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 | |||||
| (A)
COBB HOSPITAL INC |
580968382 | 3 | Yes | 119,825,334 | 0 | |
| (B)
PAULDING MEDICAL CENTER INC |
582095884 | 3 | Yes | 42,458,434 | 0 | |
| (C)
KENNESTONE HOSPITAL INC |
582032904 | 3 | Yes | 242,467,226 | 0 | |
| (D)
DOUGLAS HOSPITAL INC |
582026750 | 3 | Yes | 38,640,845 | 0 | |
| (E)
WELLSTAR SPALDING REGIONAL HOSPITAL INC |
810864789 | 3 | Yes | 28,049,508 | 0 | |
| (F)
WELLSTAR SYLVAN GROVE HOSPITAL INC |
810875069 | 3 | Yes | 2,817,844 | 0 | |
| (G)
WELLSTAR NORTH FULTON HOSPITAL INC |
810851756 | 3 | Yes | 40,789,416 | 0 | |
| (H)
WEST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER INC |
205497506 | 3 | Yes | 42,588,428 | 0 | |
|
Total 8
|
557,637,035 | |||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2018 | (b) 2019 | (c) 2020 | (d) 2021 | (e) 2022 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2018 | (b) 2019 | (c) 2020 | (d) 2021 | (e) 2022 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | ||||||
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | ||||||
| 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.).. | ||||||
| 11 | Total support. Add lines 7 through 10 | ||||||
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2018 | (b) 2019 | (c) 2020 | (d) 2021 | (e) 2022 | (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) 2018 | (b) 2019 | (c) 2020 | (d) 2021 | (e) 2022 | (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 on 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) |
||||
| 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 0.015 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 0.035 | 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 | 1 | |
|
2
Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity |
2 | |
| 3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations | 3 | |
| 4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets | 4 | |
| 5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required - provide details in Part VI) | 5 | |
| 6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions | 6 | |
| 7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. | 7 | |
|
8
Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions |
8 | |
| 9 Distributable amount for 2022 from Section C, line 6 | 9 | |
| 10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount | 10 | |
| Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) |
(i) Excess Distributions |
(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2022 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2022 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Distributable amount for 2022 from Section C, line 6 | ||||
|
2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2022 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI).
See instructions. |
||||
| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2022: | ||||
| a From 2017....... | ||||
| b From 2018....... | ||||
| c From 2019....... | ||||
| d From 2020....... | ||||
| e From 2021....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2022 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2017 not applied (see instructions) |
||||
| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from line 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2022 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2022 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from line 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2022, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
||||
|
6
Remaining underdistributions for 2022. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
||||
|
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2023. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
||||
| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a Excess from 2018..... | ||||
| b Excess from 2019..... | ||||
| c Excess from 2020..... | ||||
| d Excess from 2021..... | ||||
| e Excess from 2022..... | ||||
| Facts And Circumstances Test |
|---|
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|
| 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 1 & PART III, LINE 1 | VISION: DELIVER WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE TO EVERY PERSON, EVERY TIME. MISSION: TO ENHANCE THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF EVERY PERSON WE SERVE. VALUES: WE SERVE WITH COMPASSION. WE PURSUE EXCELLENCE. WE HONOR EVERY VOICE. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A | PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM IS A VERTICALLY INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM WHICH PROVIDES THROUGH AFFILIATED BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS A FULL SPECTRUM OF HEALTH SERVICES, INCLUDING WELLNESS PROGRAMS, PHYSICIAN OFFICE VISITS, OUTPATIENT CARE, INPATIENT CARE, AND POST-ACUTE SERVICES SUCH AS HOME HEALTH, HOSPICE AND LONG-TERM NURSING CARE. THE SYSTEM THROUGH ITS AFFILIATED BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS OPERATES 9 HOSPITALS (KENNESTONE, COBB, PAULDING MEDICAL CENTER, DOUGLAS, WINDY HILL, NORTH FULTON, SPALDING, SYLVAN GROVE, AND WEST GEORGIA), MULTIPLE PHYSICIAN OFFICES, PRIMARY CARE CENTERS, OUTPATIENT CARE FACILITIES, A NURSING HOME AND OTHER HEALTH RELATED SERVICES INCLUDING TWO INPATIENT HOSPICE FACILITIES. THE SYSTEM IS SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY BY A FUNDRAISING ORGANIZATION, WELLSTAR FOUNDATION, INC. THE SERVICE AREA FOR THE SYSTEM ENCOMPASSES PARTS OF THE NORTHWESTERN, CENTRAL AND WESTERN SECTIONS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA - THE PRIMARY AREA BEING IN BARTOW, CHEROKEE, COBB, DOUGLAS, PAULDING, FULTON, BUTTS, SPALDING, AND TROUP COUNTIES. APPROXIMATELY MORE THAN 90% OF INPATIENT DISCHARGES AND OUTPATIENTS SERVED ARE FROM THE AFOREMENTIONED COUNTIES. THE WELLSTAR VISION IS TO DELIVER WORLD CLASS HEALTHCARE. OUR MISSION IS TO CREATE AND DELIVER HIGH QUALITY HOSPITAL, PHYSICIAN AND OTHER HEALTHCARE-RELATED SERVICES THAT IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF THE INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES WE SERVE. HISTORY IN 1993, WHAT WAS THEN KNOWN AS THE COBB HEALTH SYSTEM, THE KENNESTONE REGIONAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, AND THE DOUGLAS GENERAL HOSPITAL AFFILIATED TO FORM THE NORTHWEST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM. PAULDING MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER AFFILIATED WITH NORTHWEST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM IN 1994. IN 1994, THE NORTHWEST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM HELPED FORM THE PROMINA HEALTH SYSTEM AND CHANGED ITS NAME TO PROMINA NORTHWEST HEALTH SYSTEM. IN 1998, PROMINA NORTHWEST HEALTH SYSTEM CHANGED ITS NAME TO WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM. WELLSTAR DISASSOCIATED FROM AND BECAME TOTALLY INDEPENDENT OF PROMINA IN 1999. IN 2016 WELLSTAR ACQUIRED ATLANTA MEDICAL CENTER (Merged with Kennestone Hospital on 9-30-22) , NORTH FULTON HOSPITAL, SPALDING HOSPITAL, SYLVAN GROVE HOSPITAL AND WEST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER. WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM IS A PARENT CORPORATION, WHICH PROVIDES OVERALL COORDINATION INCLUDING GOVERNING BODY TO ITS 9 AFFILIATES: - COBB HOSPITAL, INC. - DOUGLAS HOSPITAL, INC. - KENNESTONE HOSPITAL, INC. - PAULDING MEDICAL CENTER, INC. - WELLSTAR FOUNDATION, INC. - WELLSTAR NORTH FULTON HOSPITAL, INC. - WELLSTAR SPALDING REGIONAL HOSPITAL, INC. - WELLSTAR SYLVAN GROVE HOSPITAL, INC. - WELLSTAR WEST GEORGIA HEALTH SERVICES, INC. |
