BRATTLEBORO-Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) has been cited as Vermont's most socially responsible acute care hospital by the Lown Institute, a Massachusetts-based nonpartisan health care think tank.
According to a news release, the distinction is based on an evaluation of more than 3,500 U.S. hospitals using more than 50 metrics in categories such as health equity, value of care, and patient outcomes. Results are based on data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Internal Revenue Service, and other sources.
"We are thrilled that our efforts to promote social responsibility are making a difference in our community, and that they are being quantified and recognized on a national level. Being recognized as a leader in Vermont is especially rewarding, knowing how incredibly socially responsible all hospitals in Vermont are," said Christopher Dougherty, BMH's president and chief executive officer.
Dougherty said that BMH "was founded exactly 120 years ago with the sole purpose of addressing the health care needs of all people, regardless of their social or economic standing. Over the years, we have honored that commitment by continuing to evolve with, and adapt to, society's expanding awareness of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion."
Of note, BMH was also cited in April by the Lown Institute as one of the nation's top not-for-profit hospitals in fair share spending, which is the measure of a hospital's community investments and free care ($13 million in the fiscal year ending in 2021).
In recent years, BMH has made equity and diversity a top priority in terms of both patient care and organizational culture. The hospital's Committee on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) was convened more than two years ago.
"We have embarked on a journey that will ultimately help us reach our ultimate goal of achieving health equity and eliminating health disparities," said Dougherty. "That basically means we seek to be an organization that includes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in every action and decision we make."
CMS has defined health equity as a state where every person has "a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, preferred language, or other factors that affect access to care and health outcomes."
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.