4A (Expenses $ 243110065 including grants of $ 106306) (Revenue $ 224792834)
SEE SCHEDULE O

PART V, SECTION B
FACILITY REPORTING GROUP A

FACILITY REPORTING GROUP A CONSISTS OF:
- FACILITY 1: ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, - FACILITY 2: ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH

GROUP A-FACILITY 1 -- ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER PART V, SECTION B, LINE 5:
"IN RESPONSE TO FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT HOSPITALS, AS MANDATED BY THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT OF 2010, ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER CONDUCTED A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE HEALTHCARE NEEDS OF THE MERIDIAN AND LAUDERDALE COUNTY MISSISSIPPI HEALTH SERVICE REGION. PROJECT GOALSTHE PRIMARY GOAL OF THIS PROJECT WAS TO ESTABLISH AN ONGOING, EVIDENCE-BASED PROCESS OF IDENTIFYING AND PRIORITIZING LOCAL COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE NEEDS. THE RESULT OF THIS ASSESSMENT WILL ESTABLISH THE BASIS FOR PLANNING APPROPRIATE COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS THESE IDENTIFIED NEEDS. ADDITIONALLY, THIS INFORMATION WILL BE MADE WIDELY AVAILABLE SO AS TO BETTER INFORMAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AND CITIZENS OF THE HEALTH-RELATED CHALLENGES FACED BY THE COMMUNITY. COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT TENDS TO VARY SUBSTANTIALLY IN THEIR METHODS, SCOPE, AND DEPTH. GUIDELINES STATED IN THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT OF 2010 AND SUBSEQUENT GUIDANCE ISSUED BY THE IRS, REQUIRE THAT THE ASSESSMENT INCLUDE E ""INPUT FROM PERSON WHO REPRESENT THE BOARD INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY SERVED BY THE HOSPITAL FACILITY, INCLUDING THOSE WITH SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE OF OR EXPERTISE IN PUBLIC HEALTH."" BEST PRACTICES IN HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT GENERALLY INCLUDE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, PATIENTS/CONSUMERS, BUSINESS LEADERS, AS WELL AS STATE AND/OR LOCAL HEALTH EXPERTS TO MEET THESE GUIDELINES; WE EMPLOYED SEVERALLY METHODS, BOTH QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE. A SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF EXISTING FEDERAL AND STATE DATA (QUANTITATIVE). INTERVIEWS WITH KEY INFORMANTS REPRESENTING THE BOARD INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING EXPERTS IN PUBLIC HEALTH (QUALITATIVE). AN ONLINE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS SURVEY (QUANTITATIVE/QUALITATIVE). A BRIEF PAPER-BASED HEALTH NEEDS SURVEY SPECIFICALLY TARGETED AT THE UNDERSERVED (QUANTITATIVE/QUALITATIVE). COMMUNITY DEFINED WHEN ASSESSING HEALTH NEEDS OF A COMMUNITY, THE ""COMMUNITY"" MUST FIRST BE DEFINED. SOME HOSPITAL, (E.G. SPECIALTY HOSPITALS) MAY DEFINE THEIR COMMUNITY IN TERMS OF GROUPS OF PEOPLE OR DEMOGRAPHIC CATEGORIES. A WOMEN'S HOSPITAL, FOR INSTANCE WOULD BE PRIMARILY CONCERNED WITH HEALTH ISSUES FACING WOMEN, AND WOULD THUS FOCUS A NEEDS ASSESSMENT ACCORDINGLY. COMMUNITY IS MORE TYPICALLY DEFINED AS A GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA FOR WHICH, IN MOST CASES, THE GREATEST CONCENTRATION OF PATIENTS SERVED IS IN THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE HOSPITAL IS LOCATED. ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS LOCATED IN MERIDIAN, THE LARGEST MUNICIPALITY IN LAUDERDALE COUNTY. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS NEEDS ASSESSMENT, LAUDERDALE COUNTY WILL BE CONSIDERED THE ""COMMUNITY"" OF FOCUS. MERIDIAN AND LAUDERDALE COUNTY PLAY HOST TO A MULTITUDE OF OTHER HEALTHCARE SERVICE AGENCIES, INCLUDING TWO INPATIENT PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS, ONE FEDERALLY QUALIFIES COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, ONE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER, AS WELL AS SEVERAL NURSING HOMES, SPECIALTY CLINICS, AND OUTPATIENT FACILITIES IN. IN FACT, APPROXIMATELY 15% LAUDERDALE COUNTY IS EMPLOYED IN THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES SECTOR, MAKING HEALTHCARE SERVICES A VERY IMPORTANT ECONOMIC ENGINE FOR THE REGION. THE COUNTIES SURROUNDING LAUDERDALE COUNTY HAVE A RANGE OF THE HEALTHCARE SERVICE PROVIDERS AS WELL, INCLUDING HOSPITALS, CLINICS, ETC., AND IN MOST CASES, WILL BE CONDUCTING THEIR OWN RESPECTIVE COUNTY-LEVEL ASSESSMENT IN THE FUTURE. YET, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE HOSPITALS SPONSORING THIS STUDY SERVE AS TERTIARY CARE CENTERS FOR THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES. THEREFORE, WE HAVE DEFINED OUR COMMUNITY GEOGRAPHICALLY (LAUDERDALE COUNTY) AS WELL AS DEMOGRAPHICALLY (ANY NON-LAUDERDALE CO RESIDENT WHO REGULARLY SEEKS HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN LAUDERDALE CO) THUS WE OPTED TO SEEK INPUT FROM THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES THROUGH AN ONLINE SURVEY. IN AGGREGATE, NON-LAUDERDALE CO PARTICIPANTS REPRESENTED 28.5% OF THE ONLINE SURVEY RESPONDENTS. ALTHOUGH, NO FACE-TO-FACE ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY WAS CONDUCTED OUTSIDE OF LAUDERDALE CO, SEVERAL OF THE KEY INFORMANTS AND FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANTS REPRESENTED ORGANIZATIONS WHOSE MISSION INVOLVES SERVICE TO MULTIPLE COUNTIES IN EAST MISSISSIPPI. METHODS AND PROCESS AS NOTED ABOVE, THIS ASSESSMENT EMPLOYED A MULTI-METHOD APPROACH THAT INCLUDED A REVIEW OF EXISTING FEDERAL AND STATE DATA (SECONDARY DATA ANALYSIS) PAIRED WITH NEWLY GATHERED DATA FROM THE COMMUNITY (PRIMARY DATA ANALYSIS). THE INITIAL STEP IN THIS PROCESS WAS TO CONDUCT ""KEY INFORMANT"" INTERVIEWS. KEY INFORMANTS ARE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE HEAVILY INVOLVED WITH AND KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY OF FOCUS. THIS INCLUDES COMMUNITY LEADERS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR, AS WELL AS INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL EXPERTISE IN HEALTHCARE INFORMATION GATHERED THROUGH THESE INTERVIEWS, PAIRED WITH PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION, VITAL STATISTICS, AND ECONOMIC DATA PROVIDE A VERY GOOD SNAPSHOT OF THE COMMUNITY'S HEALTH NEEDS. ADDITIONAL PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION WAS CONDUCTED USING A WEB-BASED (I.E. ONLINE) COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS SURVEY. AN ACCEPTABLE SAMPLE WAS ACHIEVED. HOWEVER, UPON EXAMINATION OF THE DEMOGRAPHIC DATA OF THE PARTICIPANTS, IT BECAME CLEAR THAT WE SHOULD TAKE ADDITIONAL STEPS TO UNSURE THAT LOW-INCOME AND UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS WERE BETTER REPRESENT. ASSUMING A LOCK OF AVAILABILITY OF TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES FOR THIS SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION, A BRIEF PAPER SURVEY WAS DEVELOPED AND ADMINISTERED IN LOW, MINORITY NEIGHBORHOODS TO FURTHER AUGMENT OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEEDS OF THE UNDERSERVED, A FOCUS GROUP WAS HELD FOR THE SPECIFIC PURPOSE OF GATHERING IDEAS ABOUT HOW TO BETTER SERVE THOSE WITH THE GREATEST HEALTH RISK. LOW-INCOME, ELDERLY, MINORITY, DISABLED, AND CHILDREN/YOUTH POPULATIONS. THIS REPORT PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW OF THE INFORMATION GLEANED FROM THIS EXTENSIVE PROCESS. KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS WERE CONDUCTED AND SIMILAR RESPONSES WERE NOTED REGARDING BROAD BASED HEALTH NEEDS IN THIS COMMUNITY AND REGION. THESE ""MAJOR THEMES"" REFLECTED MUCH OF WHAT IS KNOWN THROUGH STATE AND NATIONAL HEALTH DATABASES. THE INTERVIEWS DID, HOWEVER, YIELD MORE INTERESTING INFORMATION. THE INFORMANTS' PROPOSED CAUSES OF AND SOLUTIONS TO HEALTH PROBLEMS/NEEDS VARIED ACCORDING TO THEIR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND THE POPULATION THEY AND THEIR ORGANIZATION SERVE. THE RESULTS OF THESE INTERVIEWS ARE SUMMARIZED HERE:GREATEST HEALTH ISSUES:-LIFESTYLE-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS-OBESITY-DIABETES-STROKE-HYPERTENSION-RENAL FAILURE-CHILDREN AND YOUTH/ADOLESCENT ISSUES-OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY-TEEN PREGNANCY-SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES-DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE-LACK OF PREVENTIVE CARE -MENTAL HEALTH-ORAL CARE POTENTIALLY ROOT CAUSES:-POVERTY: OFTEN, IT WAS NOTED, THAT POVERTY PLAYS A ROLE IN MAKING IT MORE DIFFICULT TO AFFORD HEALTHCARE SERVICES AND ESPECIALLY MEDICATIONS. LOW INCOME ALSO TENDS TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH SHORT TERM PRIORITIES PREVENTIVE CARE. ROUTINE CHECKUPS ARE NOT TYPICALLY VIEWED AS ONE OF THESE PRIORITIES. LACK OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES CREATES STRESS ON INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES, WHICH CAN EXACERBATE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ALONG WITH ELEVATING POTENTIAL FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. CULTURAL ISSUES PLAY A ROLE THAT SPANS ACROSS INCOME GROUPS. TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN FOOD TEND TO BE HIGH IN FAT AND SUGAR, BOOSTING OVERALL CALORIC INTAKE. THE ""FAMILY UNIT"" WAS ALSO BROUGHT INTO QUESTION WITH HECTIC LIFESTYLES BEING THE NORM, FAST FOOD DRIVE THROUGH WINDOWS HAVE SUPPLANTED COOKING AT HOME ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, IT WAS NOTED THAT LACK OF EXERCISE SEEMS TO ALSO STEM FROM ONE'S CULTURE. FOR EXAMPLE, WOMEN, IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN STYLISH HAIR, OFTEN FORGO EXERCISE SO THAT THEY MAY AVOID SWEATING AND CONSEQUENTLY RUINING THEIR HAIR STYLE. MEN WHO DO MANUAL LABOR OFTEN THINK THAT WORK IS EXERCISE (AND IT IS, TO A GREAT EXTENT). HOWEVER, WITHOUT AEROBIC EXERCISE, THEY STILL MAY EVENTUALLY SUFFER CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS. LACK OF EDUCATION ABOUT THE RELEVANCE AND IMPORTANCE TO PREVENTIVE CARE AND HEALTH LIFESTYLES. CHILDREN'S ""LIFESTYLE-RELATED"" HEALTH ISSUES, TO A LARGE EXTENT, FIND THE IR ROOT CAUSE IN THE HOME AND SCHOOL SYSTEMS IN WHICH CHILDREN LIVE NORMS HAVE SHIFTED PARENTS ALLOW CHILDREN TO CONSUME EXCESSIVE ""JUNK FOOD, AND DON'T ENCOURAGE PHYSICIAL ACTIVITY."

