Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
Go to
www.irs.gov/Form990 for 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 | |||||
|
Total |
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Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2014 | (b) 2015 | (c) 2016 | (d) 2017 | (e) 2018 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. | 130,967,380 | 141,913,396 | 166,489,706 | 246,106,645 | 294,717,218 | 980,194,345 |
| 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 | 130,967,380 | 141,913,396 | 166,489,706 | 246,106,645 | 294,717,218 | 980,194,345 |
| 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).. | ||||||
| 6 | Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | 980,194,345 | |||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2014 | (b) 2015 | (c) 2016 | (d) 2017 | (e) 2018 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | 130,967,380 | 141,913,396 | 166,489,706 | 246,106,645 | 294,717,218 | 980,194,345 |
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | 27,132,475 | 39,030,564 | 48,960,832 | 55,689,382 | 73,111,110 | 243,924,363 |
| 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 | 1,255,773,927 | |||||
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2014 | (b) 2015 | (c) 2016 | (d) 2017 | (e) 2018 | (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) 2014 | (b) 2015 | (c) 2016 | (d) 2017 | (e) 2018 | (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): |
|||||
| 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 2018 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-2018 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2018 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
Distributable amount for 2018 from Section C, line 6 |
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|
2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2018 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI). See instructions. |
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| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2018: | ||||
| a From 2013....... | ||||
| b From 2014....... | ||||
| c From 2015....... | ||||
| d From 2016....... | ||||
| e From 2017....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2018 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2013 not applied (see instructions) |
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| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2018 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2018 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2018, 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 2018. 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 2019. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
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| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a Excess from 2014...... | ||||
| b Excess from 2015..... | ||||
| c Excess from 2016..... | ||||
| d Excess from 2017..... | ||||
| e Excess from 2018..... | ||||
| 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 2019, 694 VOLUNTEERS, AFTER COMPLETING A THOROUGH INTERVIEW AND TRAINING PROCESS, LOGGED 72,780 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 2019. IN ALL THAT THEY DO, OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE HIGHLY VALUED MEMBERS OF OUR HOSPITAL COMMUNITY. |
| FORM 990, PART V, LINE 15: | THIS IS THE FIRST TAX YEAR SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, AS AN EMPLOYER, WOULD BE SUBJECT TO IRC SECTION 4960 TAX ON PAYMENT(S) OF MORE THAN $1,000,000. HOWEVER, PER IRS NOTICE 2019-09, Q39, REMUNERATION PAID BEFORE THE START OF THE FIRST TAX YEAR BEGINNING AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE NEW LAW IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE EXCISE TAX. REMUNERATION PAID TO JEFF SPERRING MD WAS PAID EQUALLY OVER THE CALENDAR YEAR 2018 AND THEREFORE, THE ORGANIZATION IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE IRC 4960 TAX FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019. |
| 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, MICHAEL DELMAN, ROY DIAZ, COLIN FOX, COLLEEN FUKUI-SKETCHLEY, 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 VAZQUEZ, AND ALVIN WINTERROTH. JEFF SPERRING HAS A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH DEAN ALLEN, SUZANNE BEITEL, JOEL BENOLIEL, SUSAN BETCHER, JILL BRUBAKER, MICHAEL DELMAN, ROY DIAZ, COLIN FOX, COLLEEN FUKUI-SKETCHLEY, 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 VAZQUEZ, AND ALVIN WINTERROTH. SUZANNE BEITEL HAS A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH DEAN ALLEN, JOEL BENOLIEL, SUSAN BETCHER, JILL BRUBAKER, MICHAEL DELMAN, ROY DIAZ, COLIN FOX, COLLEEN FUKUI-SKETCHLEY, 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 VAZQUEZ, AND ALVIN WINTERROTH. |
