Utah’s nonprofit hospitals are becoming increasingly integrated into the state’s health and social services systems, offering vital community services that extend far beyond traditional healthcare.
Why it matters
Nonprofit hospitals address critical community needs identified through their community assessment processes, filling gaps in both healthcare access and broader social determinants of health.
By the numbers
- Utah’s nonprofit hospitals are important to the state’s economy. Intermountain and University of Utah health systems provide employment to residents in 21 of Utah’s 29 counties
- These organizations rank among Utah’s largest employers
- Their economic impact extends through purchases from Utah-based vendors
The big picture
Research shows nonprofit hospitals are more likely to offer essential but less profitable services including:
- Trauma and burn care
- Emergency psychiatric and behavioral health services
- Home health care
- Drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs
This is especially critical in rural communities where access to specialized care may otherwise be limited.
“We’re seeing that our nonprofit hospitals have become really well integrated into our health and social services systems in our state and includes not only nonprofit hospitals but also state and local health departments, various service providers, community groups, school districts, just to name some of those that are in partnership in this process.” — Melanie Beagley, Public Policy Analyst, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Beyond clinical care
Nonprofit hospitals are expanding their community investment portfolios to address social determinants of health through:
- Affordable housing initiatives
- Food security and nutrition programs
- Job creation strategies for low and moderate-income communities
- Health promotion and prevention education
The bottom line
Utah’s nonprofit hospitals contribute significantly to both community health and economic vitality, creating a more robust and responsive healthcare ecosystem across the state.