Can Hospitals Heal America's Communities?

The United States spends significantly more money on healthcare than any other nation. Despite this fact and despite significant improvements in the quality of healthcare over the last century, the nation's relative standing in health outcomes and life expectancy continues to erode. Hospitals and integrated health systems are increasingly stepping outside of their walls to address the social determinants of health that contribute to poor health outcomes, shortened lives, and higher costs. This report highlights the role healthcare anchor institutions can play to both improve public health and be more affordable by embracing a deep-seated concern for community, inclusion, and equity as core to the business model.