Shands HealthCare serves patients from every county in the state, from throughout the nation and from more than a dozen countries. Our organization exerts a powerful social and economic impact within the state, and we're committed to our role as a responsible corporate citizen.

For the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2009, Shands provided unsponsored community benefits at costs totaling $162.8M. These include financial assistance, community health services, health professions education, research and donations.

• Read and download the 2009 Community Benefit Report

Here are some ways we support our communities:

• We care for the state's neediest residents.
  

  Shands is Florida's only healthcare system with two statutory teaching hospitals, part of the state's “safety-net” hospital system that care for people who have little or no medical coverage. Shands HealthCare spent approximately $95.5 million in unreimbursed charity care (at cost). Shands HealthCare is one of Florida's largest Medicaid and charity-care providers.

• We support Florida's economy.

  The UF College of Medicine and Shands together make a $2.8-billion annual impact on Florida as major employers and economic catalysts. We spend more than $1 billion in wages and benefits for our combined employees and medical staff.

• We participate in community outreach.

  Shands proactively reaches out beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics to share valuable health information with area residents. We offer health-education programs and events and also partner in community efforts. We support civic, social and cultural programs to raise awareness of health issues and promote wellness.

Shands contributed $4.2 million to community agencies and organizations benefiting residents throughout north central and northeast Florida.

• We offer comprehensive emergency and trauma care.

  Shands is the only healthcare system in the Southeast with two Level I Trauma Centers.

• We play a key role in disaster-response efforts.

  Shands and UF are major players in the region's disaster-relief, emergency-preparedness and bioterrorism-response efforts.

• We support local agencies and civic organizations that benefit our communities.

Our employees pledge and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year with our community-support efforts. Our many beneficiaries include the United Way, the March of Dimes and the American Heart Association.

About Shands Navigation

About Shands HealthCare

• Hospitals and Services
• Mission, Vision & Values
• Quick Facts & Data
• Community Support & Social Mission
• Financial Reporting
• System Leaders
• History & Shands Firsts

Shands Commitment to Excellence

• The BEST Program
• Pillars of Excellence
• BEST Behaviors
• Governor's Sterling Award, Magnet Designation & Other Honors
• Quality & Patient Safety

Shands HealthCare Messages

Listen as Shands HealthCare CEO Tim Goldfarb responds to many of the questions received from the community.

Learn how Shands HealthCare and the University of Florida are becoming Tobacco-Free Together.