Leveraging Nonprofit Hospital “Community Benefits” to Create Healthier Communities

Nonprofit hospitals can be powerful allies in helping to create healthier communities. In order to qualify for their nonprofit federal tax exemption, hospitals must be organized and operated for a “charitable purpose” or provide benefits to the community. These benefits are guided by mandatory Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA). If the needs identified in CHNAs are addressed strategically, hospitals can effectively improve community health.