| 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 COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. AFTER REVIEW BY THE AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE 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, ALL INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL DIRECTION, STAFF MEMBERS OCCUPYING ROLES WITH A DEGREE OF AUTHORITY, MEMBERS OF THE INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD AND MEMBERS OF THE HOSPITAL'S PHARMACY AND THERAPEUTICS COMMITTEE. THE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, ACTING UNDER THE OVERSIGHT AND BOARD DELEGATED AUTHORITY OF THE AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE 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 AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTE OR THE APPROPRIATE OFFICER MAY, IN THE DISCRETION OF THE AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE OR THE APPROPRIATE 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 VI, LINE 16: | WHILE THERE IS NO WRITTEN POLICY OR PROCEDURE FOR THE ARRANGEMENT, ANY JOINT VENTURE IS REVIEWED BY LEGAL COUNSEL WHO CONSIDERS THE IMPACTS OF THE TAX-EXEMPT STATUS OF THE ORGANIZATION. |
| 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 -5,940,015. CHANGE IN BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN SCHS -1,066,792. |
| SEATTLE CHILDREN'S COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT | LETTER FROM OUR CEO MOST PEOPLE DON'T HAVE TO LOOK FAR TO FIND A HOSPITAL. AFTER ALL, THERE ARE MORE THAN 6,000 HOSPITALS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES. BUT OPTIONS SHRINK DRAMATICALLY WHEN A FAMILY NEEDS A HOSPITAL LIKE SEATTLE CHILDREN'S. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE MORE THAN 70 MILLION KIDS UNDER AGE 18 IN THE U.S., THERE ARE ONLY ABOUT 200 HOSPITALS WITH SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. OF THOSE, ROUGHLY 100 PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE GREATEST HEALTH CHALLENGES. ALONG WITH SEATTLE CHILDREN'S, THESE HOSPITALS ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF OUR COUNTRY'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND ARE A CRITICAL SAFETY NET FOR FAMILIES IN NEED. AND, OFTEN, WE'RE THE SOURCE OF HOPE WHEN THEY'VE BEEN TOLD ARE NO OTHER ANSWERS. LIKE US, OUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL PEERS PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF HIGHLY SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS TO MEET THE IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH COMPLEX CONDITIONS. WE ALSO SERVE AS REGIONAL AND NATIONAL REFERRAL CENTERS FOR KIDS WITH THE MOST ACUTE MEDICAL ILLNESSES AND MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONDITIONS. ACROSS THE COUNTRY, CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS ARE UNITED BY A SIMPLE FACT: WE DON'T DO IT ALONE. HERE AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S WE WORK CLOSELY WITH ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS TO ADVANCE PEDIATRIC CLINICAL CARE, TRAINING AND RESEARCH. AT THE SAME TIME, WE COLLABORATE WITH FAMILIES, COMMUNITY PARTNERS, PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCIES SERVING THE LARGEST AND MOST DIVERSE GEOGRAPHIC AREA OF ANY HOSPITAL: WASHINGTON, ALASKA, MONTANA, AND IDAHO. BEING ONE OF THE ONLY HOSPITAL'S IN THE NATION TO NAME EQUITY AS A CORE VALUE MEANS THAT WE REPEATEDLY COMMIT TO COLLABORATE WITH MANY OTHERS TO DELIVER ON OUR PROMISE OF HOPE, CARE AND CURES FOR EVERY CHILD. THAT PROMISE IS THE CORNERSTONE OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S PLAN TO ADDRESS THE GREATEST HEALTH NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITIES - NOT JUST WITHIN OUR WALLS BUT WHEREVER WE CAN HELP KEEP FAMILIES SAFE AND HEALTHY AND ELIMINATE HEALTH INEQUITIES. INSIDE THIS REPORT ARE MANY EXAMPLES OF OUR MOST RECENT EFFORTS TO UPHOLD OUR PROMISE. