Quincy Reporter

Blessing Health System issued the following announcement on Jan. 18.

The people and organizations of the Quincy region are known for their generosity and compassion. When they see a need, they respond — through the Good News of Christmas campaign; the annual Salvation Army red kettle drive; support of the United Way and its agencies; or helping a neighbor in need after a fire, flood or devastating medical diagnosis. Blessing is proud to be a part of this giving tradition.

View the full 2018 Blessing Hospital Community Benefit Report. 

For Blessing, the giving tradition has its roots in 1875 with the hospital’s founding by a group of concerned citizens known as the Charitable Aid and Giving Society. The giving continued during the 1930s, when Blessing Hospital received support from the Community Chest – now known as the United Way. Since then, the Hospital has thrived and earned a place among those who give back to the community. 

How Blessing gives back

Federal, state and local governments allow non-profit organizations like Blessing to not pay tax on property used to fulfill its mission. Instead, those dollars must be used for “community benefit.” During the last fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2017 through Sept. 30, 2018), Blessing Hospital invested nearly $63 million in community benefit needs, including the areas highlighted below. 

Blessing’s community benefit investments extend beyond the balance sheet. We invest in relationships with other organizations to help them achieve their missions and improve the health and quality of life for all.

Improving the health of our communities — together

“Blessing Health System plays a vitally important role in assisting Transitions in meeting its mission of helping people with mental health and intellectual disabilities live full and meaningful lives in our community,” said Mark Schmitz, LCSW, Executive Director, Transitions of Western Illinois.

“At a time when many community hospitals have closed or narrowed the scope of their psychiatric inpatient capacity, Blessing has continued to show a commitment to making inpatient services available in our area. Without this access, individuals in need would have to travel long distances to obtain hospitalization or not receive it at all.”   

 “Chaddock appreciates the chance to partner with Blessing in exploring innovative ways to improve access to behavioral health services in our community,” said Debbie Reed, President/Chief Executive Officer, Chaddock. “Our shared involvement with the Wellness Express that visits area schools to serve student needs — and improving access to mental health services are just two ways we have brought our unique strengths to better serve children and youth in our community.”

 “Creative solutions are vital in response to changing healthcare and governmental funding models. Blessing’s community-based mission has assisted many agencies, including the Health Department, in achieving goals that may otherwise be out of reach,” said Jerrod Welch, Administrator, Adams County Health Department. “If the Health System believes in a cause or sees a strong plan, it reliably supports that plan and the agencies implementing it.”

Blessing is a proud “Pacesetter” organization each year for the United Way of Adams County campaign. In addition to financial support, Blessing provides human capital to help the United Way fulfill its mission. 

“United Way of Adams County has always fostered a strong relationship with Blessing Health System and its employees,” said Todd Bale, Executive Director, United Way of Adams County. “Many Blessing staff choose to take part in United Way volunteer groups, such as the Day of Caring, or to share their professional expertise as a member of one of the many health solution teams, the United Way Board, Community Building Council and other opportunities.”

 “United Way of Adams County is first and foremost dependent upon the community we serve, both from the fundraising and the advocacy standpoint,” he continued. “Our achievements and successes are only possible with the help, generosity, and assistance afforded to us from like-minded community activists, such as Blessing Health System.”

Thank you

Blessing is proud to serve the needs of the community beyond the walls of the hospital and examination rooms. We thank you for your support that allows us to give back to the community and region that has given us so much.

Original source can be found here.

Source: Blessing Health System