| SERVICES | WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM IS ABLE TO OFFER A FULL RANGE OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES THROUGH ITS AFFILIATES. THE SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: - MOST MAJOR INPATIENT CLINICAL SERVICES, - OUTPATIENT SERVICES, - DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES, - ANCILLARY AND SUPPORT SERVICES, - URGENT CARE SERVICES, - HOME HEALTH SERVICES, - SKILLED NURSING SERVICES AND - HOSPICE SERVICES. THE 9 HOSPITAL LOCATIONS ARE ACUTE CARE FACILITIES WITH INPATIENT, OUTPATIENT, AND EMERGENCY SERVICES. THE SYSTEM INCLUDES A RESIDENTIAL FACILITY ON THE KENNESTONE HOSPITAL CAMPUS, CALLED ATHERTON PLACE. ATHERTON PLACE ALSO HOUSES AN ASSISTED LIVING UNIT AS AN ADDITIONAL LEVEL OF CARE. PAULDING MEDICAL CENTER IS HOME TO A FULL CARE NURSING HOME, PAULDING NURSING CENTER AND WEST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER IS ALSO HOME TO TWO FULL CARE NURSING HOMES. VERNON WOODS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY IS AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY. COBB HOSPITAL IS HOME TO A HOME HEALTH AGENCY AND A RESIDENTIAL HOSPICE FACILITY CALLED TRANQUILITY FOR THOSE PATIENTS IN THE END STAGES OF LIFE. KENNESTONE HOSPITAL ALSO OPENED A RESIDENTIAL HOSPICE FACILITY NOT FAR FROM ITS MAIN CAMPUS. THE SYSTEM IS COMPLIMENTED WITH APPROXIMATELY 368 PHYSICIAN PRACTICES AND SEVERAL URGENT CARE CENTERS. THE SYSTEM IS THUS ABLE TO PROVIDE A COMPLETE CONTINUUM OF CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY IT SERVES. THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT AND PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS REPRESENT SYSTEM-WIDE ACTIVITY FOR WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. (THE "SYSTEM") - EIN 58-1649541. ALL AFFILIATED ENTITIES OF THE SYSTEM EXCEPT THE PHYSICIAN HOSPITAL ORGANIZATION (EIN 58-2116179) OPERATE AS CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 501(C)(3) AND THE "COMMUNITY BENEFIT STANDARD" OF IRS REVENUE RULING 69-545. THE FOLLOWING EXCERPT FROM THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IDENTIFIES A BROAD OVERVIEW OF THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE FOR THE SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM MAINTAINS RECORDS TO IDENTIFY AND MONITOR THE LEVEL OF CHARITY CARE IT PROVIDES THROUGH ITS AFFILIATES. THESE RECORDS INCLUDE THE AMOUNT OF CHARGES FOREGONE FOR SERVICES AND SUPPLIES FURNISHED UNDER ITS COMMUNITY FINANCIAL AID POLICY. IN FISCAL YEAR 2023 AND 2022, WELLSTAR AFFILIATE HOSPITALS MADE $199.8 MILLION AND $272.3 MILLION, RESPECTIVELY, IN PROVIDER PAYMENTS (CHARITY CARE COST) AND RECOGNIZED SUCH PAYMENTS AS A REDUCTION IN NET PATIENT SERVICE REVENUE IN THE ACCOMPANYING COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. THE SYSTEM ALSO PARTICIPATES IN CERTAIN GOVERNMENTAL INSURANCE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING MEDICARE AND MEDICAID. UNDER THESE PROGRAMS, THE SYSTEM PROVIDES CARE TO PATIENTS AT PAYMENT RATES WHICH ARE DETERMINED BY THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS, REGARDLESS OF THE SYSTEM'S ACTUAL CHARGES. IN MOST CASES, THESE PROGRAMS PAY THE SYSTEM AT AMOUNTS WHICH ARE LESS THAN ITS COST OF PROVIDING SERVICES. THE SYSTEM OFFERS MANY WELLNESS AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AT LITTLE OR NO COST TO THE COMMUNITY. HEALTH FAIRS ARE HELD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AT CONVENIENT LOCATIONS, PROVIDING VARIOUS HEALTH SCREENINGS, SUCH AS MAMMOGRAMS, BONE DENSITY, BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL CHECKS. A LARGE NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED FOR ALL AGES. THESE PROGRAMS INCLUDE BICYCLE SAFETY, CAR SEAT SAFETY, DEFENSIVE DRIVING, CPR AND FIRST-AID CLASSES. FLU SHOTS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY DURING FLU SEASON AND HEALTH SCREENINGS, MEDICAL SUPPLIES, AND IMMUNIZATIONS ARE PROVIDED TO CHILDREN THROUGH LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS AND HEALTH FAIRS. THE COSTS OF THESE SERVICES ARE INCLUDED IN UNRESTRICTED REVENUE, GAINS AND OTHER SUPPORT IN EXCESS OF EXPENSES AND LOSSES IN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.THE PHYSICIANS OF THE SYSTEM MAKE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH STATUS OF THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING INVOLVEMENT IN MANY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES PROMOTING HEALTH AWARENESS AND IMPROVEMENT, EMERGENCY ROOM CARE, AND DELIVERY OF CARE TO THE INDIGENT POPULATION OF THE SYSTEM'S SERVICE AREA. THE SYSTEM ALSO MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NURSING PROGRAM AT A LOCAL UNIVERSITY. THIS FINANCIAL SUPPORT HAS HELPED TO GROW THE PROGRAM, WHICH BENEFITS THE SYSTEM AS WELL AS THE COMMUNITY. THE SYSTEM AND ALL BUT ONE OF ITS AFFILIATES HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED AS ORGANIZATIONS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAX UNDER INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 501(A) AS ORGANIZATIONS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 501(C)(3) AND, THEREFORE, RELATED INCOME IS GENERALLY NOT SUBJECT TO FEDERAL OR STATE INCOME TAXES. ONE OF THE SYSTEM'S AFFILIATES IS A CONTROLLED FOREIGN CORPORATION NOT SUBJECT TO FEDERAL INCOME TAX. THE PHYSICIAN HOSPITAL ORGANIZATION (EIN 58-2116179) IS A TAXABLE AFFILIATE OF THE SYSTEM AND FILES IRS FORM 1120 US CORPORATION INCOME TAX RETURN. |
| FINANCIAL & DATA STATISTICS | SERVICES PROVIDED SYSTEM-WIDE: LICENSED BEDS -2,775 ADULT DISCHARGES -103,508 NEWBORN DISCHARGES -13,125 EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS -520,914 SURGERIES - 62,778 CATH LAB/PACEMAKERS/EP -17,208 NON-ED O/P RADIOLOGY PROCEDURES -41,115 MED/SURG. SHORT STAY CASES -487 GI LAB PROCEDURES -16,636 RADIOLOGY ONCOLOGY PROCEDURES -517,089 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT - WELLSTAR IS COMMITTED TO REINVESTNG IN OUR COMMUNITIES BY ENGAGING IN PARTNERSHIPS AND SUPPORTING SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES THAT ALIGN WITH OUR MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF ALL THE PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES WE SERVE TO ACHIEVE POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMPACT. COMMUNITY BASED PARTNERSHIPS MAY INCLUDE MISSION ALIGNED PARTNERS SUCH AS THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION, IT'S THE JOURNEY, MARCH OF DIMES; OTHER NOT-FOR-PROFITS THAT FURTHER A SOCIAL CAUSE AND PROVIDE COMMUNITY BENEFIT SUCH AT THE ATLANTA COMMUNITY FOOD BANK, MUST MINISTRIES, TOMMY NOBIS CENTER; BUSINESS AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND ROTARY, KIWANIS CLUBS; AND ACADEMIC AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS INCLUDING LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND OTHER SECONDARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, AND PARTNERS FOCUSED ON CAREER EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT AND CREATING PIPELINES FOR BOTH CLINICAL AND NON-CLINCAL HEALTHCARE CAREERS. MANY EMPLOYEES SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM OR OTHER SERVICES/ACTIVITIES SUCH AS ORGANIZING A COLLECTION OF GOODS FOR DONATION THROUGH WELLSTAR'S COMMUNITYCARE PROGRAM. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES - RECOGNIZING THE CRITICAL NEED TO ADDRESS THE NURSING SHORTAGE IN GEORGIA AND INCREASE THE NUMBER OF QUALIFIED NURSES WHO CAN JOIN THE WORKFORCE, WELLSTAR IS COMMITTED TO PROACTIVELY ADDRESSING THE NURSING SHORTAGE. WITH QUALITY EDUCATION AND TRAINING, WELLSTAR HAS EXPANDED ITS CLINICAL AFFILIATION WITH MERCER UNIVERSITY'S SCHOOL OF NURSING TO CREATE A NEW ACCELERATED BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING ("ABSN") PROGRAM WITH THE POTENTIAL TO GRADUATE AN ADDITIONAL 300 NURSES PER YEAR IN ADDITION TO THE TRADITIONAL BSN PROGRAM AT MERCER. THIS PROGRAM ACCEPTS INDIVIDUALS WITH A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BS) AND GRADUATES THEM WITH A BACHELOR OF NURSING (BSN) IN 12-MONTHS. WELLSTAR ALSO HAS A LONG-STANDING AFFILIATION WITH KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY ("KSU"), WHICH IS IN WELLSTAR'S SERVICE AREA. WELLSTAR IS ALSO WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH KSU, TO ADDRESS THE SIGNIFICANT NURSING SHORTAGE IN GEORGIA. WELLSTAR HAS PROVIDED ENDOWMENTS AND GRANTS IN SUPPORT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AT KSU. WELLSTAR HAS ALSO PARTICIPATED IN AND JOINTLY SPONSORED TEACHING AND TRAINING PROGRAMS AT KSU, INCLUDING A STRONG PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SCHOOL OF NURSING. THIS PARTNERSHIP INCLUDES AN ESTABLISHED TRANSFORMATIONAL GIFT FROM THE WELLSTAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHICH ESTABLISHED THE WELLSTAR SCHOOL OF NURSING (WSON). IT SUPPORTS THE ACADEMIC PREPARATION OF NURSING STUDENTS, THROUGH THEIR TRANSITION INTO PRACTICE, ASSURING THEY HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND EXPERIENCE TO BE "JOB READY" FOR SUCCESS AS A PROFESSIONAL GRADUATE NURSE. WELLSTAR PROVIDES 70% OF KSU STUDENT CLINICAL EXPERIENCES, WITH NEARLY 50% OF THE CLINICAL FACULTY AS WELLSTAR NURSES. WELLSTAR HAS ALSO CREATED AN ENDOWMENT THAT WILL FUND ANNUAL NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NEED-BASED STUDENTS. THE GRANT OF $6.2 MILLION WILL SUPPORT THE HIRING ADDITIONAL FACULTY AND NEW STAFF POSITIONS BY 2025 TO SUPPORT THE INCREASE IN STUDENT ENROLLMENT. WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM CONTINUES TO OPERALIZE THE NURSING CAREER PATHWAY PROGRAM, AN INDUSTRY-DRIVEN INITIATIVE DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE STATEWIDE NEED FOR NURSING ASSISTANTS, LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES, REGISTERED NURSES, AND REGISTERED NURSES WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN NURSING. THE NURSING CAREER PATHWAY PROGRAM OF STUDY LINKS THE PROGRESSIVE ATTAINMENT OF ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS AND THE REQUIRED CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE WHICH ARE ASSOCIATED WITH SELECT CAREERS AS A NURSING ASSISTANT, LICENSED NURSE, REGISTERED NURSE, AND REGISTERED NURSE WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE. THE HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE PATHWAY INCLUDES THE THREE-COURSE CTAE (CAREER, TECHNICAL, AND AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION) CURRICULUM OF INTRODUCTION TO HEALTHCARE SCIENCE, ESSENTIALS OF HEALTHCARE AND PATIENT CARE FUNDAMENTALS, WHICH INCLUDES THE REQUIRED ATTAINMENT OF CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT CERTIFICATION. THE CTAE CURRICULUM IS SUPPLEMENTED WITH A SPECIFIED NINE DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES (26 COLLEGE CREDIT HOURS) CURRICULA OFFERED THROUGH CHATTAHOOCHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE. PATHWAY PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED AT MCEACHERN HIGH SCHOOL IN COBB COUNTY, MARIETTA CITY HIGH SCHOOL. WELLSTAR SPEAKERS BUREAU: WELLSTAR'S SPEAKERS BUREAU PROVIDES OUR COMMUNITY WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO OUR NETWORK OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS. PROGRAMS MAY BE VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON AND COVER HEALTH AND WELLNESS TOPICS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO HEART HEALTH, NUTRITION, MENTAL HEALTH, CANCER PREVENTION AND TREATMENT, AND COVID-19 RELATED TOPICS. WOMEN & CHILDREN RESOURCE CENTERS: WOMEN'S HEALTH PATIENT EDUCATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES IS A SHARED SERVICES DEPARTMENT THAT PROVIDES PATIENT EDUCATION IN THE FORM OF CLASSES AS WELL AS OBGYN EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FOR WMG OFFICES, AND OVERSEES SERVICES RELATED TO LACTATION AND BEREAVEMENT AT COBB, DOUGLAS, KENNESTONE, NORTH FULTON, SPALDING, AND WEST GEORGIA HOSPITALS. PATIENT EDUCATION CLASSES INCLUDE BOTH VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON OFFERINGS FOR THE FOLLOWING CLASSES: UNDERSTANDING BIRTH, UNDERSTANDING YOUR NEWBORN, UNDERSTANDING BREASTFEEDING, GRANDPARENTING, TEEN CHILDBIRTH, NEXT TIME AROUND, BIG BROTHER BIG SISTER AND ARE OFFERED TO THE COMMUNITY AT EACH OF THE WELLSTAR HOSPITAL LOCATIONS. THE WMG PATIENT EDUCATION IS PROVIDED TO BOTH OB AND GYN PATIENTS IN THE FORM OF MY PREGNANCY JOURNEY BOOKLETS, OFFERED AT EACH PATIENT OB VISIT, CULMINATING WITH A MY POSTPARTUM JOURNEY BOOKLET AT THE TIME OF DISCHARGE FROM THE HOSPITAL. GYN PATIENT EDUCATION IS PROVIDED TO PATIENTS BASED UPON A HIGH-RISK DIAGNOSIS. FREE WELLSTAR SUPPORT GROUPS ARE OFFERED FOR NEWLY DELIVERED PATIENTS AND INCLUDE BEREAVEMENT, BREASTFEEDING, AND MOTHERS SUPPORT CIRCLE. INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT LACTATION CONSULTATIONS, LACTATION NICU CONSULTATIONS, PUMPS LOANED TO PATIENTS WITH A BABY IN THE NICU, AND WARM LINE PHONE CALLS ARE OFFERED TO LACTATING PATIENTS. FINALLY, BEREAVEMENT BOXES ARE PROVIDED TO THOSE POSTPARTUM INPATIENTS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED INFANT LOSS. THE BOXES CONTAIN KEEPSAKE ITEMS AS WELL AS INFORMATION AND RESOURCES SURROUNDING LOSS. THESE OFFERINGS DEMONSTRATE WELLSTAR'S COMMITMENT TO THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF THE PATIENTS WE SERVE WITHIN WELLSTAR'S FOOTPRINT. IN FY 2023, THE UNREIMBURSED COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE OFFERINGS TOTALED MORE THAN $ 844,000.00 WITH MORE THAN 74,427 PATIENT/FAMILY INTERACTIONS FROM THOSE PARTICIPATING IN OUR PRENATAL, CHILDBIRTH, AND POSTPARTUM PROGRAMS. COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS - AT WELLSTAR, WE HAVE MOVED BEYOND IRS REQUIREMENTS - FROM COMPLIANCE TO STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT - WHICH ALLOWS THE SYSTEM TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH AND DEMONSTRATE RETURN ON INVESTMENT FOR COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACTIVITIES. MAINTAINING EFFORTS BEYOND THE THREE-YEAR COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CHNA) CYCLE HELPS WELLSTAR ADDRESS PERSISTENT COMMUNITY HEALTH ISSUES AND ENSURE CONTINUITY FROM ONE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN TO THE NEXT. THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS DESCRIBE HOW WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM HAS CONTINUED BUILDING AND ALIGNING FOR HEALTH EQUITY. CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH NETWORK WELLSTAR'S CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH NETWORK (CHN) SERVES AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND FAITH COMMUNITIES. COORDINATED BY A FULL-TIME REGISTERED NURSE WHO SPECIALIZES IN FAITH COMMUNITY NURSING, WELLSTAR'S PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO ASSIST CONGREGATIONS OF ALL FAITHS TO DEVELOP OR SUPPORT VOLUNTEER OR PAID HEALTH MINISTRIES. WITH MORE THAN 100 CONGREGATIONS AND 1,500 SPIRITUAL CARE PARTNERS, CHN SERVES AS A KEY TO WELLSTAR'S SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF EQUITY-CENTERED PROGRAMS. THROUGH THIS NETWORK, WELLSTAR CAN DIFFUSE INFORMATION, IMPLEMENT PROGRAMS AT TRUSTED NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED SITES AND STRENGTHEN THE ORGANIZATIONS TO PROVIDE WHOLE-PERSON SUPPORT. THE CHN'S "PASSPORT TO HEALTH" PROGRAM EMPOWERS PARTICIPANTS TO OWN THEIR HEALTH CARE WHILE PARTNERING WITH PRACTITIONERS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS DURING THEIR JOURNEY OF LEARNING ABOUT HEART AND CARDIAC WELLNESS, WOMEN'S HEALTH, COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING TOOL KITS, SIGNS OF STROKE, NUTRITIOUS EATING, EXERCISE AND ACTIVE LIVING TIPS, AND MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS. COMMUNITY CLINIC NETWORK ACCORDING TO THE CHNA ACCESS TO CARE INDICATORS, MANY MEMBERS OF WELLSTAR'S COMMUNITY HAVE CARE ACCESS CHALLENGES IN LARGE PART DUE TO INSURANCE CONSTRAINTS AND PROVIDER ACCESS SHORTAGES. ACCORDING TO HEALTHY PEOPLE 2020, "ACCESS TO COMPREHENSIVE, QUALITY HEALTH CARE SERVICES IS IMPORTANT FOR PROMOTING AND MAINTAINING HEALTH, PREVENTING AND MANAGING DISEASE, REDUCING UNNECESSARY DISABILITY AND PREMATURE DEATH, AND ACHIEVING HEAL |
| COMMUNITY CLINIC NETWORK (CONT.) | THE COMMUNITY CLINIC NETWORK HAS EVOLVED TO ADVANCE WELLSTAR'S ABILITY TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY ACCESS TO CARE AND SOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES. AS WELLSTAR'S GEOGRAPHICAL FOOTPRINT HAS EXPANDED, WELLSTAR IS ALSO COMMITTED TO FORGING NEW PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY CLINICS (I.E., COMMUNITY SAFETY-NET CLINICS, COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AND FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS) TO MORE COLLECTIVELY ACHIEVE OPTIMAL OUTCOMES FOR MORE MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED AND UNINSURED RESIDENTS. IN ADDITION, THE COMMUNITY CLINIC NETWORK EVOLVED TO INCLUDE COMMUNITY BENEFIT SUPPORT OF WELLSTAR'S THREE COMMUNITY CLINICS-WELLSTAR AMC SHEFFIELD COMMUNITY CLINIC, WELLSTAR KENNESTONE COMMUNITY CLINIC AND WELLSTAR WEST GEORGIA COMMUNITY SERVICE CLINIC. IN ALIGNMENT WITH WELLSTAR'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FAP), THESE COMMUNITY-BASED CLINICS PROVIDE CHARITABLE DISCOUNTED OR FREE CARE BASED ON SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS LIKE A PATIENT'S HOUSEHOLD INCOME, INSURANCE STATUS AND/OR FAMILY SIZE. THESE CLINICS HELP SOME OF WELLSTAR'S MOST UNDER-RESOURCED AND VULNERABLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS RECEIVE MEDICAL SERVICES LIKE CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT, WELLNESS EXAMS, VACCINATIONS AND MEDICATION COUNSELING. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PHYSICIAN LEADERSHIP, GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (GME) RESIDENTS SERVE PATIENTS AT THE SHEFFIELD AND KENNESTONE CLINICS. TO SUPPORT THESE WELLSTAR GME RESIDENTS, STRUCTURED EDUCATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO HELP RESIDENTS BETTER UNDERSTAND HEALTH DISPARITIES, HEALTH EQUITY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH PRIORITIES. THROUGH THE COMMUNITY CLINIC NETWORK, WELLSTAR WILL CONTINUE TO LEVERAGE THE FACT THAT COMMUNITY-BASED CLINICS ARE LONG RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR ABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY IMPROVE AND EXPAND PATIENT ACCESS TO MEDICAL, DENTAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE IMPACTS AN INDIVIDUAL'S ABILITY TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE PHYSICAL, SOCIAL AND MENTAL HEALTH STATUS. WELLSTAR'S CHNA IDENTIFIED BOTH THE NEED FOR ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AS LEADING HEALTH CONCERNS FOR DISPARATE AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES. DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES INCREASINGLY EXPERIENCED HEALTH DISPARITIES AND GAPS IN SUPPORT; COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS EXPERIENCED NEED FOR RELIABLE AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR OFFERING VIRTUAL CARE. WELLSTAR CENTER FOR HEALTH EQUITY'S COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM PROVIDES A SCALABLE SOLUTION FOR IMPROVING ACCESS TO CARE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TRUSTED COMMUNITY NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. EACH YEAR, WELLSTAR FUNDS A COHORT OF INITIATIVES THAT LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY TO PRODUCE LONG-TERM, SUSTAINABLE CHANGES IN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE. INITIATIVES ARE EXPECTED TO BE TAILORED TO A COMMUNITY NEED AND ALIGN WITH EACH PARTNER'S MISSION. AT THE END OF 12 MONTHS, PARTNERS ARE EXPECTED TO DEMONSTRATE IMPROVEMENTS IN: . ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE SO THAT RESIDENTS RECEIVE TIMELY, HIGH-QUALITY AND CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE MEDICAL CARE WHEN THEY NEED IT; OR, . ACCESS TO SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES SO THAT RESIDENTS RECEIVE TIMELY, HIGH-QUALITY FOOD, EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, EDUCATION AND LEGAL RESOURCES TO IMPROVE DAILY LIVING WHEN THEY NEED IT. SOUL SUPPORT TO ADDRESS THE BEHAVIORAL NEEDS OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND MITIGATE THE ROLE OF MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA, WELLSTAR LAUNCHED AN INITIATIVE CALLED SOUL SUPPORT, WHICH INCLUDES THREE EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS TO PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION AND SUPPORT. THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS ARE FACILITATED THROUGH WELLSTAR'S CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH NETWORK, WHEREBY PROGRAMS TAKE PLACE AT FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS. 1. WELLSTAR PARTNERS WITH ATLANTA REGIONAL COMMISSION'S HEALTHY AGING DIVISION TO PROVIDE "POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS" - A SIX-WEEK SERIES SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO HELP CAREGIVERS LEARN TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF THEMSELVES. POWERFUL TOOLS IS PRESENTED BY CERTIFIED LAY LEADERS. THE WORKSHOP USES AN EVIDENCE-BASED CURRICULUM THAT HAS BEEN FOUND TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT POSITIVE RESULTS FOR PARTICIPANTS. 