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO EVERYONE WHO HAS JOINED US ON THIS 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 2019 INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITY: $287,761,000* UNCOMPENSATED CARE & MEDICAID SHORTFALL**: $184,199,000 HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION: $33,994,000 RESEARCH: $56,031,000 COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES: $13,537,000 *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. COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES WE STRIVE EVERY DAY TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO HELP CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN OUR REGION - NOT JUST INSIDE OUR HOSPITAL BUT BEYOND OUR WALLS. BY WORKING WITH PARTNERS IN THE COMMUNITY TO PROVIDE MEDICAL SERVICES, PROMOTE PUBLIC POLICIES AND ADVOCATE FOR THE UNDERSERVED, WE MAKE LIFE SAFER AND HEALTHIER FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WHERE THEY LIVE. RAISING AWARENESS OF VAPING RISKS AS A FOUNDING PARTNER OF PREVENTION WORKS IN SEATTLE (WINS), WE ARE ON THE FRONTLINE OF THE FIGHT AGAINST YOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE - INCLUDING THE GROWING BUT DANGEROUS PRACTICE OF VAPING. VAPING - INHALING THE VAPOR FROM ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES - IS CATCHING ON WITH TEENS AT AN ALARMING RATE. THIS IS AT LEAST PARTIALLY DUE TO THE POPULARITY OF E-CIGARETTE JUICE FLAVORS LIKE COTTON CANDY AND CHERRY COLA THAT ARE EXTRA SWEET AND MARKETED AS FREE FROM NICOTINE. "TESTING SHOWS THAT SOME FLAVORS MARKETED AS 'JUST FLAVORING' DO CONTAIN NICOTINE, MAKING E-CIGARETTES AND VAPE USE AMONG YOUTH EXTREMELY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT LAYS THE GROUNDWORK FOR A LIFETIME OF ADDICTION." SAYS LIZ WILHELM, DRUG FREE COMMUNITIES COORDINATOR WITH PREVENTION WINS. "E-CIGARETTES ALSO CONTAIN DANGEROUS CHEMICALS THAT, WHEN INHALED, CAN REDUCE LUNG CAPACITY." PREVENTION WINS HAS PARTNERED WITH THE WASHINGTON POISON CENTER TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL TRAINING ABOUT THE RISKS OF E-CIGARETTES AND VAPING TO LOCAL EDUCATORS, PARENTS AND OTHER COMMUNITY COALITIONS. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO UNDERSTAND IS THAT E-CIGARETTES AND VAPING IS NOT SAFER THAN COMBUSTIBLE CIGARETTES - ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHOSE BODIES ARE STILL DEVELOPING. "PARENTS SHOULD SEND CLEAR MESSAGES TO THEIR CHILDREN ASKING THEM NOT TO USE E-CIGARETTES AND LET THEM KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES IF THEY DO," WILHELM SAYS. THROUGH THIS COLLABORATION, PREVENTION WINS HAS TRAINED HUNDREDS OF INDIVIDUALS ON THESE RISKS IN 2019. SPECIALTY CARE CLOSER TO HOME SEATTLE CHILDREN'S IS THE MAIN PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL FOR A VAST GEOGRAPHIC REGION - THE LARGEST OF ANY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN THE COUNTRY. OUR NETWORK OF CLINICS GIVES KIDS ACROSS WASHINGTON, ALASKA, MONTANA AND IDAHO LOCAL ACCESS TO SPECIALTY CARE THAT COULD SAVE THEIR LIFE. WHEN A YOUNG PATIENT HAD A FEVER THAT LASTED FOR FOUR DAYS, HIS PEDIATRICIAN IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, THOUGHT IT WAS AN EVERYDAY VIRUS. AS SYMPTOMS WORSENED AND HE STARTED STRUGGLING TO BREATHE, HE ENDED UP IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM, WHERE DR. JAMES CHRISTIANSEN, A SEATTLE CHILDREN'S CARDIOLOGIST WHO LIVES AND WORKS IN ANCHORAGE, DIAGNOSED HIM WITH RHEUMATIC FEVER. "THE CHILD WAS ON THE VERGE OF CARDIAC ARREST AND NO ONE KNEW WHY UNTIL WE SAW DR. CHRISTIANSEN," MERSING SAYS. "HE PUT HIS PATIENT ON THE RIGHT MEDICATIONS AND IT PROBABLY SAVED HIS LIFE." WHILE FAMILIES STILL TRAVEL TO SEATTLE FOR COMPLEX SURGERIES AND PROCEDURES, OUR SPECIALISTS SEE THOUSANDS OF KIDS LIKE THIS ONE IN OUR REGIONAL CLINICS. OUR FOUNDING PROMISE TO PROVIDE UNCOMPENSATED CARE TO CHILDREN WHO NEED IT APPLIES EVEN WHEN A CHILD IS SEEN AT ONE OF OUR REGIONAL CLINICS. "WE'RE CONSTANTLY STRIVING TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR FAMILIES TO GET EVALUATED, DIAGNOSED AND TREATED BY SEATTLE CHILDREN'S EXPERTS NO MATTER WHERE THEY LIVE," SAYS DR. HOWARD JEFFRIES, WHO DIRECTS OUR REGIONAL NETWORK. "FAMILIES HAVE ENOUGH TO WORRY ABOUT WITHOUT WONDERING WHETHER THE SPECIALIST THEY NEED IS AVAILABLE IN THEIR COMMUNITY." RESEARCH RESEARCH IS THE SPRINGBOARD TO HOPE. BY IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS, DISCOVERING SOLUTIONS AND TRANSLATING THEM INTO NEW CURES AND TREATMENTS, WE TRANSFORM THE LIVES OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES EVERYWHERE. NEUROLOGY TEAM DELIVERS NOVEL CARE THE SEATTLE CHILDREN'S NEUROSCIENCES CENTER UNLOCKS THE MYSTERIES OF THE BRAIN TO HELP CHILDREN FIGHT NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS THAT THREATEN THEIR LIVES AND THEIR DREAMS. OUR TEAM OF NEUROLOGISTS, NEUROSURGEONS AND NUMEROUS OTHER SPECIALISTS TAKE EVERY STEP POSSIBLE - INCLUDING BLAZING NEW TRAILS - TO HELP CHILDREN AND TEENS FULFILL THEIR POTENTIAL. ONE SUCH TEENAGE PATIENT HAS A PASSION FOR PERFORMING MUSICAL THEATER. SO IT FELT LIKE A CRUEL JOKE WHEN DOCTORS DETERMINED SHE HAD MUSIC-TRIGGERED EPILEPSY CAUSED BY A BRAIN TUMOR PRESSING AGAINST HER AUDITORY CORTEX. SHE NEEDED BRAIN SURGERY TO REMOVE THE TUMOR. BECAUSE OF THE TUMOR'S LOCATION, OUR EPILEPSY SURGERY TEAM TOOK A NOVEL APPROACH. THEY WOKE HER UP DURING HER SURGERY AND HAD HER SING AND PERFORM MUSIC-RELATED TASKS WHILE MAPPING AREAS OF HER BRAIN SO THEY COULD AVOID DAMAGE TO REGIONS RELATED TO HEARING AND SINGING. ALTHOUGH WE ARE A LEADER IN THIS TYPE OF SURGERY - KNOWN AS AWAKE CRANIOTOMY - THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME WE FOCUSED ON PRESERVING THE ABILITY TO SING. JUST 48 HOURS AFTER SURGERY, THE TEEN WAS PLAYING GUITAR AND SINGING FROM HER HOSPITAL BED. "AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S, WE DEAL WITH THE INCREDIBLE EVERY DAY," SAYS NEUROSURGEON DR. JASON HAUPTMAN. "WE CAME TOGETHER AND DEVELOPED A VERY NOVEL WAY TO APPROACH A PROBLEM THAT WE HOPE WILL HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT FOR THE REST OF HER LIFE." |
| SEARCHING FOR SOLUTIONS TO INEQUITIES | CHILDREN FROM LOW-INCOME GROUPS OFTEN HAVE WORSE MEDICAL OUTCOMES THAN KIDS WHO ARE FROM HIGHER-INCOME FAMILIES. BACKED BY A NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH GRANT, DR. CASEY LION IS SEEKING TO IDENTIFY WHAT CONTRIBUTES TO THOSE DISPARITIES AND TEST A NEW WAY TO OVERCOME THEM. LION'S TEAM WILL SURVEY PARENTS OF COLOR AND LOW-INCOME PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN ARE HOSPITALIZED. THE SURVEY WILL GAUGE THINGS LIKE A FAMILY'S TRUST IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND THE QUALITY OF COMMUNICATION FROM DOCTORS AND NURSES. LION'S TEAM THEN WILL LOOK FOR ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN THE SURVEY'S FINDINGS AND EACH CHILD'S MEDICAL OUTCOMES. FOR INSTANCE, LION SUSPECTS THAT CHILDREN MAY HAVE WORSE OUTCOMES IF THE PROVIDERS AREN'T EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATING WITH PARENTS, WHICH COULD LIMIT A PARENT'S ABILITY TO CARE FOR THEIR CHILD AFTER GOING HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL. NEXT, LION WILL INVESTIGATE WHETHER PATIENT NAVIGATORS COULD IMPROVE OUTCOMES. PATIENT NAVIGATORS ARE CHARGED WITH THINGS LIKE EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF CARE TO PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES, HELPING THEM COMMUNICATE WITH DOCTORS AND NURSES AND ENCOURAGING FAMILIES TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN CARE. "NAVIGATORS COULD BE A COST-EFFECTIVE WAY TO HELP THESE PATIENTS TODAY AND BUILD A FOUNDATION THAT IMPROVES THEIR HEALTHCARE THROUGHOUT LIFE," LION SAYS. HEALTH PROFESSIONALS EDUCATION EDUCATION IS THE OXYGEN THAT HEALTHCARE REQUIRES TO EFFECTIVELY RESPOND TO PATIENT AND FAMILY NEEDS. OUR INVESTMENT IN ONGOING TRAINING FOR OUR DOCTORS AND NURSES - AND FOR PROVIDERS IN THE COMMUNITY - ENSURES CHILDREN IN OUR REGION HAVE ACCESS TO HIGHLY SPECIALIZED CARE. AND AS A TRAINING GROUND FOR FUTURE DOCTORS, NURSES AND HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS WE ENSURE FUTURE GENERATIONS WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE THE SAME ACCESS. MOBILIZING TO MEET COMMUNITY'S NEEDS OUR PATIENT TRANSPORT SERVICE HAS COME A LONG WAY. AFTER TRANSPORTING ONLY NEONATAL PATIENTS - BABIES YOUNGER THAN 30 DAYS OLD - FOR MANY YEARS, THE TEAM BEGAN TRANSPORTING CHILDREN OF ALL AGES LAST YEAR. ANOTHER 2019 MILESTONE: PROVIDING CLINICAL CARE ON AIRLIFT NORTHWEST FLIGHTS INVOLVING NEONATAL PATIENTS. NOW KNOWN AS THE CRITICAL CARE TRANSPORT SERVICE, THE TEAM HAS DOUBLED IN SIZE TO NEARLY 40 HIGHLY-TRAINED NURSES, RESPIRATORY CARE THERAPISTS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS (EMTS) DEDICATED TO THE SAFE TRANSFER OF PATIENTS REQUIRING CRITICAL OR SPECIALTY CARE SERVICES AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S OR ANOTHER FACILITY IN WESTERN WASHINGTON. EXPANDING THE PROGRAM REQUIRED SIGNIFICANT AND ONGOING TRAINING BY ALL MEMBERS OF THE TEAM. THIS INCLUDED TWO DAYS OF COMPETENCY TRAININGS IN 2019 THAT INVOLVED LEARNING ADVANCED SKILLS AND CONDUCTING HANDS-ON SIMULATIONS BEYOND WHAT IS STANDARDLY REQUIRED. THIS YEAR THE TEAM WILL PARTICIPATE IN THREE DAYS OF COMPETENCY TRAININGS TO CONTINUE FINE-TUNING THEIR SKILLS. "WHAT HAS BEEN SO INCREDIBLE IS HOW EACH MEMBER OF THE TEAM HAS BEEN CROSS-TRAINED SO EVERYONE HAS LEARNED TRANSPORT SKILLS