KINGSTON, N.Y. – HealthAlliance Hospital has garnered a medical think-tank’s top spot for contributing to community investments.
HealthAllince Hospital, owned by Westchester Medical Center Health Network, has been recognized by the Lown Institute as a 2024 Top Hospital for Fair Share Spending, a “distinction that places HealthAlliance Hospital among only 20% of hospitals nationwide meeting—or exceeding—its obligations for community investment,” a WMCHealth statement.
This is the second recognition in as many years that HealthAlliance Hospital has earned from the Lown Institute.
“This recognition is a reflection of WMCHealth’s commitment to put the priorities of our patients and communities first,” said Josh Ratner, Chief Executive Officer of Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley and Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of WMCHealth. “An area of focus for us has been the creation and expansion of partnerships with community-based organizations in order to expand access to quality care. “
“In recent times we’ve collaborated with People’s Place, the YWCA and YMCA of Ulster County, the Point of Praise Family Life Center and other organizations to get wellness education and information directly into our community,” Ratner said “In addition, we have invested in hospital-based services, such as Level III trauma care, to better serve our friends and neighbors.”
The Lown Institute recognition comes at a time when HealthAlliance Hospital is struggling with its finances.
In late December, assorted leading political leaders sent letters to Gov. Kathy Hochul urging a quick resolve to negotiations that they said, if unsuccessful, could result in significant cutbacks at HealthAlliance Hospital.
On March 19, a hospital network representative said officials aim to finalize negotiations soon, but did not specify any details.
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, who wrote one of the two letters urging a quick resolution, said in March she remained confident about a positive outcome between the state and Westchester County Medical Center Health Network, or WMCHealth, the parent company of HealthAlliance Hospital.
According to the Lown Institute, the recognition is independent and hospitals neither apply nor pay to be listed.
The Lown Institute Hospitals Index, according to the organization, is the first ranking to measure meaningful community investment for nonprofit hospitals nationwide.
The Lown Institute calculated fair share spending for more than 2,400 nonprofit hospitals, based on 2021 IRS Form 990, by comparing “the estimated value of hospitals’ tax exemptions to the amount spent on financial assistance and meaningful community investment—including community health improvement activities, contributions to community groups, community building activities, and subsidized healthcare services,” the release said.
Metzger said in an email on Wednesday that hospital participation in the community is critical.
“It’s important for our hospitals to be part of the community and serve the community beyond the walls of the building itself,” Metzger said. “We greatly appreciate the efforts by HealthAlliance to partner with local organizations and provide health and wellness information and services to our residents, and congratulate them on this special recognition.”
Kingston Mayor Steve Noble said that the hospital is contributing to the community in various ways.
“As one of our largest employers and critical healthcare partners, it’s wonderful to see Health Alliance receive the Fair Share recognition,” Noble said in an email. “I appreciate the investment that Health Alliance has provided to our community, and the hospital’s ongoing commitment to the health and wellness of our residents.”