2. QUESTION, PERSUADE AND REFER (QPR) INSTITUTE STARTED AS A JOINT EFFORT WITH A WASHINGTON STATE MENTAL HEALTH CENTER AND THEIR MISSION IS TO "SAVE LIVES AND REDUCE SUICIDAL BEHAVIORS BY PROVIDING INNOVATIVE, PRACTICAL AND PROVEN SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING." THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES ARE TO TRAIN PARTICIPANTS TO UNDERSTAND THE NATURE AND RANGE OF SUICIDAL COMMUNICATIONS AND HOW TO INTERVENE ON BEHALF OF SUICIDAL AND IN-CRISIS PEOPLE, PROVIDING LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AS WELL. QPR IS USED TO HELP SAVE LIVES FROM SUICIDE BY TRAINING INDIVIDUALS HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE WARNING SIGNS OF A SUICIDE CRISIS AND HOW TO "QUESTION, PERSUADE AND REFER SOMEONE TO HELP." 3. MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID IS A PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM "THAT CAN HELP COMMUNITIES UNDERSTAND MENTAL ILLNESSES, SEEK TIMELY INTERVENTION, AND SAVE LIVES." BY PROVIDING EDUCATION SURROUNDING MENTAL ILLNESS AS WELL AS RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN THEIR AREA, FAITH-BASED LEADERS WILL BE MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE IN WAYS TO SUPPORT THEIR CONGREGANTS. IT WAS DEVELOPED IN 2001 WITH THE GOAL OF PROVIDING PARTICIPANTS WITH THE TOOLS NEEDED TO START A CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE PROBLEMS AS WELL AS RESOURCES AVAILABLE. 4. WELLSTAR RECEIVED PHILANTHROPIC FUNDING TO EXPAND "SOUL SUPPORT" TO INCLUDE FREE, VIRTUAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE FOR COMMUNITY RESIDENTS UNABLE TO RECEIVE CARE TRADITIONALLY DUE TO COST, TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES, OR LIMITED ACCESS TO BROADBAND SERVICES. COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BLKHLTH AND COTTONELLE WELLSTAR CENTER FOR HEALTH EQUITY ESTABLISHED A PARTNERSHIP WITH BLKHLTH, A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF RACISM THROUGH EDUCATION AND ACTION. ONE OF THEIR CURRENT INITIATIVES IS A COLLABORATION WITH COTTONELLE ON THE #GOODDOWNTHERE CAMPAIGN. THIS NATIONAL PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO REDUCE STIGMA SURROUNDING COLORECTAL CARE BY PROVIDING EQUITY-CENTRIC ACCESS FOR COLORECTAL CANCER TO BLACK AMERICANS. COLORECTAL CANCER, ALSO CALLED COLON OR RECTAL CANCER, IS THE THIRD MOST COMMON CANCER IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE SECOND MOST COMMON CANCER-RELATED DEATH. THROUGH THEIR COLLABORATION WITH COTTONELLE, BLKHLTH PROVIDES WELLSTAR WITH COMPLIMENTARY COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING KITS TO BE DISTRIBUTED ACROSS OUR SERVICE AREA. MEMBERS OF WELLSTAR'S CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH NETWORK SERVE AS AMBASSADORS TO DISTRIBUTE THE SCREENING KITS WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITIES. OUR GOAL IS TO BRING EDUCATION AND ACCESS TO INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN SCREENED DUE TO FEAR, LACK OF HEALTH INSURANCE OR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE. BREAST CANCER SCREENING FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS, WELLSTAR HAS PROVIDED BREAST SCREENING AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS WHO LACK ACCESS TO OR ARE UNABLE TO AFFORD THESE LIFE-SAVING SERVICES WITHIN WELLSTAR'S SERVICE AREAS. BY PROVIDING THESE SERVICES AT NO COST TO THOSE IN NEED, WE SEEK TO ELIMINATE EXISTING BREAST CANCER DISPARITIES AND DECREASE THE NUMBER OF LATE-STAGE BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSES BY PROVIDING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE WITHIN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE. THIS PROGRAM INCREASES THE NUMBER OF REGULAR MAMMOGRAM SCREENINGS AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES PROVIDED, PARTICULARLY WITHIN HIGH-RISK COMMUNITIES, ENABLING WELLSTAR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO DETECT BREAST CANCER AT AN EARLIER STAGE AND RESULTING IN BETTER TREATMENT OPTIONS AND IMPROVED OUTCOMES FOR OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS. TO IDENTIFY PATIENTS WHO NEED ACCESS TO THESE SERVICES MOST, WE PARTNER WITH LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, COMMUNITY CLINICS, A CONGREGATIONAL NURSE NETWORK AND A ROBUST LIST OF OTHER TRUSTED COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS. THE WELLSTAR PHYSICIAN LIAISON TEAM AND WELLSTAR CLINICAL PARTNERS TEAM ALSO WORKS WITH 3,000+ WELLSTAR MEDICAL GROUP PHYSICIANS AND PARTNER PHYSICIANS THROUGHOUT OUR SERVICE AREA TO GENERATE REFERRALS TO THE PROGRAM. PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING TO INCREASE ACCESS TO SCREENING AND EDUCATION RESOURCES IN MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES, WELLSTAR COMMUNITY HEALTH PARTNERS WITH WELLSTAR UROLOGY, WELLSTAR LABORATORY OUTREACH SERVICES, AND FAITH COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE WELLSTAR CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH NETWORK TO OFFER FREE PROSTATE CANCER SCREENINGS IN HIGH-RISK ZIP CODES. MOBILE MARKET PROGRAM IN 2020, WELLSTAR LAUNCHED A MOBILE MARKET PROGRAM TO FEED MORE THAN 700 METRO ATLANTA AT-RISK FAMILIES ACROSS SIX GEORGIA COUNTIES. IN COLLABORATION WITH GOODR, THE JOINT INITIATIVE ADDRESSES FOOD ACCESS FOR VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES IN WELLSTAR'S SERVICE AREAS. THE SPRING-SUMMER MOBILE MARKET PROGRAM INCLUDED SEVEN COMMUNITY-BASED LOCATIONS THAT PROVIDED FREE, FRESH AND HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS MONTHLY TO 100 FAMILIES IN NEED AT EACH LOCATION. THROUGH WELLSTAR FOUNDATION AND VITAL COMMUNITY FUNDING, GOODR PROVIDED FOOD AND STAFFING SUPPORT FOR THIS PROGRAM, REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS AND PROVIDED IMPACT REPORTING EACH MONTH. WELLSTAR PROVIDED PROGRAM LOGISTICAL SUPPORT, PARTICIPANT INCENTIVES AND NUTRITION EDUCATION. NEW COMMUNITY PARTNERS HELPED RECRUIT VOLUNTEERS AND SET UP FOOD DISTRIBUTION SITES IN KEY SERVICE AREAS, INCLUDING COBB, TROUP, FULTON, SPALDING, PAULDING, AND D |
| FOOD RESCUE PROGRAM | IN GEORGIA, FOOD RESIDUALS MAKE UP 12% OF LANDFILL WASTE ANNUALLY. THAT'S NEARLY 151 POUNDS OF FOOD PER GEORGIAN EVERY YEAR, A TOTAL OF 1.6 BILLION POUNDS OF TRASH ANNUALLY IN GEORGIA. THIS AMOUNT OF FOOD WASTE ALSO WASTES $1.92 BILLION EACH YEAR. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SECOND HELPINGS ATLANTA AND GOODR, WELLSTAR LAUNCHED A FOOD RESCUE PROGRAM. THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, HIGH-QUALITY AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD FROM WELLSTAR EATERIES, INCLUDE SELECT HOSPITAL CAFETERIAS, IS PICKED UP AND REDISTRIBUTED TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT WELLSTAR'S SERVICE AREA. BY RECAPTURING FRESH FOOD THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE DISCARDED, WE REDUCE FOOD WASTE WHILE GUARANTEEING ACCESS TO FRESH PRODUCE AND HEALTHY MEALS FOR EMERGENCY FOOD PROGRAMS AND INDIVIDUALS IN NEED. THE GOAL IS TO BECOME A ZERO-FOOD WASTE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS. SINCE INCEPTION, WELLSTAR HAS DIVERTED OVER 26,000 POUNDS OF FOOD FROM LANDFILLS. OPERATION M.I.S.T. (MONITOR | INTERVENE | SURVIVE | THRIVE) OPERATION M.I.S.T. PROMOTES MATERNAL VITALITY BY REDUCING MATERNAL MORTALITY WITH A MISSION TO MONITOR PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN CONCEIVING, PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM BIRTH GIVERS. WELLSTAR PARTNERS WITH OPERATION M.I.S.T TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR 40 BIRTH GIVERS FROM SPALDING AND BUTTS COUNTIES. PARTICIPANTS WILL USE GARMIN-POWERED SMART WATCHES TO MONITOR THEIR HEALTH STATUS, COLLABORATE WITH THEIR CARE TEAM, AND PROVIDE HEALTH EDUCATION AND PROMOTION. AS A WRAPAROUND SERVICE, WELLSTAR COMMUNITY HEALTH SUPPORT THIS PARTNERSHIP BY PROVIDING AN ASSESSMENT OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH (SDOH) AND RESOURCE REFERRAL CONNECTION FOR EACH OF THE PARTICIPANTS. PERINATAL KIT PROGRAM WITH HEALTHY