Northwest Health's impact on the community totaled more than $429 million in 2022, according to a recently released community benefit report.
More than 900,000 patients were helped, including 81,000 emergency department visits, 17,500 inpatient admissions, 25,800 surgeries and 2,000 deliveries in its maternity departments.
“We help people get well and live healthier by providing quality care for patients,” said Ashley Dickinson, chief executive officer for Northwest Health, in a press release. “Our communities are truly blessed to have this dedicated team of clinicians and caregivers who are making a meaningful difference each and every day.”
The health system has three hospitals and two freestanding emergency departments, four urgent care centers and 18 primary care locations.
The health system also grew in 2022, with capital improvements totaling about $14.5 million. It expanded services at Northwest Health Lakeshore Surgicare, an orthopedic surgery center, and opened another primary care clinic in Michigan City. It also added an AI-based maternal-fetal early warning system to alert staff to potential complications during birth.
The system paid a total of $300.9 million in compensation, and added benefits such as student loan assistance and licensing and tuition reimbursement. It employed more than 3,000 workers and 700 physicians. It also recruited 24 more providers and trained more than 500 students from seven colleges.
“The vital care we provide is only one part of our broad impact,” Dickinson said. “We are a cornerstone of the community and are committed to doing all we can to make Northwest Indiana a healthier community for all.”
The report also showed $32.9 million was given to charity and uncompensated care for those in need. It also paid $48 million in taxes.
Northwest Health serves the communities of La Porte, Porter, Knox, Chesterton, Michigan City, Portage and Valparaiso, among others.
