Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
Go to
www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
| (i) Name of supported organization | (ii) EIN | (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 10 above (see instructions)) | (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? | (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) | (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | |||||
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Total |
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Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. | 116,550,644 | 130,967,380 | 141,913,396 | 166,489,706 | 246,106,645 | 802,027,771 |
| 2 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.... | ||||||
| 3 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. | ||||||
| 4 | Total. Add lines 1 through 3 | 116,550,644 | 130,967,380 | 141,913,396 | 166,489,706 | 246,106,645 | 802,027,771 |
| 5 | The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f).. | 46,256,355 | |||||
| 6 | Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | 755,771,416 | |||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | 116,550,644 | 130,967,380 | 141,913,396 | 166,489,706 | 246,106,645 | 802,027,771 |
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | 17,945,000 | 27,132,475 | 39,030,564 | 48,960,832 | 55,689,382 | 188,758,253 |
| 9 | Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. | ||||||
| 10 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.).. | 9,790,406 | 20,490,033 | 30,280,439 | |||
| 11 | Total support. Add lines 7 through 10 | 1,022,551,474 | |||||
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . | ||||||
| 2 | Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose | ||||||
| 3 | Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 ..... | ||||||
| 4 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf... | ||||||
| 5 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge | ||||||
| 6 | Total. Add lines 1 through 5 | ||||||
| 7a | Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons | ||||||
| b | Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 7a and 7b.. | ||||||
| 8 | Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.) | ||||||
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Amounts from line 6... | ||||||
| 10a | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. | ||||||
| b | Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 10a and 10b. | ||||||
| 11 | Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. | ||||||
| 12 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) .. | ||||||
| 13 | Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.).. | ||||||
| Section A - Adjusted Net Income | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Net short-term capital gain | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Other gross income (see instructions) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Add lines 1 through 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Depreciation and depletion | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Other expenses (see instructions) | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) | 8 | ||||
| Section B - Minimum Asset Amount | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
||||
| 1 | Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): | 1 | ||||
| a | Average monthly value of securities | 1a | ||||
| b | Average monthly cash balances | 1b | ||||
| c | Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets | 1c | ||||
| d | Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) | 1d | ||||
| e |
Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI): |
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| 2 | Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Subtract line 2 from line 1d | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 1-1/2% of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions). | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3) | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Multiply line 5 by .035 | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6) | 8 | ||||
| Section C - Distributable Amount | Current Year | |||||
| 1 | Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Enter 85% of line 1 | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Income tax imposed in prior year | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| Section D - Distributions | Current Year | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes | ||
|
2
Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity |
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| 3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations | ||
| 4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets | ||
| 5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required) | ||
| 6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions | ||
| 7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. | ||
|
8
Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions |
||
| 9 Distributable amount for 2019 from Section C, line 6 | ||
| 10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount | ||
| Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) |
(i) Excess Distributions |
(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2019 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2019 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Distributable amount for 2019 from Section C, line 6 | ||||
|
2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2019 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI). See instructions. |
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| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2019: | ||||
| a From 2014....... | ||||
| b From 2015....... | ||||
| c From 2016....... | ||||
| d From 2017....... | ||||
| e From 2018....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2019 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2014 not applied (see instructions) |
