University of Utah Health is expanding the traditional model of charitable care with programs that address both immediate medical needs and underlying social factors.
Why it matters
As the state’s safety net hospital, University of Utah Health’s proactive approach to charity care removes barriers for vulnerable populations while simultaneously reducing costly emergency room visits.
By the numbers
- Nearly 10% of patients screened identify food insecurity as a primary concern
- The “Meals to Heal” food drive provided over 330,000 meals to the community in fiscal year 2024
- Thousands of patients have benefited from the medical pharmacy charitable program
The big picture
University of Utah Health’s comprehensive approach includes:
- Innovative pharmacy program: Qualifying patients receive an “insurance card” providing free access to prescribed medications
- Food as medicine initiative: A food pharmacy program addresses food insecurity while emphasizing nutritional health
- Community partnerships: Collaborations with local producers (CSAs) create sustainable support systems
- Proactive financial screening: Automated tools identify patients who may qualify for assistance before they experience financial hardship
“With our mission at the University of Utah Health to serve the community and the greater Intermountain health region as well as support our research and academic missions, we need to provide comprehensive services for the communities we serve.” — Charlton Park, CFO University of Utah Health
Bottom line
By addressing social drivers of health alongside medical needs, University of Utah Health is creating a more effective and accessible charitable care model that benefits both patients and the healthcare system.