Community Benefits
At Aurora we are devoted to high-quality, affordable, integrated care. We work closely with community health centers and health departments, supporting their efforts to provide care for uninsured and underserved persons.
Across our integrated health care system, our caregivers generously give of their time, talents, expertise and passions to improve the health of the communities we serve.
Through our Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program, we work to lower financial barriers, providing free and discounted care for those who meet certain income guidelines. Learn more and download forms: Helping Hand.
Delivering real benefits to the community also requires accountability. Not only do we share our resources, but we also learn from our community partners and report regularly to our communities. To learn more see our most recent 2012 Community Benefit Report.
Care and Coverage
We are committed to improving health care access for those with limited incomes and resources, which is central to our mission. We help make health care affordable to people who are uninsured and underserved through our Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program. We assist our patients in accessing public programs such as Medicaid, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits and other government assistance programs.
Safety Net Partnerships
Community Benefit ReportWe work closely with community clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and local health departments to improve coverage and expand services for diverse populations in the communities we – and they -- serve. Read more about these partnerships in our 2012 Community Benefit Report.
Community Health Research
Since 2003, Aurora has conducted routine and ongoing community health assessments across eastern Wisconsin. Commissioned in partnership with local health departments, these assessments identify areas of greatest need and help our hospitals and health centers align their clinical assets to comprehensive health and wellness activities in the community. During 2012, we were pleased to be joined by our partners in the Milwaukee Healthcare Partnership -- Columbia St. Mary's, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, ProHealth Care and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Inc., as well as partners in the Fox Valley, Manitowoc, Sheboygan and Green Bay -- in conducting community health needs assessment surveys, secondary data reports and key informant interviews. See our community health research.
Community Benefit Plans
Providing community benefits is nothing new for Aurora Health Care. As our communities grow, and as health care continues to undergo transformation, it has become increasingly important for our efforts to be focused on responding to identified community health needs. To learn more about how our hospitals work with their hospital teams and physician partners, public health and community partners to identify, prioritize and respond to community health needs, please see our community benefit plans.
Developing and Disseminating Knowledge
Providing the very best care to our patients and communities requires training world-class health professionals. Aurora Health Care has 250 teaching faculty committed to medical education within Aurora -- Advanced Healthcare, Aurora UW Medical Group, Aurora Medical Group – and among medical staff from Aurora's 15 hospitals, including advanced practice nurses working in partnership with the communities they serve. As well, Aurora Health Care is committed to advancing health through research, education, and training.
