Spokane-based Providence Health Care, the Inland Northwest’s largest provider network, provided more than $141.7 million in charity and support in Eastern Washington last year, according the organization’s 2017 Community Benefit Report, released earlier this month.

Statewide, Providence Health & Services provided $558 million in charity, the organization reports.

“Our mission calls us to care for everyone, especially those who are poor and vulnerable,” says Elaine Couture, chief executive of Providence Health Care and executive vice president for the Washington and Montana region, in a press release about the report.

She adds, “Providence works alongside our community partners to reach beyond the traditional hospital setting. We’re addressing social factors that can influence long-term health, so we can create healthier communities together.”

In Eastern Washington, Providence Health Care’s largest 2017 charitable allocation totaled $100.2 million to cover shortfalls in Medicaid—the difference between the cost of care and what is paid for by state and federal government.

Its charity services also included $13.2 million in free and low-cost care for vulnerable populations; $14.9 million for medical education and research, including subsidizing medical residency programs; $7.1 million to subsidize services such as the YWCA’s Mobile Advocate program for survivors of domestic violence; and $6.3 million for community health services, grants, and donations.

According to the release, a primary goal of Providence’s community investment last year was to provide funding for more than medical care by collaborating with partners to identify needs and develop more proactive ways to help communities thrive. 

Providence Health Care is a network of health services and facilities, including Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital, Providence Holy Family Hospital, and critical access hospitals in Colville and Chewelah.