Community Benefit
Why we're nonprofit.
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is a mission-driven nonprofit health system created to serve unmet needs in our community.
We grow with our communities and are dedicated to long-term service. Unlike for-profit healthcare companies that focus on making money and might leave when it’s no longer profitable, we stay committed to our community’s health.
Did you know that PeaceHealth pays state and local taxes?
Even though we’re a nonprofit, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center pays state and local taxes. Our nonprofit status is only recognized at the federal level.
Healthy surpluses are needed for healthy communities
As a nonprofit, we still need surplus income to buy and maintain expensive medical equipment and supplies. We also keep reserves for emergencies like natural disasters and pandemics and to invest in our future.
PeaceHealth is a Leader in Community Benefit
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is a leader in community benefit. We spend 10 cents of every dollar on community benefit in Whatcom County. Our focus is on maximizing health benefits for the community and ensuring access to high-quality, affordable care.
- Healthier communities lead to healthier patients.
- As we grow, so does our community benefit. If we don’t thrive, we can’t reinvest as much in community health.
In FY23, PeaceHealth invested $76.1M in Whatcom County.
Leading in Charitable Care
PeaceHealth programs provide industry-leading free or discounted care to those in need.
- Our standards for free or discounted care in Washington are set at 400% of the federal poverty level.
- Financial assistance is a key part of our mission of social justice and healing. We believe every patient deserves care, regardless of their financial situation. We see each opportunity to help as sacred, including financial healing.