GROUP A-FACILITY 1 -- ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER PART V, SECTION B, LINE 21C:
THE FACILITY OFFERS A 30% DISCOUNT TO ANY UNINSURED PATIENT. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO PROVIDES A PROMPT PAY DISCOUNT OF AN ADDITIONAL 10% IF THE BILL IS PAID IN FULL AT THE TIME OF BILLING THE FACILITY ALSO HAS A CHARITY POLICY THAT IS IN PLACE TO DETERMINE IF THE PATIENT QUALIFIES FOR A CHARITY DISCOUNT.

GROUP A-FACILITY 2 -- ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH PART V, SECTION B, LINE 5:
"N RESPONSE TO FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT HOSPITALS, AS MANDATED BY THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT OF 2010, ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER CONDUCTED A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE HEALTHCARE NEEDS OF THE MERIDIAN AND LAUDERDALE COUNTY MISSISSIPPI HEALTH SERVICE REGION. PROJECT GOALSTHE PRIMARY GOAL OF THIS PROJECT WAS TO ESTABLISH AN ONGOING, EVIDENCE-BASED PROCESS OF IDENTIFYING AND PRIORITIZING LOCAL COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE NEEDS. THE RESULT OF THIS ASSESSMENT WILL ESTABLISH THE BASIS FOR PLANNING APPROPRIATE COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS THESE IDENTIFIED NEEDS. ADDITIONALLY, THIS INFORMATION WILL BE MADE WIDELY AVAILABLE SO AS TO BETTER INFORMAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AND CITIZENS OF THE HEALTH-RELATED CHALLENGES FACED BY THE COMMUNITY. COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT TENDS TO VARY SUBSTANTIALLY IN THEIR METHODS, SCOPE, AND DEPTH. GUIDELINES STATED IN THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT OF 2010 AND SUBSEQUENT GUIDANCE ISSUED BY THE IRS, REQUIRE THAT THE ASSESSMENT INCLUDE E ""INPUT FROM PERSON WHO REPRESENT THE BOARD INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY SERVED BY THE HOSPITAL FACILITY, INCLUDING THOSE WITH SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE OF OR EXPERTISE IN PUBLIC HEALTH."" BEST PRACTICES IN HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT GENERALLY INCLUDE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, PATIENTS/CONSUMERS, BUSINESS LEADERS, AS WELL AS STATE AND/OR LOCAL HEALTH EXPERTS TO MEET THESE GUIDELINES; WE EMPLOYED SEVERALLY METHODS, BOTH QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE. A SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF EXISTING FEDERAL AND STATE DATA (QUANTITATIVE). INTERVIEWS WITH KEY INFORMANTS REPRESENTING THE BOARD INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING EXPERTS IN PUBLIC HEALTH (QUALITATIVE). AN ONLINE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS SURVEY (QUANTITATIVE/QUALITATIVE). A BRIEF PAPER-BASED HEALTH NEEDS SURVEY SPECIFICALLY TARGETED AT THE UNDERSERVED (QUANTITATIVE/QUALITATIVE). COMMUNITY DEFINED WHEN ASSESSING HEALTH NEEDS OF A COMMUNITY, THE ""COMMUNITY"" MUST FIRST BE DEFINED. SOME HOSPITAL, (E.G. SPECIALTY HOSPITALS) MAY DEFINE THEIR COMMUNITY IN TERMS OF GROUPS OF PEOPLE OR DEMOGRAPHIC CATEGORIES. A WOMEN'S HOSPITAL, FOR INSTANCE WOULD BE PRIMARILY CONCERNED WITH HEALTH ISSUES FACING WOMEN, AND WOULD THUS FOCUS A NEEDS ASSESSMENT ACCORDINGLY. COMMUNITY IS MORE TYPICALLY DEFINED AS A GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA FOR WHICH, IN MOST CASES, THE GREATEST CONCENTRATION OF PATIENTS SERVED IS IN THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE HOSPITAL IS LOCATED. ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS LOCATED IN MERIDIAN, THE LARGEST MUNICIPALITY IN LAUDERDALE COUNTY. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS NEEDS ASSESSMENT, LAUDERDALE COUNTY WILL BE CONSIDERED THE ""COMMUNITY"" OF FOCUS. MERIDIAN AND LAUDERDALE COUNTY PLAY HOST TO A MULTITUDE OF OTHER HEALTHCARE SERVICE AGENCIES, INCLUDING TWO INPATIENT PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS, ONE FEDERALLY QUALIFIES COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, ONE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER, AS WELL AS SEVERAL NURSING HOMES, SPECIALTY CLINICS, AND OUTPATIENT FACILITIES IN. IN FACT, APPROXIMATELY 15% LAUDERDALE COUNTY IS EMPLOYED IN THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES SECTOR, MAKING HEALTHCARE SERVICES A VERY IMPORTANT ECONOMIC ENGINE FOR THE REGION. THE COUNTIES SURROUNDING LAUDERDALE COUNTY HAVE A RANGE OF THE HEALTHCARE SERVICE PROVIDERS AS WELL, INCLUDING HOSPITALS, CLINICS, ETC., AND IN MOST CASES, WILL BE CONDUCTING THEIR OWN RESPECTIVE COUNTY-LEVEL ASSESSMENT IN THE FUTURE. YET, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE HOSPITALS SPONSORING THIS STUDY SERVE AS TERTIARY CARE CENTERS FOR THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES. THEREFORE, WE HAVE DEFINED OUR COMMUNITY GEOGRAPHICALLY (LAUDERDALE COUNTY) AS WELL AS DEMOGRAPHICALLY (ANY NON-LAUDERDALE CO RESIDENT WHO REGULARLY SEEKS HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN LAUDERDALE CO) THUS WE OPTED TO SEEK INPUT FROM THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES THROUGH AN ONLINE SURVEY. IN AGGREGATE, NON-LAUDERDALE CO PARTICIPANTS REPRESENTED 28.5% OF THE ONLINE SURVEY RESPONDENTS. ALTHOUGH, NO FACE-TO-FACE ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY WAS CONDUCTED OUTSIDE OF LAUDERDALE CO, SEVERAL OF THE KEY INFORMANTS AND FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANTS REPRESENTED ORGANIZATIONS WHOSE MISSION INVOLVES SERVICE TO MULTIPLE COUNTIES IN EAST MISSISSIPPI. METHODS AND PROCESS AS NOTED ABOVE, THIS ASSESSMENT EMPLOYED A MULTI-METHOD APPROACH THAT INCLUDED A REVIEW OF EXISTING FEDERAL AND STATE DATA (SECONDARY DATA ANALYSIS) PAIRED WITH NEWLY GATHERED DATA FROM THE COMMUNITY (PRIMARY DATA ANALYSIS). THE INITIAL STEP IN THIS PROCESS WAS TO CONDUCT ""KEY INFORMANT"" INTERVIEWS. KEY INFORMANTS ARE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE HEAVILY INVOLVED WITH AND KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY OF FOCUS. THIS INCLUDES COMMUNITY LEADERS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR, AS WELL AS INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL EXPERTISE IN HEALTHCARE INFORMATION GATHERED THROUGH THESE INTERVIEWS, PAIRED WITH PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION, VITAL STATISTICS, AND ECONOMIC DATA PROVIDE A VERY GOOD SNAPSHOT OF THE COMMUNITY'S HEALTH NEEDS. ADDITIONAL PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION WAS CONDUCTED USING A WEB-BASED (I.E. ONLINE) COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS SURVEY. AN ACCEPTABLE SAMPLE WAS ACHIEVED. HOWEVER, UPON EXAMINATION OF THE DEMOGRAPHIC DATA OF THE PARTICIPANTS, IT BECAME CLEAR THAT WE SHOULD TAKE ADDITIONAL STEPS TO UNSURE THAT LOW-INCOME AND UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS WERE