Community Benefit
While many may realize that Jane Phillips Medical Center is one of the area's largest employers, many may not realize the significant impact it has on Bartlesville and the surrounding communities.
With some 996 associates and a payroll of approximately $58 million, JPMC has a tremendous economic impact as the second largest employer. In the last fiscal year, JPMC also paid over $2.4 million in sales and use taxes. The impact is even greater when physicians, specialists, and rural clinics are factored in. However, the hospital's contribution to the area's quality of life far exceeds economics. At the conclusion of the 2008 fiscal year on September 30, JPMC recorded $8.2 million in un-reimbursed cost of care. This includes the difference between the cost of services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries and the reimbursement received for those services, uncollected debts, and charity care—the cost of services provided to patients who fall below certain federal poverty levels. As a percentage of JPMC's operations, the $8.2 million is more than double the guidelines set forth by the Catholic Health Association.
"Our mission is to provide healthcare and related ministries for the people we serve, especially the sick, the poor, and the powerless," said David R. Stire, JPMC President/ CEO. "We are a community of people dedicated to delivering quality, cost effective, compassionate care and are devoted to improving the well-being of all who come to us for care, regardless of their ability to pay."
While fully sponsored by the St. John Health System, JPMC is solely responsible for its own financial performance and is not supported by local, state, or federal taxes. And while it is a not-for-profit acute care hospital, JPMC continuously strives to achieve and maintain fiscal strength.
"We are keenly interested in remaining financially strong," Stire said. "Unlike for-profit health care institutions with investors interested in returns on their investments, we devote a significant portion of our earnings in new technology, facilities, expanded services, and physicians. The greater our financial performance the greater is our ability to make those investments. We are also genuinely grateful to those who remember the hospital in their charitable giving. Donations provide valuable resources that allow JPMC to fund projects and services that either would be greatly delayed or not offered at all."
JPMC also supports many other community-based organizations through sponsorships, in-kind contributions, and participation. For example, the hospital and its associates have been a major sponsor of the American Cancer Society's local Relay for Life since its inception in 1996. Other organizations and activities that have benefited from JPMC's involvement include the Bartlesville Regional United Way, Miles for Mammograms, the American Heart Association's local Heart Walk, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, March of Dimes, Family Care Services, American Red Cross, Green Country Free Clinic, Bartlesville Public Schools and a variety of medical mission trips.
Closer to home, JPMC sponsored a spring motorcycle run and a fall trail ride to raise money for those who cannot afford important diabetes education. Volunteers with the JPMC Auxiliary have donated over $11,000 to area students pursuing careers in the medical field and the hospital itself last year paid almost $40,000 in scholarships for registered nurses and physical therapists.
"Assisting those who are interested in careers in healthcare is important because of the shortages we have now and will have in the future," Stire said.
Estimates in the latest report from the Governor's Council for Workforce and Economic Development forecast critical shortages for nurses, laboratory technologists, physical therapists, surgical technicians, and occupational therapists.
In addition to contributing to the local economy, providing uncompensated care, and assisting many charitable efforts, JPMC impacts the local community through its associates who are active in countless civic clubs, boards of directors, and organizations.
"Serving others is at the heart of what we do every day at JPMC," said Stire. "However, we believe serving others extends beyond our hospital campus."
