Shands HealthCare's commitment as a responsible,
accountable steward of our resources is the cornerstone
of our not-for-profit mission.
Shands at UF and Shands Jacksonville are two of the
state's seven statutory teaching hospitals, and along
with our community hospitals they make Shands
HealthCare one of the state's "safety-net" health systems.
Shands HealthCare is one of Florida's largest
Medicaid and charity-care providers.
Safety-net hospitals and health systems provide
access and a significant level of services to patients
with limited or no access to healthcare due to their
insurance status, financial circumstances or their
medical condition.
Approximately 3.8 million Florida residents are
without health insurance. More than 624,000 of
these uninsured residents live in North Central and
Northeast Florida. Many people who have some
healthcare coverage find it falls short of their families'
needs.
Not-for-profit healthcare systems play a unique and
critical role in serving area residents. We receive tax
exemptions from federal, state and local governments
and are trusted to provide benefits back to our
communities.
These "community benefits" include the provision
of uncompensated care for which no payment is
received from patients or insurers.
We provide free or discounted healthcare services
to patients who meet established income and asset
criteria.
Shands HealthCare proactively
reaches out to area residents
beyond the walls of our hospitals
and clinics to share valuable
health information about healthy
living, illness prevention,
medical treatments and disease
management.
We coordinate diverse health education
programs and also
partner in civic, social and
cultural community events and
outreach efforts to promote
wellness.
We offered 167 seminars,
bringing Shands and UF
health experts into local communities
to talk about disease
prevention, diagnosis and
treatment. Through such programs,
we reached more than
15,000 people.
We hosted 111 health fairs
that reached more than 6,000
people in North Central and
Northeast Florida.
The UF Shands Eastside Community
Practice in Gainesville
serves children and adults
with physical check-ups
and immunizations; health
screenings; dental exams and
treatment; healthcare advice
and education; psychological
check-ups and therapy; and
links with community
resources. Last year, the
practice offered 170 free
health-education programs
and served more than 2,300
people.