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| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2019 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2019 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2019, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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|
6
Remaining underdistributions for 2019. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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|
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2020. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
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| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a Excess from 2015..... | ||||
| b Excess from 2016..... | ||||
| c Excess from 2017..... | ||||
| d Excess from 2018..... | ||||
| e Excess from 2019..... | ||||
| Facts And Circumstances Test |
|---|
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| SCHEDULE A, PART II, LINE 10, EXPLANATION OF OTHER INCOME: | GAIN ON TERMINATION OF NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT FINANCING OF RESEARCH FACILITY 2014 AMOUNT: $ 9,790,406. 2015 AMOUNT: $ 19,740,033. LITIGATION SETTLEMENT - 2015 AMOUNT: $ 750,000. |
| SCHEDULE A, PARTS I AND II: | AS INDICATED ON PART I, SEATTLE CHILDREN'S IS A HOSPITAL DESCRIBED IN SECTION 170(B)(1)(A)(III). HOWEVER, THE SUPPORT SCHEDULE ON PART II HAS BEEN PREPARED IN ORDER TO DEMONSTRATE THAT IT ALSO QUALIFIES AS AN ORGANIZATION THAT NORMALLY RECEIVES A SUBSTANTIAL PART OF ITS SUPPORT FROM A GOVERNMENTAL UNIT OR FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC DESCRIBED IN SECTION 170(B)(1)(A)(VI) AND THEREFORE QUALIFIES FOR THE SPECIAL RULE ON SCHEDULE B, SCHEDULE OF CONTRIBUTORS. |
| Software ID: | |
| Software Version: |
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| FORM 990, PART I, LINE 6: | SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL HAS A DEDICATED GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS WHO GENEROUSLY GIVE THEIR TIME AND ENERGY TO SUPPORTING THE MISSION OF THE HOSPITAL. IN FISCAL YEAR 2018, 811 VOLUNTEERS, AFTER COMPLETING A THOROUGH INTERVIEW AND TRAINING PROCESS, LOGGED 88,814 HOURS OF SERVICE IN ONE OF THE 80 DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS, WITH DUTIES RANGING FROM WORKING IN THE HOSPITAL GIFT SHOP, TO ENTERTAINING PATIENTS IN THE PLAYROOM, TO HELPING WITH ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS AT A RECEPTION AREA. IN ADDITION, 22 UNCOMPENSATED TRUSTEES SERVED ON THE SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL BOARD DURING FISCAL YEAR 2018. IN ALL THAT THEY DO, OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE HIGHLY VALUED MEMBERS OF OUR HOSPITAL COMMUNITY. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 2 | WARREN HEWITT HAS A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH DEAN ALLEN, SUZANNE BEITEL, JOEL BENOLIEL, SUSAN BETCHER, JILL BRUBAKER, PAT CHAR, MICHAEL DELMAN, ROY DIAZ, COLIN FOX, DEBORAH HAUG, JUDY HOLDER, CYNTHIA HUFFMAN, MONA LEE LOCKE, PATRICIA LOERA, SUSAN MASK, JEFF NITTA, JUDITH PIERCE, MICHAEL REEVES, NANCY SENSENEY, MICHELE SMITH, JEFF SPERRING, CHARLES STEVENS, MOYA VASQUEZ, KELLY WALLACE, AND ALVIN WINTERROTH. JEFF SPERRING HAS A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH DEAN ALLEN, SUZANNE BEITEL, JOEL BENOLIEL, SUSAN BETCHER, JILL BRUBAKER, PAT CHAR, MICHAEL DELMAN, ROY DIAZ, COLIN FOX, DEBORAH HAUG, JUDY HOLDER, CYNTHIA HUFFMAN, MONA LEE LOCKE, PATRICIA LOERA, SUSAN MASK, JEFF NITTA, JUDITH PIERCE, MICHAEL REEVES, NANCY SENSENEY, MICHELE SMITH, CHARLES STEVENS, MOYA VASQUEZ, KELLY WALLACE, AND ALVIN WINTERROTH. KELLY WALLACE HAS A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH DEAN ALLEN, SUZANNE BEITEL, JOEL BENOLIEL, SUSAN BETCHER, JILL BRUBAKER, PAT CHAR, MICHAEL DELMAN, ROY DIAZ, COLIN FOX, DEBORAH HAUG, JUDY HOLDER, CYNTHIA HUFFMAN, MONA LEE LOCKE, PATRICIA LOERA, SUSAN MASK, JEFF NITTA, JUDITH PIERCE, MICHAEL REEVES, NANCY SENSENEY, MICHELE SMITH, CHARLES STEVENS, MOYA VASQUEZ, AND ALVIN WINTERROTH. SUZANNE BEITEL HAS A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH DEAN ALLEN, JOEL BENOLIEL, SUSAN BETCHER, JILL BRUBAKER, PAT CHAR, MICHAEL DELMAN, ROY DIAZ, COLIN FOX, DEBORAH HAUG, JUDY HOLDER, CYNTHIA HUFFMAN, MONA LEE LOCKE, PATRICIA LOERA, SUSAN MASK, JEFF NITTA, JUDITH PIERCE, MICHAEL REEVES, NANCY SENSENEY, MICHELE SMITH, CHARLES STEVENS, MOYA VASQUEZ, AND ALVIN WINTERROTH. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 4 | THE BYLAWS WERE REVISED DURING THE YEAR. SIX BOARD COMMITTEES WERE REMOVED AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES WERE TRANSFERRED TO BOARD COMMITTEES OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, WHICH IS THE SOLE VOTING MEMBER OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. THE REVISED BYLAWS ADDITIONALLY STATE THAT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO THE FOLLOWING: STRATEGIC AND FINANCIAL PLANS, CAPITAL AND OPERATING BUDGETS, CONTROL OF INVESTMENTS, UNBUDGETED CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, AND THE APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION OF AN INDEPENDENT AUDITOR. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 6 | THE SOLE VOTING MEMBER OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IS SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7A | SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, AS THE SOLE MEMBER OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, ELECTS THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (WHICH IS THE GOVERNING BODY) OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7B | SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, AS THE SOLE MEMBER OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, HAS THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE, ALTER, AMEND OR REPEAL THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B | MANAGEMENT AND INDEPENDENT TAX PROFESSIONALS PRESENT AND REVIEW THE FORM 990 WITH THE AUDIT AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. AFTER REVIEW BY THE AUDIT AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE AND PRIOR TO FILING THE FORM 990 WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, THE ENTIRE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECEIVES A COPY OF THE FORM 990. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C | THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL REQUIRES AN ANNUAL SURVEY OF ALL BOARD MEMBERS OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, MEMBERS OF THE MEDICAL LEADERSHIP, STAFF MEMBERS OCCUPYING ROLES WITH A DEGREE OF AUTHORITY AND MEMBERS OF THE HOSPITAL'S PHARMACY AND THERAPEUTICS COMMITTEE. THE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/GENERAL COUNSEL OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, ACTING UNDER THE OVERSIGHT OF THE AUDIT AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, OVERSEES THE REVIEW OF ALL DISCLOSURES AND ESTABLISHES AND OVERSEES ANY NECESSARY MANAGEMENT PLANS RELATED TO THEM. IN GENERAL, WHEN A CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS, THE INDIVIDUAL WITH THE CONFLICT MUST RECUSE THEMSELVES FROM PARTICIPATION IN ANY BOARD DISCUSSION OR OTHER DECISION MAKING REGARDING THE TRANSACTION AND REFRAIN FROM VOTING ON OR DECIDING ANY ISSUES RELATING TO THE CONFLICTING INTEREST. ANY PERSON COVERED BY THE POLICY WHO ENGAGES IN CONDUCT THAT VIOLATES THE POLICY OR PURSUES A TRANSACTION OR EVENT FOLLOWING DISAPPROVAL BY THE BOARD OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MAY, IN THE DISCRETION OF THE BOARD OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE AUTHORITY, BE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY FROM HIS OR HER DUTIES WITH SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND/OR TERMINATED IN HIS OR HER EMPLOYMENT. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION FALLS WITHIN THE PURVIEW OF THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE (MDCC) OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (SCHS), A RELATED ORGANIZATION THAT IS THE SOLE VOTING MEMBER OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. PURSUANT TO THE BOARD-APPROVED MDCC CHARTER, THE MDCC ENGAGES AN INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY CONSULTANT EXPERT IN THE COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVES AND OTHER TOP MANAGERS OF NONPROFIT HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS. WITH APPROPRIATE COMPARABILITY DATA PROVIDED BY ITS CONSULTANT (COMPRISING MARKET DATA REGARDING COMPENSATION PAID FOR COMPARABLE SERVICES IN COMPARABLE ORGANIZATIONS), THE MDCC ENGAGES IN AN ANNUAL REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF THE SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM (BASE, INCENTIVE COMPENSATION, AND EMPLOYER-PAID BENEFITS) TO DETERMINE COMPETITIVENESS. BASED ON THIS EXPERT ANALYSIS AND ON RELEVANT PERFORMANCE INFORMATION FOR THE EXECUTIVES IN QUESTION AND THE ORGANIZATION AS A WHOLE, THE MDCC PRESENTS A RECOMMENDATION TO THE SCHS BOARD REGARDING THE TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE FOR EACH OF THE AFFECTED EXECUTIVES, INCLUDING THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, AND KEY EMPLOYEES. THE FULL BOARD REVIEWS THE RECOMMENDATIONS AS WELL AS ALL RELEVANT COMPARABILITY DATA AND THE GOALS OF THE ORGANIZATION IN MAKING ITS FINAL DECISION. IN DOING SO IT RELIES ON THE EXPERT ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE THAT COMPENSATION IS REASONABLE AND WITHIN THE "BOUNDS OF COMPETITIVE PRACTICE". ALL DELIBERATIONS AND DECISIONS OF THE MDCC AND FULL BOARD ARE DOCUMENTED IN THE BOOKS AND RECORDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS AND PROCEDURES WITHIN THE BYLAWS. THE PROCESS FOLLOWED BY THE MDCC AND THE FULL BOARD SATISFIES BEST GOVERNANCE PRACTICES AND ALSO MEETS THE REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY TO CREATE A REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION OF REASONABLENESS WITH RESPECT TO THE BOARD'S DECISION. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 | SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MAKES ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. |
| FORM 990, PART IX, COLUMN (D): | ALTHOUGH SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL HAS SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION REVENUE, IT DOES NOT INCUR FUNDRAISING EXPENSES. ALL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL ARE CONDUCTED BY RELATED ORGANIZATIONS. SEE ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION FOR SCHEDULE M, LINE 32. |
| FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9: | CHANGE IN VALUATION OF INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS 6,689,516. CHANGE IN BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN SCHS 7,270,516. |
| SEATTLE CHILDREN'S COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT 2018-2019 | LETTER FROM OUR CEO OUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON THE POTENTIAL OF TODAY'S CHILDREN. YET MANY OBSTACLES STAND IN THEIR WAY TO A HEALTHY, FULFILLING LIFE. INADEQUATE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE, TOO FEW SAFE PLACES TO PLAY, AND POOR NUTRITION AND OBESITY ARE JUST SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT CAN DETERMINE A CHILD'S LIFELONG PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH. AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S, WE SEEK TO BUILD ON COMMUNITY AND FAMILY STRENGTHS IN ORDER TO OVERCOME THE MYRIAD CHALLENGES KIDS FACE - IMMEDIATELY AND OVER THE LONG HAUL. OUR TOP PRIORITY IS TO PROVIDE THE BEST AND SAFEST CARE WE CAN FOR THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WE SERVE. THROUGHOUT OUR REGION AND BEYOND, WE REPRESENT THE PROMISE OF HOPE, CARE AND CURES. THAT PROMISE DRIVES EVERYTHING WE DO. NOT JUST AT THE HOSPITAL BEDSIDE, BUT WHEREVER THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES TO KEEP FAMILIES SAFE AND HEALTHY. WE ADVOCATE FOR ESSENTIAL RESOURCES, GET PEDIATRIC SPECIALISTS CLOSER TO WHERE CHILDREN LIVE, TRAIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH EXPERTS, PROMOTE EQUITY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH, AND RESEARCH NEW WAYS TO TREAT AND CURE CHILDHOOD DISEASES. WE'VE ACHIEVED MANY SUCCESSES BY WORKING WITH FAMILIES, COMMUNITY PARTNERS, PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS AND MANY OTHERS. THIS REPORT HIGHLIGHTS SOME OF OUR MOST RECENT EFFORTS TO KEEP OUR PROMISE TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF OUR JOURNEY. SINCERELY, JEFF SPERRING, MD CEO, SEATTLE CHILDREN'S |
