes to making the community healthier, including the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce, Andalusia City Schools, Covington County Schools, Kiwanis Club of Andalusia, Meredith’s Miracles and the Miracle League.

“We are proud to call Andalusia our home and feel truly privileged to contribute to its well-being,” said Springate. “We are also incredibly grateful for and inspired by the support our communities have shown us in recent years. As we consider the future of Andalusia Health, we are so excited to continue improving the way we serve our neighbors and communities.”

Andalusia Health’s complete 2021 community benefit report is available at www.andalusiahealth.com/community-benefit-report.