RATHER THAN JUST NURSING SKILLS OR RESPIRATORY THERAPY SKILLS," SAYS NICKI NIKODYM, A NURSE WITH THE TEAM. "OUR TEAM WORKS SO COHESIVELY BECAUSE IT IS JUST THAT - A TEAM." INTERNSHIPS CULTIVATE DIVERSITY IN RESEARCH THE SEATTLE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE IS COMMITTED TO HELPING TRAIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF MEDICAL RESEARCHERS - AND TO HELPING UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THAT TRAINING. LAST YEAR THE OFFICE FOR TEACHING, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (OTER) LAUNCHED A SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR UNDERREPRESENTED UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS. THE PROGRAM RECEIVED MORE THAN 700 APPLICANTS, OF WHICH, 36 STUDENTS WERE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE IN BASIC, CLINICAL AND/OR TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH UNDER THE MENTORSHIP OF EXPERIENCED RESEARCHERS AND PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS. INTERNS LEARNED NEW RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES, BECAME EXPERIENCED WITH LAB EQUIPMENT, WORKED WITH DATA, CONDUCTED THEIR OWN RESEARCH PROJECTS AND SUBMITTED AN ABSTRACT OF THEIR RESEARCH AT THE END OF THEIR INTERNSHIP. PROJECTS RANGED FROM THE EFFECTS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION ON EPILEPSY IN A MOUSE MODEL, THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF PEDIATRIC SKIN DISORDERS - TO WHY PARENTS ARE STILL REFUSING AND DELAYING VACCINES. INTERNS ALSO ATTENDED A SERIES OF TRAINING SESSIONS ON READING SCHOLARLY ARTICLES, WRITING INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS, CREATING LINKEDIN PROFILES AND OTHER USEFUL PROFESSIONAL SKILLS. "THE AREA OF MEDICINE I WAS INTRODUCED TO BLEW MY MIND AWAY," SAID ONE INTERN. "I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE IN THAT SETTING AND I AM GLAD BECAUSE (THE INTERNSHIP) GAVE ME MORE MOTIVATION TO CONTINUE THIS CAREER PATH." UNCOMPENSATED CARE THE COST OF SPECIALIZED CARE FOR A CHILD WITH A SERIOUS ILLNESS OR INJURY IS STAGGERING, BUT IT IS NEVER A BARRIER FOR FAMILIES WHO COME TO US FOR HELP. OUR DOORS ARE ALWAYS OPEN REGARDLESS OF A FAMILY'S FINANCIAL SITUATION. IN 2019 WE PROVIDED OVER $184 MILLION IN UNCOMPENSATED CARE TO CHILDREN IN WASHINGTON, ALASKA, MONTANA AND IDAHO. A WINNING ATTITUDE, A DEDICATED TEAM IF YOU LOOK AT ONE PARTICULAR CHILDREN'S PATIENT, YOU SEE A GIRL WHO LOVES COMPUTER GAMES, VOLLEYBALL AND THE PERFORMER CARDI B. WHAT YOU DON'T SEE IS THE SICKLE CELL DISEASE THAT HAS SHAPED HER LIFE - OR THE SEATTLE CHILDREN'S MEDICAL TEAM THAT'S BEEN WITH HER EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. OUR EXPERTS AT THE ODESSA BROWN CHILDREN'S CLINIC (OBCC) PROVIDE HER WITH THE CARE SHE NEEDS TO MANAGE HER CHRONIC CONDITION. SICKLE CELL DISEASE PREVENTS A PERSON'S BLOOD CELLS FROM DELIVERING OXYGEN TO THEIR BODY, WHICH CAN LEAD TO TERRIBLE PAIN, SERIOUS INFECTIONS, DAILY MEDICATION AND A LIFETIME OF TREATMENT. "SICKLE CELL AFFECTS THE ENTIRE CHILD AND THE TEAM AT OBCC UNDERSTANDS THAT," SAYS THE CHILD'S DAD. "EVEN IF WE NEED TO CALL FOR HELP AT 3 A.M., OUR MEDICAL TEAM IS THERE FOR US. THEY'RE LIKE A SECOND FAMILY." THE GIRL'S MOM HAS INSURANCE AND HER DAD WORKS TWO JOBS, BUT THE COST OF MEDICATION, BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS AND EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS IS MORE THAN THE FAMILY CAN BEAR ALONE. BUT THEY DON'T HAVE TO, THANKS TO SUPPORT FROM OUR UNCOMPENSATED CARE FUND. "OUR LIVES WOULD BE DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT WITHOUT THAT HELP," SAYS HER DAD. "WE FEEL TRULY BLESSED FOR ALL THE PEOPLE WHO STEP FORWARD AND SUPPORT THE HOSPITAL - AND FAMILIES LIKE OURS." OUR COMMUNITY BENEFIT PRIORITIES WE WORK WITH PARTNERS IN THE COMMUNITY TO ADDRESS FOUR URGENT HEALTH NEEDS IDENTIFIED BY OUR 2019-2022 COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN EACH OF THE FOUR PRIORITY AREAS. |
| MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH | MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH ARE ESSENTIAL IN ORDER FOR CHILDREN TO GROW UP AND REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. OUR MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EXPERTS ARE TRAINED TO UNDERSTAND AND MEET THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS DEALING WITH ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND THE ISSUES THAT AFFECT THEIR DEVELOPMENT, SAFETY AND WELL-BEING. WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY, WE STRIVE TO INCREASE ACCESS TO CARE SO EVERYONE GETS THE HELP THEY NEED. CULTIVATING INCLUSIVE AUTISM CONVERSATIONS THE SEATTLE CHILDREN'S AUTISM CENTER HAS PROVIDED VITAL EDUCATION TO PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS FOR MANY YEARS. NOW OUR COURSES ARE MORE EASILY AND WIDELY ACCESSIBLE THANKS TO A COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE AUTISM CENTER AND SEATTLE CHILDREN'S SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM. THE COURSES ARE STREAMED ON FACEBOOK LIVE, ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR ANYONE TO TRAVEL TO SEATTLE CHILDREN'S OR SOME OTHER LOCATION TO ACCESS THE INFORMATION PRESENTED. BESIDES BEING AVAILABLE ON FACEBOOK LIVE, THE COURSES ARE UPLOADED TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL. PRESENTING THE INFORMATION ON FACEBOOK LIVE AND MAKING IT PERMANENTLY AVAILABLE AFTERWARD ON SOCIAL MEDIA MEANS THAT ANY PROVIDER - AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S OR IN THE COMMUNITY -- CAN POINT FAMILIES TO THOSE RESOURCES ANY TIME THEY NEED EDUCATION, INFORMATION OR SUPPORT. MUCH OF THE INFORMATION IS PRESENTED THROUGH PANEL DISCUSSIONS. INVITED EXPERTS ADDRESS TOPICS ACROSS THE AUTISM SPECTRUM BASED ON WHAT THE AUTISM CENTER HEARS FROM FAMILIES ABOUT THEIR GREATEST NEEDS AND CONCERNS. "WE STRIVE TO BE AS INCLUSIVE AS POSSIBLE AND OFFER MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES FROM THE AUTISM COMMUNITY," SAID JIM MANCINI, WHO DIRECTS PARENT EDUCATION AND RESEARCH AT THE AUTISM CENTER. ONE OF LAST YEAR'S PANELS EXAMINED CRISIS RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM, WHICH REVEALED A LACK OF CRISIS RESOURCES AND STARTED A CONVERSATION AT THE STATE LEVEL ABOUT THE NEED FOR INCREASED CRISIS SUPPORTS -- WHICH ULTIMATELY BECAME A CATALYST FOR POSITIVE LEGISLATION. GUIDING FAMILIES THROUGH MENTAL HEALTH MAZE THE MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM CAN SEEM LIKE A MAZE TO PARENTS IN SEARCH OF THERAPY FOR A CHILD. NOT ONLY DOES THE STATE OF WASHINGTON LACK ADEQUATE RESOURCES, BUT ACCESSING THOSE RESOURCES IS CHALLENGING BECAUSE OF COMPLICATED INSURANCE COVERAGES, MULTIPLE HIDDEN BARRIERS AND MINIMAL SUPPORTS. A BIG STEP FORWARD WAS TAKEN LAST YEAR WHEN SEATTLE CHILDREN'S BEGAN OPERATING THE MENTAL HEALTH REFERRAL SERVICE FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS. FUNDED BY THE STATE, THE TELEPHONE-BASED SERVICE CONNECTS PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS WITH A REFERRAL SPECIALIST. THE SPECIALIST ASKS A SERIES OF QUESTIONS TO DETERMINE THE TYPE OF HELP NEEDED AND THEN FINDS A THERAPIST THAT MATCHES A CHILD'S CLINICAL NEEDS, ACCEPTS THEIR INSURANCE AND IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED. THE REFERRAL COMPLETED 596 INTAKES IN ITS FIRST SIX MONTHS - WITH OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE RESULTS. WHEN PARENTS WERE SURVEYED ABOUT HOW LIKELY THEY WERE TO RECOMMEND THE SERVICE, THE AVERAGE RATING FROM 105 RESPONSES WAS A 4.9 OUT OF 5. "THIS IS SUCH A VALUABLE RESOURCE FOR FAMILIES LIKE OURS WHO ARE TRYING TO NAVIGATE THE COMPLICATED MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM AND GET OUR CHILDREN THE SUPPORT THEY NEED," SAID ONE PARENT. "THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!" |
| SUICIDE & INJURY PREVENTION | SEATTLE CHILDREN'S SUPPORTS THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF CHILDREN, TEENS AND FAMILIES BY IDENTIFYING PREVENTABLE INJURIES AND PROMOTING EDUCATION AND RESOURCES TO REDUCE THOSE INJURIES. WORKING WITH PARTNERS IN THE COMMUNITY, WE TO SEEK TO UNDERSTAND INJURY AND ADDRESS POTENTIAL HARMS WHEREVER WE FIND THEM. WORKING WITH FAMILIES TO KEEP KIDS SAFE THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS CARE CLINIC (CCC) IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT THAT IS DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE IN CRISIS - INCLUDING EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR BEHAVIORS - BUT WHO ARE NOT AT IMMINENT RISK OF HARM. LAUNCHED IN 2019, THE CCC PROVIDES CLINICAL SUPPORT TO BOTH CHILDREN AND THEIR CAREGIVERS IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THE IMPACTS OF A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS ON THE WHOLE FAMILY. WE ALSO PROVIDE FAMILIES WITH CASE MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TO INCREASE THEIR ACCESS TO ONGOING CARE IN THE COMMUNITY. THIS NEW PROGRAM INCREASES OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES IN CRISIS WHO MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN