RENTON, Wash. [May 28, 2025] - Providence, a not-for-profit health system serving the Western U.S., committed nearly $1.9 billion last year in community benefit programs, including proactive community health improvement and free, discounted and uncompensated care. Details of these commitments are covered in the 2024 Annual Report to our communities, released today. Providence’s significant contributions in community benefit programs represents its continued focus on addressing the root causes of community health issues.
"Providence has always believed in the power of collaboration, recognizing that strong partnerships are essential to our vision of health for a better world," said Erik Wexler, Providence president and CEO. "Every year, our family of organizations identifies unmet community needs and responds with strategic contributions and partnerships. Thank you to all our caregivers and community partners for helping us make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
"Together, we are helping to ensure more people have access to needed care."
For nearly 170 years, the Providence family of organizations has served as a vital safety net for those who are vulnerable. Each year, in collaboration with long-standing community partners, Providence identifies areas of greatest need and develops meaningful solutions through community benefit programs and other high-impact commitments. From improving access to physical and mental health care for Indigenous youth to a doula program dedicated to creating a more diverse health care workforce and enhancing the birthing experiences of Black birthing individuals to keeping shelves stocked at an Oregon food pantry available for patients, Providence committed to initiatives that improved health and increased equitable access to quality care in 2024. More than ever, Providence focused on removing barriers to care and understanding the greatest areas of need in our communities.
"In 2024, we focused on proactive efforts that addressed social determinants of health and root causes of community health issues, as well as ensuring continued access to vital care,” said Dougal Hewitt, chief Mission and sponsorship officer. “By tackling issues like housing and food insecurity, we not only help prevent illness and make communities healthier overall, but we also live out our Mission and values by serving those who are most vulnerable and working towards health for a better world."
Charity care is core to how the Providence family of organizations supports those who are vulnerable. It helps those who are uninsured, underinsured or otherwise unable to pay for their health care receive much-needed support with medical bills through free and discounted care. In 2024, Providence provided more than 169,000 patients with financial assistance.
For those covered by Medicaid, Providence is helping in a variety of ways, including getting more patients the preventative and specialty services they need, making sure they are cared for in the right care settings and working to address long lengths of stay, all of which can improve the overall care experience. In 2024, Providence provided $1.2 billion in unpaid costs of Medicaid and other means-tested government programs.
Community commitment is one of the many ways the Providence family of organizations lives out its Mission of serving those who are poor and vulnerable, as well as working toward the vision of health for a better world. Providence’s community benefit programs and strategic contributions go deep into the regions served, working with other charitable efforts and Mission-driven initiatives for a holistic approach to community commitment.
View Providence’s 2024 Annual Report to Our Communities to learn more about these programs, contributions and our efforts to make lasting, meaningful impact.
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