MOTHERS, HEALTHY BABIES TO ADDRESS THE MATERNAL HEALTH CRISIS THROUGH AN EQUITY LENS, WELLSTAR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLSTAR CENTER FOR HEALTH EQUITY HAS PARTNERED WITH HEALTHY MOTHERS, HEALTHY BABIES COALITION OF GEORGIA (HMHBGA). HMHBGA HAS IMPACTED THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF WOMEN, CHILDREN, AND FAMILIES FOR THE PAST 40 YEARS BY SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH DIRECT SERVICES, ADVOCACY, AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION. WELLSTAR'S PARTNERSHIP TO HELP EXPAND THE ORGANIZATION'S PERINATAL CARE PACKAGE PROJECT (PCP) PROVIDES SUPPORT TO PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM BIRTH GIVERS AND ENCOURAGES POSITIVE MATERNAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS BY PROVIDING VITAL RESOURCES AND EDUCATION. THE PARTNERSHIP REACHES 150 BIRTH GIVERS PER MONTH WHO RESIDE IN GEORGIA'S MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES. SINCE PARTNERSHIP INCEPTION, WELLSTAR HAS: . SUPPORTED EXPANDING THE MONTHLY REACH FROM 150 TO 200 BIRTH GIVERS; AND . PROVIDED EDUCATION ON COVID-19 AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY. WELLSTAR PARTNERS WITH MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE TO SUPPORT AT-RISK POPULATIONS WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM JOINED THE MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (MSM) NATIONAL COVID-19 RESILIENCY NETWORK (NCRN) OF PARTNERS TO FURTHER INFORM COMMUNITY-DRIVEN RESPONSE, RECOVERY AND RESILIENCY STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON COMMUNITIES. IN RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF AT-RISK COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE HEALTH SYSTEM'S SERVICE AREAS, WELLSTAR HAS PARTNERED WITH THE MSM-NCRN AND ITS 40 NETWORK PARTNERS ACROSS THE U.S. TO COLLABORATE ON OFFERING COVID-19-RELATED SERVICES TO DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED COMMUNITIES. WELLSTAR WAS THE FIRST GEORGIA-BASED HEALTH SYSTEM TO BECOME A NATIONAL PARTNER IN THIS IMPORTANT NEW INITIATIVE. THE MSM-NCRN COORDINATES A STRATEGIC AND STRUCTURED NATIONAL NETWORK OF NATIONAL, STATE/TERRITORIAL/TRIBAL AND LOCAL PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS THAT, TOGETHER, WORK TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON RACIAL AND ETHNIC MINORITY AND RURAL POPULATIONS. THE NETWORK HELPS TO PROVIDE AWARENESS OF CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE HEALTH EDUCATION INFORMATION AND LINKAGE TO CARE, HELPING ORGANIZATIONS AND FAMILIES RECOVER FROM PANDEMIC DIFFICULTIES. IN ADDITION TO EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES IN AT LEAST 10 LANGUAGES TO ACCOMMODATE CULTURAL COMPETENCY, INITIATIVES WILL INCLUDE COVID-19 TESTING, VACCINATIONS FOLLOWING PHASES DIRECTED BY DPH AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS. THROUGH THE WELLSTAR CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH NETWORK-OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH LOCAL FAITH COMMUNITIES-WELLSTAR MADE TESTING, VACCINES AND ACCURATE HEALTH INFORMATION MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PEOPLE WE SERVE BY HOSTING EVENTS AT PLACES OF WORSHIP AND VIRTUAL TOWN HALLS IN COLLABORATION WITH FAITH COMMUNITIES. COLLECTIVELY, NCRN HAS REACHED OVER 1 MILLION PEOPLE AND COUNTING, THROUGH VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON EVENTS. IN ADDITION TO JOINING NCRN, WELLSTAR IS ALSO PART OF GEORGIA CEAL, ANOTHER INITIATIVE OF MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE THAT ADDRESSES THE DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES. WELLSTAR PARTNERS WITH CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY FOR TRAINING AND DEPLOYMENT THE SOCIAL WORK STUDENT ROTATION PROGRAM IS SUPPORTED THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY'S WHITNEY M. YOUNG JR. SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK. MASTER'S LEVEL SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS SPEND AN ACADEMIC YEAR INTERNING WITH WELLSTAR COMMUNITY HEALTH, SUPPORTING INITIATIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS PATIENTS OF WELLSTAR GME INTERNAL MEDICINE. THE ROTATION WILL ENSURE STUDENT UNDERSTANDING OF THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH WITH HEALTH OUTCOMES. PATIENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WILL BENEFIT FROM IMPROVED ACCESS TO SOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH. PERSONS WHO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM THE SOCIAL WORK STUDENT INTERN REPORT IMPROVED OVERALL WELL-BEING. WELLSTAR PARTNERS WITH SER FAMILIA TO PROVIDE "PROMOTORAS" SER FAMILIA SERVES AS COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION DRIVEN TO STRENGTHEN LATINO COUPLES AND FAMILIES TO ADDRESS THE LACK OF RESOURCES FOR LATINOS ACROSS THE ATLANTA METROPOLITAN AREA. WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM HAS PARTNERED WITH SER FAMILIA TO ENLIST A "PROMOTORA" (ALSO, COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER) TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY OUTREACH TO THE SPANISH-SPEAKING COMMUNITY. THE PROMOTORA ASSISTS WELLSTAR CENTER FOR HEALTH EQUITY IN DEVELOPING AND TRANSLATING CULTURALLY COMPETENT HEALTH EDUCATION MATERIALS, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH PARTNERS SERVING THE SPANISH-LANGUAGE COMMUNITY, AND ATTENDING COMMUNITY EVENTS TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY. IN FY2022 THE TOTAL UNCOMPENSATED CARE, OTHER COMMUNITY BENEFITS AND COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS PROVIDED BY WELLSTAR WAS OVER $ 1.2 BILLION. COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY BREAKDOWN: CHARITY & INDIGENT (UNCOMPENSATED CARE COSTS) - $ 199,853,000 MEDICAID SHORTFALLS (UNCOMPENSATED CARE COSTS) - $ 32,549,000 MEDICARE SHORTFALLS (UNCOMPENSATED CARE COSTS) - $ 505,873,000 OTHER PATIENTS (UNCOMPENSATED CARE COSTS) - $ 140,298,000 TOTAL UNCOMPENSATED CARE - $878,573,000 OTHER COMMUNITY PROGRAMS (PARTICIPATION IN COALITIONS) - $ 361,000 OTHER COMMUNITY PROGRAMS (COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION) - $ 310,000 OTHER COMMUNITY PROGRAMS (HEALTH CARE SUPPORT) - $ 15,388,000 TOTAL OTHER COMMUNITY PROGRAMS - $ 16,059,000 COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS (FUNDS BACK INTO INFRASTRUCTURE) - $ 333,495,000 COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS (ALLIED HLTH/MEDICAL EDUCATION) - $ 4,386,000 COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS (OPERATIONS - STAFF/SOFTWARE) - $ 916,000 TOTAL COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS - $ 338,797,000 WELLSTAR CONTINUES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CENTER FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES (CMS) MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM AS AN ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION (ACO). WELLSTAR'S ACO IS ONE OF THE LARGEST ACOS IN GEORGIA AND IT HAS 2,903 PHYSICIANS INCLUDING 42,133 MEMBERS. THE ACO HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE TOP 100 ACO'S IN THE COUNTRY. THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL THROUGH A FOCUS ON WELLNESS AND THE IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC ILLNESSES AND THE RELATED COORDINATION OF CARE, TO ENSURE PATIENTS, ESPECIALLY CHRONICALLY ILL, GET THE RIGHT CARE AT THE RIGHT TIME TO MAINTAIN THEIR OPTIMAL HEALTH AND AVOID THE NEED FOR HIGH-COST EMERGENCY AND HOSPITAL CARE. |