| WHAT IS COMMUNITY BENEFIT? | A COMMUNITY BENEFIT IS A PROGRAM OR SERVICE THAT MEETS AT LEAST ONE OF THESE OBJECTIVES: - IMPROVES ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE. - ENHANCES THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY. - ADVANCES MEDICAL OR HEALTH KNOWLEDGE. - RELIEVES OR REDUCES THE BURDEN OF GOVERNMENT OR OTHER COMMUNITY EFFORTS. COMMUNITY BENEFITS ARE CLASSIFIED AS UNCOMPENSATED CARE, RESEARCH, HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT. COMMUNITY BENEFIT IS ALSO THE BASIS OF THE TAX-EXEMPTION OF NONPROFIT HOSPITALS. LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW WE CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY AT WWW.SEATTLECHILDRENS.ORG/COMMUNITYBENEFIT TOTAL 2018 INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITY: $231,668,000* UNCOMPENSATED CARE & MEDICAID SHORTFALL** - $146,667,000 HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION - $30,328,000 RESEARCH - $41,828,000 COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES - $12,845,000 * DOES NOT INCLUDE GRANTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS SEATTLE CHILDREN'S RECEIVED THAT SUPPORT COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS. ** REFLECTS COSTS AFTER SUBTRACTING PAYMENTS FROM MEDICAID, DONATIONS, AND GRANTS SEATTLE CHILDREN'S RECEIVED THAT SUPPORT THESE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING A $40 MILLION ONE-TIME DONATION SUPPORTING UNCOMPENSATED CARE. |
| COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES | OUR MISSION ISN'T LIMITED TO HELPING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WHO COME TO US. WE GO TO THEM WITH SERVICES AND PROGRAMS THAT MEET THEIR NEEDS WHERE THEY LIVE. WORKING WITH OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY, WE TACKLE THE ROOT CAUSES OF ILLNESS AND INJURY, ADVOCATE FOR FAMILY VOICES AND PROMOTE CHANGES THAT BUILD ON STRENGTHS AND MAKE COMMUNITIES SAFER AND HEALTHIER. FOSTERING WELLNESS AND COMMUNITY THROUGH SOCCER WHEN IS SOCCER PRACTICE MORE THAN SOCCER PRACTICE? WHEN THE PLAYERS ARE LEARNING SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SKILLS THEY CAN USE BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD. THAT'S THE GOAL OF A SOCCER WELLNESS PROGRAM FOR 7-13 YEAR-OLD KIDS STARTED BY MARK FADOOL, DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AT THE ODESSA BROWN CHILDREN'S CLINIC. DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE RAINIER VISTA BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB AND LED BY COACHES FROM THE NOWLAND PREMIER SOCCER ACADEMY, THE PROGRAM OFFERS SIX WEEKLY SESSIONS FOR KIDS HELD FOUR TIMES A YEAR. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES ACCESS TO PREMIER-LEVEL COACHING THAT WOULD BE UNAFFORDABLE TO MANY CHILDREN, BUT THE DRIVING FORCE WAS A REQUEST FROM THE RAINIER VISTA BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB FOR HELP PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT TO YOUTH DEALING WITH A HOST OF STRESSORS. FADOOL SEES THE SOCCER WELLNESS PROGRAM AS A WAY TO DELIVER A FUN AND INNOVATIVE SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL PROGRAM TO KIDS LIVING IN SOUTHEAST SEATTLE. THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO THE UNDERSERVED EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY BY THE USE OF SOCCER'S WORLDWIDE POPULARITY. ALL COACHES RECEIVE TRAINING IN SUPPORTING SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND PROVIDE TIME BEFORE AND AFTER PRACTICE FOR PLAYERS TO REFLECT ON BEHAVIORAL GOALS LIKE BEING A GOOD TEAMMATE. NOT ALL KIDS NEED THE EXTRA SUPPORT, BUT ALL KIDS CAN BENEFIT FROM IMPROVED SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SKILLS WHILE HAVING FUN," FADOOL SAID. THE STRENGTH TO COPE PARENTS NEED PATIENCE AND COMPASSION - NOT JUST TOWARD THEIR CHILDREN BUT TOWARD THEMSELVES. THAT'S ESPECIALLY TRUE FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS OR SPECIAL NEEDS. THEY MUST JUGGLE FREQUENT MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS, MAKE SURE THEIR CHILD'S NEEDS ARE BEING MET AND COPE WITH ANY MENTAL OR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CHALLENGES THAT MAY ARISE. SHAYLA COLLINS IS ONE OF DOZENS OF SUCH PARENTS WHO HAVE LEARNED HOW TO MANAGE THE ADDED STRESS, ANXIETY AND FRUSTRATION THROUGH THE FINDING STRENGTH FOR THE LONG HAUL CLASS OFFERED BY ODESSA BROWN CHILDREN'S CLINIC. "THE CLASS TAUGHT ME IT'S OK TO FEEL SOMETHING, BUT RATHER THAN IMMEDIATELY REACT, I NEED TO GIVE MYSELF TIME TO PAUSE AND FIGURE OUT HOW - OR IF - I WANT TO RESPOND," SAYS SHAYLA, WHO BECAME A CLASS FACILITATOR HERSELF AFTER TAKING PART IN THE FIRST CLASS IN 2017. THE FIVE-WEEK CLASS, WHICH IS OFFERED IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH, EMPHASIZES MINDFULNESS AND SELF-COMPASSION - CONCEPTS THAT HELP PARENTS MAINTAIN A HEALTHY EMOTIONAL BALANCE AS THEY CARE FOR THEIR KIDS WHILE ALSO FACING OTHER ISSUES. "MANY OF THE FAMILIES WHO PARTICIPATE ARE IMMIGRANTS, REFUGEES AND PEOPLE WHO ARE FACING POVERTY OR OTHER ADVERSITY," SAYS KIM ARTHUR, WHO COORDINATES THE CLASSES. "THERE ARE A LOT OF PROGRAMS TO HELP CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS, BUT WE FIND THAT PARENTS ARE EAGER TO CONNECT AND GET SUPPORT TOO." |