VISITING THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AND NAVIGATING LENGTHY WAITLISTS TO ACCESS CARE. THE PROTECT OUR KIDS FROM FIREARM TRAGEDY COALITION CONTINUES TO WORK TO REDUCE FIREARM TRAGEDIES BY GIVING AWAY SAFE FIREARM STORAGE DEVICES. IN 2019 WE DISTRIBUTED 2,633 FIREARM LOCKING DEVICES AT COMMUNITY EVENTS IN YAKIMA, VANCOUVER AND SEATTLE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LOCAL HOSPITALS, SAFE KIDS, PUBLIC HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS. IN ADDITION, OVER 250 PATIENT FAMILIES HAVE RECEIVED FIREARM LOCKING DEVICES - ALONG WITH COUNSEL FROM STAFF AND PROVIDERS IN OUR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE INPATIENT UNIT, PSYCHIATRY CLINICS AND ODESSA BROWN CHILDREN'S CLINIC (OBCC). AT OBCC, PROVIDERS BLEND CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CHILDHOOD INJURY PREVENTION INTO WELL-CHILD CHECKS, MAKING SURE THAT FAMILIES KNOW HOW TO SECURELY STORE FIREARMS IN THEIR HOMES AND HAVE THE RESOURCES TO DO SO. ASSISTANCE DURING STAY, ON WAY HOME WHEN A CHILD SPENDS A LONG TIME IN THE HOSPITAL, FAMILIES SPEND A LONG TIME THERE TOO. IN MANY CASES, THEY FIND THEMSELVES IN UNFAMILIAR SURROUNDINGS FAR FROM HOME, FAMILY AND FRIENDS. SEATTLE CHILDREN'S FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER (FRC) OFFERS SUPPORT SERVICES FOR FAMILIES IN HOPES TO MAKE THEIR STAY A LITTLE EASIER. THE FRC PROVIDES A PLACE TO DO LAUNDRY AT NO COST, PRIVATE SHOWERS, A KITCHEN WITH FREE COFFEE AND TEA, COMPUTER ACCESS, CELL PHONE CHARGERS, HEALTH INFORMATION AND MORE. FRC STAFF HELP FAMILIES WHO ARE AT THE HOSPITAL IN HOW TO NAVIGATE SERVICES, IDENTIFY TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS AND FIND INFORMATION ON THINGS TO DO. WHEN FAMILIES ARE READY TO GO HOME, WE MAKE SURE THAT FAMILIES TRAVEL SAFELY BY PROVIDING CAR SEATS TO INPATIENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PATIENTS. CAR CRASHES CONTINUE TO BE A LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AND INJURIES TO CHILDREN. FAMILIES PAY WHAT THEY ARE ABLE TO AND NO MORE THAN THE WHOLESALE COST OF THE CAR SEAT. TRAINED FRC STAFF ASSIST PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS WITH CAR SEAT EDUCATION AND INSTALLATION. WE PROVIDED 338 CAR SEATS TO FAMILIES LAST YEAR. "IT ALWAYS MAKES ME FEEL GOOD WHEN WE ARE ABLE TO HELP FAMILIES WHO NEED A CAR SEAT," SHARES JUDY MACCARRONE, SENIOR PROGRAM COORDINATOR FOR THE FRC. ECONOMIC SECURITY AS INCOME INEQUALITY GROWS, WE KNOW THAT MORE AND MORE OF OUR FAMILIES LACK THE RESOURCES TO MAINTAIN A SAFE AND HEALTHY STANDARD OF LIVING. WITHOUT ECONOMIC SECURITY, CHILDREN ARE MORE LIKELY TO ENTER SCHOOL BEHIND THEIR PEERS, SCORE LOWER ON ACHIEVEMENT TESTS AND HAVE WORSE HEALTH OUTCOMES. SEATTLE CHILDREN'S WORKS DIRECTLY WITH FAMILIES AND WITH PARTNERS IN THE COMMUNITY TO ADDRESS ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD, HOUSING, EXPOSURE TO POLLUTION AND OTHER ISSUES THAT CAN ARISE FROM A LACK OF ECONOMIC SECURITY. AFFORDABLE HOUSING A NEW SEATTLE CHILDREN'S CLINIC WILL INCREASE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WHO HAVE MOVED TO SOUTH SEATTLE AND SOUTH KING COUNTY WHILE AT THE SAME TIME HELPING BOOST THE SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE AREA. CONSTRUCTION CREWS BROKE GROUND LAST YEAR ON A NEW ODESSA BROWN CHILDREN'S CLINIC (OBCC) - PART OF THE 3.2-ACRE OTHELLO SQUARE DEVELOPMENT NEAR THE OTHELLO RAIL STATION. THE CLINIC AS WELL AS A CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER RUN BY A COMMUNITY PARTNER WILL OCCUPY THE FIRST TWO FLOORS OF A SEVEN-STORY BUILDING. ABOVE THE CLINIC WILL BE 176 APARTMENTS FOR FAMILIES WITH INCOMES BETWEEN 65% AND 120% OF THE AREA MEDIAN INCOME. CHILDREN'S INVESTED AN ADDITIONAL $8 MILLION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF UNITS SET ASIDE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AT THE LOWEST END OF THE INCOME SPECTRUM. THE NEW CLINIC WILL PROVIDE AN INTEGRATED RANGE OF MEDICAL, MENTAL HEALTH, DENTAL AND OTHER SERVICES WHILE OTHELLO SQUARE WILL INCLUDE A CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL, AN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CENTER, A COMPUTER LAB AND OTHER FEATURES. THE ORIGINAL OBCC, LOCATED A FEW MILES NORTH IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT, WILL BE RENOVATED AND CONTINUE TO SERVE FAMILIES IN SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS. ASSISTANCE WITH THE BASICS FOOD, SHELTER AND TRANSPORTATION ARE EASY TO TAKE FOR GRANTED IF YOU HAVE THEM, BUT MANY FAMILIES WHO COME TO