Spectrum Health Invests in Community

Effort Underway to Spotlight Importance of Social Responsibility

Over its 15 year history, Spectrum Health has grown to be recognized as one of the largest health systems in Michigan and the country, receiving many national honors for its quality health care. At the same time, the system has allocated significant resources and millions of dollars to economic, social and environmental efforts to make our communities a healthier, better place to live.

“Our mission as an organization is to improve the health of the community,” said Richard C. Breon, President & CEO, Spectrum Health. “We believe that this commitment goes beyond the walls of our hospitals and medical facilities. We work daily to give back to the community, not only by providing clinical expertise and exceptional insurance products, but through many important social and environmental programs. In addition, we have made a significant financial investment in West Michigan that helps the economic health of the region.”

Many of Spectrum Health’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts are mapped out in a new report entitled “Creating Greater Possibilities for West Michigan – Spectrum Health Corporate Social Responsibility.” The report marks the first comprehensive look at the many ways Spectrum Health supports community health and well-being.

The report provides details on dozens of programs and efforts supported by Spectrum Health, including:

$204 million in community benefit to West Michigan during its 2012 fiscal year.
Annual sponsorships with more than 150 community-based non-profit groups totaling nearly $1 million.
Investments in partnership with local education programs, including the Grand Rapids Public School’s School of Health Sciences.
Investigation and discovery of new clinical treatments to bring leading-edge therapies to patients. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest health system-based research program.
Employee volunteer efforts, such as last summer’s Transplant Games of America, sponsored by Spectrum Health. More than 330 employees helped out during the four-day event that attracted 800 athletes from 46 states.
Our sustainability initiatives in waste management and recycling, energy use, water recovery and a healthy food initiative.
As West Michigan’s largest employer, Spectrum Health has an annual payroll of more than $1.2 billion.

“Just as we feel a responsibility to focus on corporate social responsibility, we also feel a responsibility to report our efforts to the communities we serve,” said Breon. “The funds we provide are important, but more important are the involvement and time spent by our employees and physicians. Any positive impact that we make in the community is the result of the dedication and commitment of our 19,000 staff members. We are all working to make a difference, to help our community be a great place to live.”

CSR at Spectrum Health touches nine key areas:

Healthier Communities
Education
Community Engagement
Research
Innovation
Employee Engagement
Sustainability
Regional Relationships
Community Benefit

The full report is available at spectrumhealth.org/CSR.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of nine hospitals including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a state of the art children’s hospital that opened in January 2011, and 183 service sites; the Spectrum Health Medical Group and West Michigan Heart, physician groups totaling more than 700 providers; and Priority Health, a health plan with 600,000 members. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer with 19,000 employees. The organization provided $204 million in community benefit during its 2012 fiscal year.