| RESEARCH | OUR RESEARCH BRINGS HOPE TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES BATTLING DISEASES THAT CAN'T BE CURED WITH CURRENT THERAPIES. WE WORK IN THE LABORATORY AND AT THE BEDSIDE TO TRANSLATE OUR DISCOVERIES INTO BETTER WAYS TO PREVENT, TREAT AND ELIMINATE PEDIATRIC DISEASE FOR OUR PATIENTS AND FOR CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD. OVERCOMING VACCINE HESITANCY DR. DOUG OPEL DEVELOPED A SURVEY SEVERAL YEARS AGO TO IDENTIFY FAMILIES AT RISK OF FALLING BEHIND ON THEIR CHILDHOOD VACCINATION SCHEDULE. THE PARENT ATTITUDES ABOUT CHILDHOOD VACCINES (PACV) WAS A TOOL TO HELP HIM STUDY WHY THAT HAPPENS AND HOW TO INTERVENE. OPEL IS NOW LOOKING AT WHETHER THE SURVEY CAN PLAY A DIRECT ROLE IN IMPROVING VACCINATION RATES. BY MAKING IT PART OF WELL-CHILD VISITS DOCTORS CAN ADDRESS THE SPECIFIC CONCERNS OF FAMILIES WHO THE SURVEY IDENTIFIES AS VACCINE-HESITANT. MORE THAN 150 FAMILIES IN 24 CLINICS AROUND WESTERN WASHINGTON TOOK PART IN A RANDOMIZED PILOT STUDY LED BY OPEL WITH FUNDING FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH. FAMILIES RECEIVED EITHER THE PACV SURVEY OR A GENERAL SURVEY WITH NO MENTION OF VACCINES AT THEIR TWO-MONTH AND SIX-MONTH CHECKUPS. THE PACV SURVEY PROVIDED DOCTORS - WHO HAVE A LOT OF GROUND TO COVER DURING AN APPOINTMENT - WITH A HEADS UP ABOUT WHICH FAMILIES MIGHT BE VACCINE-HESITANT AND WHAT ISSUES TO DISCUSS. THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY ARE BEING ANALYZED TO SEE IF TAKING THE PACV SURVEY ULTIMATELY RESULTED IN HIGHER RATES OF VACCINE COMPLIANCE BY THE TIME A CHILD WAS EIGHT MONTHS OLD. EVEN IF IT DOESN'T, THIS STUDY IS AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP TO IDENTIFYING INNOVATIVE WAYS TO HELP PROMOTE VACCINE ACCEPTANCE. "THE CURRENT MEASLES OUTBREAK IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF WHY IT'S CRITICAL TO HELP VACCINE-HESITANT FAMILIES UNDERSTAND THE BENEFITS OF VACCINATING THEIR CHILD," OPEL SAYS. ARMING T CELLS TO FIGHT HIV MODERN DRUGS SUPPRESS THE POTENTIALLY DEADLY HIV VIRUS, BUT COME WITH NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS RANGING FROM NAUSEA TO MORE SERIOUS CONDITIONS LIKE LIVER COMPLICATIONS - AN INCREASED CONCERN FOR YOUNG PATIENTS BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO BEAR THE BURDEN OF TREATMENT LONGER THAN PEOPLE WHO ARE INFECTED AS ADULTS. T CELLS ARE A CRUCIAL PART OF THE BODY'S IMMUNE SYSTEM, BUT HIV DESTROYS THEIR ABILITY TO FIGHT INFECTIONS. DRS. THOR WAGNER AND DAVID RAWLINGS USED GENE EDITING TO SHOW THAT T CELLS CAN BE PROGRAMMED TO BOTH KILL AND RESIST HIV IN HUMAN BLOOD SAMPLES. THEY USED A SPECIFIC ENZYME TO DAMAGE THE GENE THAT CONTROLS A RECEPTOR ON THE T CELL SURFACE TARGETED BY HIV, ELIMINATING THE RECEPTOR AND PREVENTING THE VIRUS FROM INVADING THE CELL. AT THE SAME TIME, THEY INTRODUCED A NEW GENE THAT GIVES THE T CELL VIRUS-KILLING CAPABILITIES. IF FUTURE RESEARCH PROVES THE TREATMENT SAFE, DOCTORS COULD TAKE T CELLS FROM AN HIV POSITIVE PATIENT, MODIFY THEM TO KILL AND RESIST HIV, AND THEN RETURN THEM TO THE PATIENT. "WE HOPE THIS TREATMENT CAN PREVENT THE NEED FOR HIV DRUGS THAT HAVE NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED THEM TO STAY ALIVE," RAWLINGS SAYS. |
| HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION | PROVIDING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WITH THE BEST CARE POSSIBLE DEPENDS ON SURROUNDING THEM WITH HIGHLY TRAINED DOCTORS, NURSES AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS. AS HOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON'S PEDIATRIC RESIDENCY AND FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS AND A TRAINING GROUND FOR NURSES AND OTHER PROVIDERS, SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HELPS THE NEXT GENERATION OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS GAIN INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE WORKING BESIDE WORLD-CLASS SPECIALISTS. WE ALSO OFFER CONTINUING EDUCATION AND OUTREACH TO HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ALREADY CARING FOR KIDS IN OUR COMMUNITY. FELLOWSHIPS DRIVE CHANGE A SIMPLE QUESTION ASKED BY TWO YOUNG NURSES MAY LEAD TO CHANGES ACROSS SEATTLE CHILDREN'S THANKS TO THE HOSPITAL'S NURSING EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE (EBP) FELLOWSHIP. SOON AFTER BEING HIRED IN 2016, OLIVIA KERWIN AND SAMANTHA KUNZE GARCIA BECAME CONCERNED THAT IMPLICIT - OR UNCONSCIOUS - BIAS BY NURSES MIGHT BE AFFECTING PATIENTS AND FAMILIES OF LOW-INCOME AND/OR MINORITY STATUS. THEY APPLIED FOR THE NURSING EBP FELLOWSHIP TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE ISSUE. THE FELLOWSHIP PROVIDES COACHING TO NURSES AS THEY WORK ON A PROJECT RELEVANT TO THEIR UNIT. FELLOWS MEET WITH A MENTOR FOR TWO HOURS A MONTH AND ARE PAID TO WORK ON THEIR PROJECT FOR AN ADDITIONAL SIX HOURS A MONTH. ABOUT 45 NURSES HAVE TAKEN PART IN THE EIGHT-MONTH PROGRAM SO FAR. AFTER REVIEWING MORE THAN 160 ARTICLES ABOUT IMPLICIT BIAS IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS, KERWIN AND KUNZE GARCIA APPROACHED SENIOR NURSING LEADERS WHO APPROVED THEIR IDEA TO DEVELOP AN EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION (EDI) TRAINING FOR ALL SEATTLE CHILDREN'S NURSES. "IN THE BEGINNING WE WERE REALLY JUST HOPING TO BEGIN A CONVERSATION," KERWIN SAYS. "IT WAS INCREDIBLE THAT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S NURSING LEADERS WERE WILLING TO LISTEN TO AND WORK WITH US." PATHWAY TO ADVOCACY DOCTORS IN TRAINING AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S AND THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON WHO WANT TO DEVELOP SKILLS IN SPECIFIC AREAS CAN PURSUE THEIR PASSIONS THROUGH SEVERAL TRAINING PATHWAYS. THE RESIDENT EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY FOR CHILD HEALTH (REACH) PATHWAY TEACHES RESIDENTS HOW TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF COMMUNITIES BY UNDERSTANDING AND RESPONDING TO A COMMUNITY'S PARTICULAR NEEDS. RESIDENTS BEGIN BY LEARNING TO ASSESS COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS, PLAN PROGRAMS AND EVALUATE RESULTS. THEY GAIN SKILLS AND UNDERSTANDING RELATED TO HEALTH POLICY, THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND DATA COLLECTION/ANALYSIS/REPORTING. THEY COMPLETE THEIR TRAINING BY APPLYING THEIR NEW SKILLS DURING A ROTATION IN ONE OF TWO LOCATIONS - THE YAKIMA VALLEY FARM WORKERS CLINIC IN THE SMALL EASTERN WASHINGTON TOWN OF TOPPENISH OR IN KISII, KENYA, WHERE THEY WORK ALONGSIDE RESIDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI. THE REACH PATHWAY IS A WIN-WIN. RESIDENTS GAIN DESIRED SKILLS WHILE THEIR TRAINING LOCATIONS BENEFIT FROM THEIR TIME AND TALENTS AS THEY ADVOCATE FOR UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS. |