SEATTLE CHILDREN'S LACK ONE OR MORE OF THOSE BASIC NECESSITIES - ADDING TO THE STRESS OF THEIR CHILD'S HOSPITALIZATION AND MAKING IT HARD FOR THEM TO BE THE BEST CAREGIVERS POSSIBLE. LAST YEAR WE EXPANDED OUR EFFORTS TO ASSIST FAMILIES BY CREATING A COMMUNITY RESPONSE TEAM (CRT) TO SCREEN FOR HOMELESSNESS, FOOD INSECURITY AND OTHER ISSUES. THE 16 VOLUNTEER TEAM MEMBERS - ALL PRE-MED STUDENTS - WORK DIRECTLY WITH FAMILIES TO SIGN THEM UP FOR ASSISTANCE SUCH AS SNAP FOOD BENEFITS (FORMERLY KNOWN AS FOOD STAMPS), BUS PASSES, CHILD CARE SUBSIDIES AND OTHER BENEFITS. SEVEN CRT STUDENTS SPEAK A SECOND LANGUAGE. "THE BEAUTY OF THIS PROGRAM IS THAT THERE ARE A TON OF PRE-MED STUDENTS LOOKING FOR THIS KIND OF EXPERIENCE," SAID JULIE POVICK, WHO LEADS PATIENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AND THE CRT. "THEY ARE ALL SUPER-EXCITED TO BE DOING THIS." |
| HEALTHY LIFESTYLES | NUTRITIOUS FOOD AND AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE ARE CORNERSTONES OF A HEALTHY LIFE. CHILDREN NEED PLENTY OF BOTH TO GROW AND THRIVE. SEATTLE CHILDREN'S WORKS WITH FAMILIES AND PARTNERS IN THE COMMUNITY TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD HUNGER, PROMOTE NUTRITIOUS DIETS AND FOSTER HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS WHERE CHILDREN CAN SAFELY GET THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY THEY NEED. WORKING AT THE INTERSECTION OF HUNGER AND HEALTH IN 2019, 12% OF PEOPLE LIVING IN KING COUNTY EXPERIENCED FOOD INSECURITY, MEANING NEARLY 250,000 PEOPLE IN OUR IMMEDIATE COMMUNITY OFTEN RUN OUT OF FOOD AND DON'T HAVE MONEY TO BUY MORE. PEOPLE WHO CAN'T AFFORD TO EAT HEALTHY AND NUTRITIOUS FOODS OFTEN STRUGGLE TO MANAGE CHRONIC CONDITIONS LIKE DIABETES AND HEART DISEASE. A POOR DIET WORSENS UNDERLYING CONDITIONS, TRAPPING THEM IN A CYCLE OF MORE VISITS TO THE DOCTOR, GREATER FINANCIAL BURDEN AND DECLINING HEALTH. SEATTLE CHILDREN'S IS WORKING TO BREAK THAT CYCLE AS PART OF A NETWORK OF HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS CALLED THE FOOD INSECURITY COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE. BY IMPROVING HOW WE SCREEN FAMILIES FOR FOOD INSECURITY AND THEN CONNECTING THOSE IN NEED WITH THE RIGHT RESOURCES, THE NETWORK'S 10 MEMBERS ARE REDUCING THE BURDEN OF DISEASE, THE INCREASE IN HEALTH DISPARITIES AND THE COST OF HEALTHCARE. WE TREAT HUNGER AS A VITAL SIGN. EVERY FAMILY WHO COMES TO OUR ODESSA BROWN CLINIC FOR A WELL-CHILD VISIT COMPLETES A SHORT QUESTIONNAIRE ABOUT FOOD INSECURITY. PATIENTS THAT SCREEN POSITIVE ARE CONNECTED TO FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS SUCH AS SNAP, WIC OR THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD BANK. IN ADDITION, WE TEAM UP WITH NORTHWEST HARVEST TO BRING A MOBILE FOOD PANTRY TO ODESSA BROWN TWICE A MONTH AND WE PROVIDE FAMILIES WITH PRODUCE PRESCRIPTIONS - VOUCHERS FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES THAT ARE GOOD AT GROCERY STORES AND FARMERS MARKETS. REDUCING RACE AND PLACE-BASED DISPARITIES AS KING COUNTY'S HOUSING COSTS HAVE SOARED, MANY PEOPLE OF COLOR AND LOWER INCOME FAMILIES HAVE MOVED TO MORE AFFORDABLE LOCATIONS IN SOUTH SEATTLE AND SOUTH KING COUNTY. WHILE MOVING CAN LIFT FINANCIAL BURDENS, THIS DISPLACEMENT DISRUPTS LONG ESTABLISHED COMMUNITIES, SEPARATES PEOPLE FROM SERVICES AND OFTEN SEGREGATES PEOPLE OF COLOR AND LOWER-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN AREAS WITH FEWER RESOURCES AND MORE HEALTH RISK FACTORS. THE RESULT: INCREASED HEALTH DISPARITIES BASED ON RACE AND PLACE. TO COUNTER THOSE DISPARITIES, SEATTLE CHILDREN'S IS WORKING WITH PUBLIC HEALTH - SEATTLE & KING COUNTY AND THE HEALTHY KING COUNTY COALITION TO INCREASE ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS, HELP RESIDENTS CREATE ACTIVE LIVING ENVIRONMENTS AND ESTABLISH EFFECTIVE LINKS WITH LOCAL HEALTH CLINICS. FUNDED BY A FEDERAL RACIAL ETHNIC APPROACHES TO COMMUNITY HEALTH (REACH) GRANT, THE EFFORT FOCUSES ON AFRICAN-AMERICAN, AFRICAN-BORN AND ASIAN-AMERICAN POPULATIONS IN SOUTH SEATTLE AND THE CITIES OF SEATAC AND TUKWILA. COMPRISED OF PRIMARILY NEIGHBORHOODS OF COLOR THAT HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF WELCOMING IMMIGRANTS, THEY SHOULDER THE HIGHEST CHRONIC DISEASE RATES IN THE COUNTY. PROJECTS RANGE FROM CREATING GROUP-PURCHASING AGREEMENTS TO BRING HEALTHIER FOODS TO COMMUNITIES AT A LOWER COST TO PROVIDING BREASTFEEDING EDUCATION AND SUPPORT GROUPS TO NEW AFRICAN AMERICAN MOTHERS FACING SYSTEMIC AND CULTURAL BARRIERS. |
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