| WELLSTAR AWARDS RECEIVED FY23 | . THE TRAUMA SURGERY UNIT AT WELLSTAR KENNESTONE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVED THE PRESTIGIOUS ACADEMY OF MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSES (AMSN) PRISM AWARD, AN HONOR THAT RECOGNIZES EXCEPTIONAL NURSING PRACTICE, LEADERSHIP AND OUTCOMES IN HOSPITAL MEDICAL-SURGICAL UNITS. THE AWARD, WHICH STANDS FOR "PREMIER RECOGNITION IN THE SPECIALTY OF MED-SURG," IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, HONORING MED-SURG NURSING UNITS IN THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY. IT IS CO-SPONSORED BY THE AMSN AND MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING CERTIFICATION BOARD. THE AWARD IS GIVEN TO OUTSTANDING ACUTE CARE/MED-SURG UNITS OR ADULT/PEDIATRIC UNITS CLASSIFIED AS MED-SURG. . WELLSTAR COBB AND WELLSTAR WEST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTERS RECEIVED THE GEORGIA OGLETHORPE AWARD FROM THE STERLING COUNCIL. THE STERLING COUNCIL IS A PUBLIC/PRIVATE NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION SUPPORTED BY THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR. THE COUNCIL OVERSEES THE GOVERNOR'S STERLING AWARD FOR PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE AND THE GEORGIA OGLETHORPE AWARD, WHICH IS BASED ON THE NATIONAL MALCOLM BALDRIGE AWARD, WITH AWARDS BEING PRESENTED ANNUALLY TO HIGH-PERFORMING, ROLE-MODEL ORGANIZATIONS, BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC, THAT DEMONSTRATE SUPERIOR MANAGEMENT APPROACHES AND ROLE-MODEL RESULTS. . WELLSTAR KENNESTONE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVED THE SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE AWARD FROM THE FLORIDA STERLING COUNCIL. THE GOVERNOR'S STERLING SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE AWARD IS DESIGNED TO ENABLE STERLING AWARD RECIPIENTS TO RETAIN THEIR ROLE MODEL STATUS. THIS HIGH-LEVEL ASSESSMENT PROCESS EXAMINES HOW WELL AN ORGANIZATION HAS STRENGTHENED, IMPROVED AND INNOVATED WINNING SYSTEMS TO ENSURE LONG-TERM SUCCESS AND SUSTAINABILITY IN A COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT. HIGHLY TRAINED EXAMINERS REVIEW AND EVALUATE THE APPLICATION AND CLARIFY AND VERIFY THE ORGANIZATION'S RESPONSES THROUGH INTERVIEWS WITH LEADERS AND PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE PROFESSIONALS. . THE ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE NAMED WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM AS ONE OF THE HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS IN THE EXTRA-LARGE COMPANY CATEGORY, RECOGNIZING INNOVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE CREATED ROBUST AND HEALTHY WORKPLACE PROGRAMS. THE ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE'S HEALTHIEST EMPLOYER AWARD IS BASED ON THE ANALYSIS OF OVER 60 SCORED QUESTIONS WITH MORE THAN 600 DATA POINTS FOR SCORING AND BENCHMARKING. . WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, ONE OF GEORGIA'S LARGEST AND MOST INTEGRATED HEALTH SYSTEMS, WAS RANKED IN THE TOP 10 BEST WORKPLACES IN HEALTH CARE BY FORTUNE IN THE LARGE COMPANY CATEGORY. TO DETERMINE THE BEST WORKPLACES IN HEALTH CARE LIST, GREAT PLACE TO WORK ANALYZED THE SURVEY RESPONSES OF OVER 161,000 EMPLOYEES FROM GREAT PLACE TO WORK-CERTIFIED COMPANIES IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY. . DIVERSITYINC INCLUDED WELLSTAR AMONG 20 ORGANIZATIONS ON ITS 2023 LIST OF TOP HOSPITALS AND HEALTH SYSTEMS FOR DIVERSITY. THE TOP HOSPITALS AND HEALTH SYSTEMS SPECIALTY LIST IS INCLUDED IN DIVERSITYINC'S ANNUAL TOP 50 COMPANIES FOR DIVERSITY RANKING, WHICH RECOGNIZES COMPANIES THAT HIRE, RETAIN AND PROMOTE WOMEN, MINORITIES, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS AND VETERANS. DIVERSITY IS SCORED ON SIX KEY AREAS: LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITY, HUMAN CAPITAL DIVERSITY METRICS, TALENT PROGRAMS, WORKFORCE PRACTICES, SUPPLIER DIVERSITY AND PHILANTHROPY. . BECKER'S HOSPITAL REVIEW HAS NAMED WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM AS ONE OF ITS SPINE AND NEUROSURGERY PROGRAMS TO WATCH. THIS LIST OF 53 HEALTH SYSTEMS AND HOSPITALS NATIONWIDE RECOGNIZES THOSE DEDICATED TO EXPANDING NEUROSURGICAL CARE AND PROVIDING WORLD-CLASS NEURO TREATMENTS. THOSE ON THE LIST HAVE EARNED NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR HAVING TOP SPINE AND NEUROSURGERY PROGRAMS. . WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM WAS NAMED BY FORTUNE AS ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES FOR 2023, WHICH HONORS 300 COMPANIES TRANSFORMING INDUSTRIES FROM THE INSIDE OUT. NEARLY EVERY COMPANY ON THIS LIST POSTED REVENUE GROWTH IN THE LAST THREE YEARS. FORTUNE PARTNERED WITH MARKET RESEARCH AND DATA COMPANY STATISTA TO COMPILE AMERICA'S MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES. THE LIST IS BUILT ON THREE PILLARS: PRODUCT INNOVATION, PROCESS INNOVATION AND INNOVATION CULTURE. |
| FORM 990, PART IV, LINE 12B | AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC., AND ITS CONTROLLED AFFILIATES ARE AUDITED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS BY AN OUTSIDE AUDITING FIRM, KPMG, AND AS PART OF THAT AUDIT A CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT IS ISSUED. THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT INCLUDES THE ACCOUNTS OF WELLSTAR AND ITS CONTROLLED AFFILIATES INCLUDING COBB HOSPITAL, INC., DOUGLAS HOSPITAL INC., KENNESTONE HOSPITAL, INC., PAULDING MEDICAL CENTER, INC.,WELLSTAR ATLANTA MEDICAL CENTER, INC., WELLSTAR NORTH FULTON HOSPITAL, INC., WELLSTAR SPALDING REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, INC., WELLSTAR SYLVAN GROVE HOSPITAL, INC., WELLSTAR WEST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER, INC., WINDY HILL HOSPITAL, WELLSTAR MEDICAL GROUP, LLC AND VARIOUS OTHER OWNED ENTITES AS LISTED IN SCHEDULE R. ALL SIGNIFICANT INTERCOMPANY ACCOUNTS AND TRANSACTIONS HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED IN COMBINATION. |
| FORM 990, PART IV, LINE 24A | TAX EXEMPT BOND REPORTING FOR PURPOSES OF THE FORM 990 REPORTING, WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. (EIN 58-1649541) WILL LIST ALL TAX-EXEMPT BONDS ISSUED SINCE JANUARY 1, 2003, ON SCHEDULE K AS IT TYPICALLY ALLOCATES THE PROCEEDS OF THE BONDS TO MEMBERS OF THE OBLIGATED GROUP (INCLUDING THE HOSPITALS AND MEDICALGROUP). WELLSTAR ATLANTA MEDICAL CENTER, INC. REPORTS ITS SPECIFIC SHARE OF THE TAX-EXEMPT BOND LIABILITY ALLOCATION ON FORM 990, PART X, LINE 25 OTHER LIABILITIES DUE TO WHS, INC. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7B | POWERS OF THE BOARD AS PER THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, THE SOLE MEMBER OF THE ORGANIZATION IS WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION. AS A SOLE MEMBER, WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. HOLDS CERTAIN POWERS OF ELECTION AND APPROVAL IN CONNECTION WITH THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE ORGANIZATION. THESE POWERS ARE PRESENTED IN DETAIL IN THE GOVERNING DOCUMENTS WHICH THE COMPANY MAKES AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B BOARD REVIEW OF FORM 990 INTERNAL STAFF PREPARES THE ORGANIZATION'S FORM 990. BEFORE FILING THE RETURN WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AN EXTERNAL ACCOUNTING FIRM, PWC US TAX LLP, REVIEWS AND SIGN-OFFS ON THE COMPLETED RETURN OF EACH ORGANIZATION. THE ORGANIZATION'S CFO OR DESIGNEE SUBSEQUENTLY SIGNS THE RETURN FOR EITHER MANUAL OR ELECTRONIC FILING BY THE APPROPRIATE DUE DATE. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C | CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY OUR CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST POLICY REQUIRES ALL COVERED PERSONS TO ANNUALLY REVIEW THE POLICY AND THEN COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN THE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST SURVEY AND ATTESTATION TO THE COMPLIANCE OFFICE. THE POLICY REQUIRES AN ON-GOING DISCLOSURE OBLIGATION IN THE EVENT A CONFLICT ARISES DURING THE YEAR. THE FOLLOWING IS OUR PROCESS TO REGULARLY AND CONSISTENTLY MONITOR AND ENFORCE THE POLICY: COMPLIANCE IDENTIFIES ALL COVERED PERSONS WHO MUST COMPLETE THE SURVEY AND ATTESTATION. COMPLIANCE VERIFIES THAT THE SURVEY AND ATTESTATION IS DISTRIBUTED TO THESE PERSONS. COMPLIANCE VERIFIES THAT THESE PERSONS RETURN A FULLY COMPLETED AND SIGNED SURVEY AND ATTESTATION. COMPLIANCE REVIEWS EACH COMPLETED AND SIGNED SURVEY AND ATTESTATION TO IDENTIFY ALL CONFLICTS LISTED IN THE DOCUMENT. ALL CONFLICTS, POTENTIAL CONFLICTS AND INCIDENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE ARE REFERRED TO THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. THE CCO TAKES APPROPRIATE ACTION TO COMPLETELY RESOLVE ALL IDENTIFIED CONFLICTS AND INCIDENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINES 15A & 15B | COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. HAS ENGAGED SULLIVAN COTTER TO WORK WITH THE GOVERNING BOARD AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE TO REVIEW AND RECOMMEND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROCESS AT WELLSTAR IS OVERSEEN BY A COMMITTEE OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES, WHICH FOLLOWS A BOARD-APPROVED EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY. THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF SIX TRUSTEES. THE CEO AND CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER PARTICIPATE IN AN ADVISORY ROLE, AND NOT AS VOTING MEMBERS. FURTHER IN COMMITTEE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE COMPENSATION FOR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, THE CEO RECUSES HIM/HERSELF FROM THAT PROCESS. THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY EMPOWERS THE COMMITTEE TO OVERSEE THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROCESS AND ADMINISTER THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM ON BEHALF OF THE FULL BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WELLSTAR; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THE FULL BOARD OF TRUSTEES EVALUATES AND APPROVES THE COMPENSATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. THE PHILOSOPHY REQUIRES ANNUAL DISCLOSURE OF THE COMMITTEE'S ACTION AND DECISION TO THE FULL BOARD, WHICH IT HAS DONE. THE COMMITTEE IS GUIDED BY THE BOARD-APPROVED PHILOSOPHY. OVERALL, THE PHILOSOPHY IS INTENDED TO REWARD FOR ORGANIZATIONAL AND INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE. BASE COMPENSATION IS TARGETED AT THE MEDIAN BASE COMPENSATION PAID TO SIMILAR POSITIONS AT SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS ( THE MARKET). OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY ALSO RECEIVE VARIABLE COMPENSATION THAT IS DEPENDENT ON INDIVIDUAL AND ORGANIZATION PERFORMANCE. WHEN PERFORMANCE IS FULLY SUSTAINED AT A SATISFACTORY LEVEL, THE TOTAL COMPENSATION, BOTH BASE AND VARIABLE, IS INTENDED TO BE AT OR AROUND 75TH% OF COMPENSATION PAID TO SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS. WELLSTAR'S EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY DEFINES THE MARKET AS BEING COMPRISED OF COMPARABLE NOT-FOR-PROFIT HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS, I.E. NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SIMILAR IN COMPLEXITY AND SCALE TO WELLSTAR. TO ASSIST THE COMMITTEE IN FULFILLING ITS DUTIES, THE COMMITTEE ENGAGED SULLIVAN COTTER TO PROVIDE MARKET COMPENSATION DATA TO COMPARE TO THE WELLSTAR POSITIONS WHOSE COMPENSATION THE COMMITTEE OVERSEES. THE COMMITTEE USES THIS DATA TO PROVIDE CONTEXT WHEN MAKING DECISIONS IN ADMINISTERING THE COMPENSATION PROGRAM. ACCURATE MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE'S DISCUSSION AND DECISIONS ARE RECORDED DURING EACH COMMITTEE MEETING AND REVIEWED AND PROVIDED TO THE FULL BOARD OF TRUSTEES REVIEW. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 | DOCUMENTS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS AFFILIATES ARE SUBJECT TO THE OPEN RECORDS LAW IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA. THEREFORE, BY LAW, CITIZENS ARE PERMITTED TO INSPECT AND COPY ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, POLICIES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS MAY BE REQUESTED FROM TIME TO TIME. ADDITIONALLY, THE ORGANIZATION'S FORM 990 IS MADE READILY AVAILABLE ON THE GUIDESTAR WEBSITE. PERIODICALLY, THE ORGANIZATION PUBLISHES A COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT ONCE A YEAR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC. IN ACCORDANCE WITH O.C.G.A SECTION 31-7-22 AND THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH'S RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR HOSPITAL TRANSPARENCY CHAPTER 111-8-41 THE APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS ARE POSTED ON THE WELLSTAR.ORG WEBSITE IN THE WELLSTAR HOSPITAL TRANSPARENT INFORMATION SECTION. UNDER ITS CONTINUING DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS FOR PUBLIC BONDS, OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION IS POSTED AND REPORTED ON EMMA.MSRB.ORG ON A QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL BASIS. |
| FORM 990, PART VII | OFFICERS HOURS WORKED THE OFFICERS DEVOTE THEIR TIME TO ALL OF THE ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM THAT ARE LISTED IN SCHEDULE R, PART II. AS SUCH, THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED BY THE OFFICERS ACROSS ALL ORGANIZATIONS EXCEEDS 40 HOURS A WEEK. |
| FORM 990, PART VII & FORM 990, SCHEDULE J | COMPENSATION ALL COMPENSATION AMOUNTS REPORTED ON FORM 990, PART VII; PART IX, LINES 5-7; AND SCHEDULE J REPRESENT COMPENSATION PROVIDED TO INDIVIDUALS THAT PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE ORGANIZATION. LIKEWISE, THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES REPORTED ON PART V, LINE 2A REPRESENTS THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE ORGANIZATION. ALL FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT TAX RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS (INCLUDING FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT TAX REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES) ARE HANDLED BY WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. (EIN 58-1649541). |
| FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9 | OTHER CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM. HAD A CHANGE IN NET ASSETS OF $428,610,612 RELATED TO TRANSFERS TO AFFILIATES AS PART OF THE ALLOCATION OF INCOME STATEMENT AND BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS OVER THE YEAR. |
| FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G | DESCRIPTION:PURCHASED SERVICES TOTAL FEES:XXX-XX-XXXX |
| Software ID: | |
| Software Version: |