| UNCOMPENSATED CARE | FAMILIES WITH A SERIOUSLY ILL OR INJURED CHILD ALREADY HAVE ENOUGH ON THEIR MINDS. THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HOW TO PAY THE MOUNTAIN OF MEDICAL BILLS THAT CAN PILE UP EVEN IF THEY HAVE INSURANCE. OUR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND FILLS THE GAP BETWEEN WHAT FAMILIES CAN AFFORD TO PAY AND THE COST OF HELPING THEIR CHILD LIVE THE FULLEST LIFE POSSIBLE. IN 2018 WE PROVIDED OVER $146 MILLION IN UNCOMPENSATED CARE TO CHILDREN IN WASHINGTON, ALASKA, MONTANA AND IDAHO. FUND LIFTS FINANCIAL BURDEN DANI COLE WILL NEVER FORGET GETTING INTO AN ELEVATOR AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S WITH HER HUSBAND JAMES AND THEIR DAUGHTER. JAMES WAS HOLDING [HIS DAUGHTER'S] HAND AS SHE LAY IN A HOSPITAL BED BEING PUSHED BY A NURSE. THEY WERE ON THEIR WAY TO THE EIGHTH FLOOR - THE CANCER UNIT. "ALL I COULD THINK ABOUT WAS HOW CAN THIS BE POSSIBLE?" DANI RECALLS. "HOW CAN OUR BRIGHT ANGEL HAVE A TUMOR WRAPPED AROUND HER SPINE?" AT 2 YEARS OLD, THE CHILD HAD BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH NEUROBLASTOMA, A FORM OF CANCER FOUND MOSTLY IN CHILDREN THAT OCCURS WHEN SPECIAL NERVE CELLS CALLED NEUROBLASTS MATURE INTO TUMOR CELLS INSTEAD OF NORMALLY FUNCTIONING NERVE CELLS. THE NEWS CAUSED THE BOTTOM TO FALL OUT OF THEIR WORLD. ON TOP OF THE SHEER TERROR THEY FELT HEARING WORDS LIKE "MASS AND "TUMOR," THEY WERE DEVASTATED TO LEARN THAT THE MEDICAL CARE REQUIRED TO SAVE HER WOULD QUICKLY EAT UP THE LIFETIME MAXIMUM OF THEIR INSURANCE COVERAGE. "WHILE I WAS STILL TRYING TO PROCESS THE FACT THAT OUR LITTLE GIRL HAD CANCER, I HAD NO IDEA HOW WE WERE GOING TO AFFORD HER TREATMENT, LET ALONE PAY OUR MORTGAGE, OUR CAR PAYMENT AND ALL OF OUR DAY-TO-DAY BILLS," DANI SAYS. THEN THEY FOUND OUT THEY QUALIFIED FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE UNCOMPENSATED CARE FUND AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S. AT FIRST, THEY DIDN'T APPEAR TO QUALIFY, BUT WHEN DANI TOLD A TEAM MEMBER FROM THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SHE WAS TAKING THE YEAR OFF TO CARE FOR [HER LITTLE GIRL], THE DROP IN INCOME MADE THEM ELIGIBLE. "YOU CAN'T IMAGINE THE WEIGHT OFF OUR SHOULDERS WHEN WE REALIZED THE FUND WOULD PICK UP ANYTHING OUR INSURANCE WOULDN'T - AND THAT WE COULD FOCUS ENTIRELY ON GETTING [OUR DAUGHTER] WELL," SAYS HER MOM. OVER THE NEXT 18 MONTHS, SHE SPENT MORE THAN 200 NIGHTS AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S FOR TREATMENT THAT INCLUDED THREE SURGERIES, FIVE ROUNDS OF CHEMOTHERAPY, 20 ROUNDS OF RADIATION, A STEM CELL TRANSPLANT AND A TYPE OF IMMUNOTHERAPY. IT WAS A LONG AND GRUELING JOURNEY, BUT IT SAVED HER LIFE. "THROUGH IT ALL, WE NEVER HAD TO ASK ABOUT COST WHEN OUR CARE TEAM RECOMMENDED TESTS AND TREATMENTS," DANI SAYS. "WITHOUT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WE WOULD HAVE GONE INTO DEBT AND LOST OUR HOME. TO THIS DAY, I HAVE ZERO IDEA HOW MUCH THE TREATMENT COST, BUT WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL." |
| OUR COMMUNITY BENEFIT PRIORITIES | WE WORK WITH PARTNERS IN THE COMMUNITY TO ADDRESS FOUR URGENT HEALTH NEEDS IDENTIFIED BY OUR 2016-2019 COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN EACH OF THE FOUR PRIORITY AREAS. |
| MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH | WE ARE COMMITTED TO HELPING ALL CHILDREN GET THE MENTAL HEALTH CARE THEY NEED. OUR MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EXPERTS NOT ONLY DIAGNOSE AND TREAT PROBLEMS LIKE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION, THEY STRIVE TO UNDERSTAND THEM AND FIND BETTER WAYS TO HELP CHILDREN AND FAMILIES PREVENT AND OVERCOME THEM. WORKING WITH PARTNERS, WE EXPAND THE CAPACITY OF THE COMMUNITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES THAT ARE ESSENTIAL TO A CHILD'S WELL-BEING. FIRST AID FOR KIDS IN CRISIS MANY PEOPLE KNOW HOW TO SAVE A LIFE BY PERFORMING CPR, BUT FEW KNOW HOW TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH AN ADOLESCENT STRUGGLING WITH DEPRESSION OR ADDICTION - A SKILL THAT CAN ALSO SAVE A LIFE. A NEW CLASS OFFERED AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S GIVES PARENTS AND OTHER ADULTS WHO INTERACT WITH YOUNG PEOPLE SKILLS TO HELP AN ADOLESCENT WHO IS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGE. YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID IS AN EVIDENCE BASED PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT COMMON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT AND HOW TO SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE IN CRISIS AND NON-CRISIS SITUATIONS. PARTICIPANTS PRACTICE ASKING DIFFICULT QUESTIONS SUCH AS, "ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT KILLING YOURSELF? AND LEARN THAT ASKING SOMEONE IF THEY ARE AT RISK OF SUICIDE DOES NOT PUT THE IDEA IN THEIR HEAD. LAURA CROOKS, SEATTLE CHILDREN'S FORMER SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PATIENT AND FAMILY EXPERIENCE AND NOW CEO AT CHILDREN'S VILLAGE IN YAKIMA, WA WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN BRINGING THE CLASS TO SEATTLE CHILDREN'S AFTER LOSING HER OWN SON TO SUICIDE. "THE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID CLASS HELPS YOU UNDERSTAND WHEN THERE'S REALLY A PROBLEM," SHE SAYS. "WE'D LIKE TO SEE THIS CLASS BECOME AS PREVALENT AS CPR. EVERYONE SHOULD TAKE IT." YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID CLASS AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S IS TAUGHT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH USA YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID, CHAD'S LEGACY PROJECT, AND KING COUNTY. VIDEO CHAT REFERRALS BOOST ACCESS WHEN CHILDREN NEED MENTAL HEALTH CARE, PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS REFER THEM TO MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS. AS SIMPLE AS THAT SOUNDS, MANY PARENTS STRUGGLE TO COMPLETE THE FIRST STEP OF THE MENTAL HEALTH INTAKE PROCEDURE. RECENT RESEARCH LED BY DR. TUMAINI COKER FOUND THAT A VIDEO CHAT REFERRAL PROCESS DEVELOPED BY AN ACADEMIC-COMMUNITY PARTNERED RESEARCH TEAM INCREASED THE ODDS THREEFOLD THAT PARENTS WOULD FINISH THE SCREENING NECESSARY TO GET MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR THEIR CHILD. FUNDED BY THE PATIENT-CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE STUDY AIMED TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR FAMILIES IN UNDERSERVED AREAS. NEARLY 350 PARENTS OF CHILDREN AGES 5-12 PARTICIPATED IN THE RANDOMIZED TRIAL. NEARLY 90% OF THE CHILDREN WERE LATINX AND ALL WERE COVERED BY MEDICAID. THE VIDEO CHAT REFERRAL PROCESS PROVIDES PARENTS WITH MORE PERSONAL SUPPORT THAN THE USUAL TELEPHONE REFERRALS. AT THE PRIMARY CARE CLINIC, PARENT ARE SHOWN A FIVE-MINUTE VIDEO ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT, MEET WITH A CARE COORDINATOR, AND THEN SCHEDULE A VIDEO CHAT WITH A SCREENER FROM THE MENTAL HEALTH CENTER. DURING THE CHAT, PARENTS CAN SEE THE SCREENER ASKING THE QUESTIONS, WHICH CAN MAKE THEM FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE ABOUT SHARING PERSONAL INFORMATION. |
| SUICIDE AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION | SEATTLE CHILDREN'S WORKS TO PROMOTE FIREARM SAFETY AND ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING CAUSES OF YOUTH VIOLENCE AND SUICIDE. WE GIVE AWAY FREE FIREARM SAFE STORAGE DEVICES AT COMMUNITY EVENTS AS WELL AS AT THE HOSPITAL, AND WE ACT PROACTIVELY TO PREVENT SUICIDE WITHIN THE POPULATION WE SERVE. ASKING LIFESAVING QUESTIONS BETWEEN 2007 AND 2016, THE SUICIDE RATE FOR BOYS AGE 10-14 HAD DOUBLED; FOR GIRLS AGE 10-14 OVER THE SAME TIME PERIOD, THE SUICIDE RATE HAS TRIPLED. SEATTLE CHILDREN'S CREATED A NEW CLINICAL SERVICES PATHWAY TO GUIDE PROVIDERS IN SCREENING, ASSESSING AND REFERRING YOUTH FOR SUICIDE RISK. ALL CHILDREN 10 AND OLDER ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL OR EMERGENCY ROOM ARE NOW ASKED FOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT SELF-HARM, DEATH AND DYING. "MANY KIDS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL IDEATION OR THOUGHTS ABOUT HARMING THEMSELVES DON'T DISCLOSE THIS UNTIL THEY ENGAGE IN THE BEHAVIOR," SAID CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST MOLLY ADRIAN. "WE BELIEVE THAT ASKING ALL CHILDREN THESE QUESTIONS WILL HELP US CATCH THE THREAT EARLY AND BETTER RESPOND TO AND TREAT THE DISTRESS THAT IS CREATING THE URGE TO DIE." IF A CHILD IS FOUND TO BE AT RISK, THEIR HEALTH PROVIDER DISCUSSES THE FINDINGS WITH THE FAMILY, HELPS THEM CREATE A CRISIS PREVENTION PLAN AND TRANSFERS CARE TO A MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER THROUGH A WARM HANDOFF IN WHICH THE PROVIDERS AND THE FAMILY ARE ALL PRESENT. SUICIDE SCREENING WILL EXPAND BEYOND THE HOSPITAL TO INCLUDE ALL SEATTLE CHILDREN'S PATIENT CARE SITES. IN ADDITION, THE MAJORITY OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S CARE PROVIDERS WILL RECEIVE SIX HOURS OF SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING. ALL OF THESE STEPS ALIGN WITH THE GOALS OF THE NATIONAL ZERO SUICIDE INITIATIVE, WHICH CHALLENGES HEALTH SYSTEMS TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS THAT CAN PREVENT DEATH BY SUICIDE OF INDIVIDUALS UNDER THEIR CARE. SAFER FIREARM STORAGE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES SUCH AS DEPRESSION ARE A MAJOR RISK FACTOR FOR SUICIDE - MORE SO IF THERE IS A FIREARM IN THE HOUSE AND IF IT IS NOT SAFELY STORED. A STUDY LED BY DR. NEIL USPAL GATHERED INFORMATION ABOUT FIREARM OWNERSHIP AND SAFE STORAGE PRACTICES FROM FAMILIES WHOSE CHILD SOUGHT MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN OUR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OR INPATIENT PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE UNIT. WHEN DATA ANALYSIS IS COMPLETE, USPAL'S STUDY WILL SHOW WHETHER GIVING FAMILIES A FREE FIREARM STORAGE DEVICE - EITHER A LOCK BOX OR A TRIGGER LOCK - AFFECTS WHETHER THE DEVICE IS BEING USED. "WE WERE WORRIED THAT NOBODY WOULD WANT TO BE IN THE STUDY BECAUSE WE ASKED PRETTY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ABOUT PEOPLE'S FIREARMS SUCH AS HOW MANY THEY OWN, WHERE THEY STORE THEM, AND WHERE THEY STORE AMMUNITION," USPAL SAYS. "BUT ONCE WE EXPLAINED THE STUDY AND WHY IT WAS IMPORTANT, PEOPLE WERE VERY INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING." SEPARATE FROM THE STUDY, THE INPATIENT PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE UNIT NOW OFFERS A FREE FIREARM STORAGE DEVICE TO FIREARM OWNING FAMILIES OF ALL CHILDREN. THE ODESSA BROWN CHILDREN'S CLINIC AND THE AMBULATORY PSYCHIATRIC CLINICS ALSO OFFER FREE FIREARM STORAGE DEVICES TO THE FAMILIES THEY SERVE. |
| HEALTHY EATING, ACTIVE LIVING AND FOOD SECURITY | NUTRITIOUS FOOD AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ARE ESSENTIAL FOR CHILDREN TO GROW UP STRONG AND HEALTHY. WE WORK ALONG-SIDE THE COMMUNITY TO FIGHT HUNGER, IMPROVE ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS FOOD AND INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TO BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE. FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITY DURING FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS, FAMILIES MAKE DIFFICULT TRADE-OFFS. FAMILIES REDUCE THEIR FOOD QUALITY AND VARIETY, EVEN SKIPPING MEALS, IN ORDER TO MAKE ENDS MEET. THE LACK OF STEADY NUTRITION CAUSED BY FOOD INSECURITY (HUNGER) HAMPERS A SICK CHILD'S HEALING AND ABILITY TO STAY WELL. CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES ALSO HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS, WHICH CAN BE COSTLY, AND MIGHT NOT BE COVERED AT COMMUNITY FOOD BANKS. PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS MAY FACE LOSS OF INCOME IF THEY REDUCE THEIR WORK HOURS TO CARE FOR KIDS. A GROWING NUMBER OF SPECIALTY CLINICS WITHIN SEATTLE CHILDREN'S NOW ASK FAMILIES ABOUT FOOD INSECURITY. FAMILIES WHO WANT HELP ARE GIVEN A TWO-DAY SUPPLY OF NUTRITIOUS FOOD FROM OUR FOOD PANTRY, WHICH IS SUPPORTED BY DONORS, GRANTS, THE HOSPITAL, AND A PARTNERSHIP WITH NORTHWEST HARVEST. TO HELP FAMILIES WITH ONGOING FOOD RESOURCES, WE LINK THEM TO WITHINREACH, A LOCAL NONPROFIT THAT CONNECTS PEOPLE WITH THE SOCIAL SERVICES THEY NEED TO STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY. A SURVEY OF FAMILIES FROM TWO CLINICS SERVING CHILDREN WITH END-STAGE KIDNEY DISEASE SHOWED A CORRELATION BETWEEN IMPROVED FOOD SECURITY AND FEWER HOSPITALIZATIONS AND INFECTIONS. OBESITY TIED TO NEIGHBORHOOD TRAITS CHILDHOOD OBESITY CONTINUES TO BE A SERIOUS HEALTH CONCERN IN THE UNITED STATES, PUTTING CHILDREN AT GREATER RISK FOR DEVELOPING CONDITIONS LIKE HEART DISEASE AND TYPE 2 DIABETES. RESEARCH LED BY DR. BRIAN SAELENS FOUND THAT A CHILD'S WEIGHT STATUS CHANGES OVER TIME BASED ON THE AVAILABILITY OF NUTRITIOUS FOOD AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE THEY LIVE. THE STUDY INVOLVED MORE THAN 600 CHILDREN AGES 8-13 IN SEATTLE/KING COUNTY AND SAN DIEGO COUNTY. WHEN HE BEGAN HIS RESEARCH SAELENS FOUND THAT CHILDREN WERE MORE LIKELY TO BE OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE IN NEIGHBORHOODS WITH NO PARKS OR LOW QUALITY PARKS AND NO SUPERMARKETS OR A HIGH CONCENTRATION OF FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS. THEY ALSO WERE MORE SEDENTARY AND CONSUMED MORE CALORIES. THE OPPOSITE WAS TRUE FOR CHILDREN LIVING IN NEIGHBORHOODS WITH AT LEAST ONE HIGH-QUALITY PARK, AT LEAST ONE SUPERMARKET, A SMALLER CONCENTRATION OF FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS AND MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO WALK. AFTER FOLLOWING UP TWO YEARS LATER, SAELENS FOUND THAT CHILDREN IN THE LESS FAVORABLE NEIGHBORHOODS - I.E. LACKING ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS FOOD AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY - HAD BECOME EVEN MORE LIKELY TO HAVE WEIGHT ISSUES. MEANWHILE, THE OPPOSITE WAS TRUE FOR THOSE IN THE MORE FAVORABLE NEIGHBORHOODS SAELENS HOPES HIS RESEARCH WILL HELP CHANGE THE WAY NEIGHBORHOODS GROW AND DEVELOP. "ACTIVITY AND HEALTHY EATING AREN'T ALWAYS AT THE FOREFRONT OF OUR MINDS WHEN WE THINK ABOUT HOW THINGS ARE BUILT," HE SAYS. |
| COORDINATED CARE FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS | CARING FOR CHILDREN WITH COMPLEX CHRONIC CONDITIONS REQUIRES PROVIDERS IN THE HOSPITAL AND IN THE COMMUNITY TO WORK AS A TEAM TO ADDRESS THEIR MANY MEDICAL ISSUES. WE STRIVE TO COORDINATE A CHILD'S CARE ACROSS ALL SERVICES, SUPPORT FAMILIES AS THEY CARE FOR THEIR CHILD OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL AND HELP CHILDREN MAKE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO ADULT CARE. TLC FOR KIDS WITH MEDICAL COMPLEXITY RAISING A CHILD WITH MEDICAL COMPLEXITY IS AN ENORMOUS CHALLENGE. THEY NEED ONGOING CARE FOR MULTIPLE CHRONIC CONDITIONS AND FACE MANY MEDICAL AND PSYCHO-SOCIAL ISSUES OVER TIME. WE LIFT SOME OF THE WEIGHT FROM A FAMILY'S SHOULDERS THROUGH TLC - SHORT FOR TRANSITIONAL LONGITUDINAL CARE. THIS PROGRAM PREPARES FAMILIES TO GO HOME AFTER HOSPITAL STAYS AND COORDINATES CARE FOR THEIR CHILD GOING FORWARD. WE ASSIGN EACH FAMILY A REGISTERED NURSE CARE MANAGER TO SERVE AS A SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT FOR ALL THEIR NEEDS AND QUESTIONS. "IT COULD BE A MEDICATION ISSUE, AN EQUIPMENT ISSUE, A FINANCIAL ISSUE OR A SCHOOL ISSUE," SAYS KATHY MULLIN, DIRECTOR OF CARE COORDINATION AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S. "THE REGISTERED NURSE CASE MANAGER CAN ASSIST FAMILIES NAVIGATE THE SYSTEM TO ANSWER THEIR QUESTIONS AND OBTAIN THE HELP THEY NEED FROM SEATTLE CHILDREN'S AND IN THE COMMUNITY." THE PROGRAM IS ESPECIALLY HELPFUL TO FAMILIES WHO ARE JUST STARTING THEIR JOURNEY WITH A CHILD WITH MEDICAL COMPLEXITY. "EVERY STEP IS NEW TO THEM AND IT GIVES THEM PEACE OF MIND TO KNOW THERE IS SOMEBODY THEY CAN CALL," SAYS ERIN MARTIN, ONE OF THE PROGRAM'S REGISTERED NURSE CARE MANAGERS. PREPARING FAMILY CAREGIVERS THE HEALING PROCESS DOESN'T END AT THE HOSPITAL. MUCH OF A CHILD'S RECOVERY TAKES PLACE AT HOME UNDER THE CARE OF THEIR FAMILY. THAT'S WHY WE CONTINUALLY WORK TO IMPROVE THE HOSPITAL-TO-HOME TRANSITION. DR. ARTI DESAI RECENTLY CREATED AN OUTCOME MEASURE TO ASSESS HOW WELL THE HOSPITAL PREPARES FAMILIES TO CARE FOR THEIR CHILD AT HOME AND SUPPORTS THEM AFTER DISCHARGE. DR. DESAI INTERVIEWED PATIENT FAMILIES TO UNCOVER EIGHT CONCEPTS THAT WERE MOST IMPORTANT TO THEM DURING THE HOSPITAL-TO-HOME TRANSITION. "THE MEASURE ASKS ABOUT THINGS LIKE DID THEY GET ENOUGH DISCHARGE EDUCATION, DID THEY FEEL CONFIDENT WHEN THEY GOT HOME, WERE THEIR FOLLOW-UP PROVIDERS INFORMED ABOUT THE CARE THEY RECEIVED IN THE HOSPITAL," DR. DESAI SAYS. THE HOSPITAL COLLECTS FEEDBACK ON THESE OUTCOMES THROUGH A SHORT SURVEY GIVEN TO FAMILIES. "OUR MAIN GOAL IS TO GIVE FAMILIES A VOICE IN TELLING US HOW WELL WE'RE PREPARING THEM TO DEAL WITH A CHALLENGING TIME IN THEIR LIFE," DR. DESAI SAYS. THIS SURVEY, AND OTHER MEASURES SHE HAS DEVELOPED WITH COLLEAGUES, HAVE GUIDED EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS FAMILIES RECEIVE FROM THE HOSPITAL SO THEY CAN BETTER MANAGE THEIR CHILD'S CARE AT HOME. IN ADDITION, DR. DESAI IS WORKING TO ENSURE THAT UP-TO-DATE CARE PLANS FOR CHILDREN WITH MEDICAL COMPLEXITY - WHO HAVE CHRONIC CONDITIONS THAT REQUIRE CLOSELY COORDINATED CARE FROM MULTIPLE SPECIALISTS - ARE READILY AVAILABLE TO OTHER PROVIDERS ONCE A CHILD LEAVES THE HOSPITAL. |
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