BETTER REPRESENT. ASSUMING A LOCK OF AVAILABILITY OF TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES FOR THIS SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION, A BRIEF PAPER SURVEY WAS DEVELOPED AND ADMINISTERED IN LOW, MINORITY NEIGHBORHOODS TO FURTHER AUGMENT OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEEDS OF THE UNDERSERVED, A FOCUS GROUP WAS HELD FOR THE SPECIFIC PURPOSE OF GATHERING IDEAS ABOUT HOW TO BETTER SERVE THOSE WITH THE GREATEST HEALTH RISK. LOW-INCOME, ELDERLY, MINORITY, DISABLED, AND CHILDREN/YOUTH POPULATIONS. THIS REPORT PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW OF THE INFORMATION GLEANED FROM THIS EXTENSIVE PROCESS. KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS WERE CONDUCTED AND SIMILAR RESPONSES WERE NOTED REGARDING BROAD BASED HEALTH NEEDS IN THIS COMMUNITY AND REGION. THESE ""MAJOR THEMES"" REFLECTED MUCH OF WHAT IS KNOWN THROUGH STATE AND NATIONAL HEALTH DATABASES. THE INTERVIEWS DID, HOWEVER, YIELD MORE INTERESTING INFORMATION. THE INFORMANTS' PROPOSED CAUSES OF AND SOLUTIONS TO HEALTH PROBLEMS/NEEDS VARIED ACCORDING TO THEIR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND THE POPULATION THEY AND THEIR ORGANIZATION SERVE. THE RESULTS OF THESE INTERVIEWS ARE SUMMARIZED HERE:GREATEST HEALTH ISSUES:-LIFESTYLE-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS-OBESITY-DIABETES-STROKE-HYPERTENSION-RENAL FAILURE-CHILDREN AND YOUTH/ADOLESCENT ISSUES-OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY-TEEN PREGNANCY-SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES-DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE-LACK OF PREVENTIVE CARE -MENTAL HEALTH-ORAL CARE POTENTIALLY ROOT CAUSES:-POVERTY: OFTEN, IT WAS NOTED, THAT POVERTY PLAYS A ROLE IN MAKING IT MORE DIFFICULT TO AFFORD HEALTHCARE SERVICES AND ESPECIALLY MEDICATIONS. LOW INCOME ALSO TENDS TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH SHORT TERM PRIORITIES PREVENTIVE CARE. ROUTINE CHECKUPS ARE NOT TYPICALLY VIEWED AS ONE OF THESE PRIORITIES. LACK OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES CREATES STRESS ON INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES, WHICH CAN EXACERBATE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ALONG WITH ELEVATING POTENTIAL FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. CULTURAL ISSUES PLAY A ROLE THAT SPANS ACROSS INCOME GROUPS. TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN FOOD TEND TO BE HIGH IN FAT AND SUGAR, BOOSTING OVERALL CALORIC INTAKE. THE ""FAMILY UNIT"" WAS ALSO BROUGHT INTO QUESTION WITH HECTIC LIFESTYLES BEING THE NORM, FAST FOOD DRIVE THROUGH WINDOWS HAVE SUPPLANTED COOKING AT HOME ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, IT WAS NOTED THAT LACK OF EXERCISE SEEMS TO ALSO STEM FROM ONE'S CULTURE. FOR EXAMPLE, WOMEN, IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN STYLISH HAIR, OFTEN FORGO EXERCISE SO THAT THEY MAY AVOID SWEATING AND CONSEQUENTLY RUINING THEIR HAIR STYLE. MEN WHO DO MANUAL LABOR OFTEN THINK THAT WORK IS EXERCISE (AND IT IS, TO A GREAT EXTENT). HOWEVER, WITHOUT AEROBIC EXERCISE, THEY STILL MAY EVENTUALLY SUFFER CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS. LACK OF EDUCATION ABOUT THE RELEVANCE AND IMPORTANCE TO PREVENTIVE CARE AND HEALTH LIFESTYLES. CHILDREN'S ""LIFESTYLE-RELATED"" HEALTH ISSUES, TO A LARGE EXTENT, FIND THE IR ROOT CAUSE IN THE HOME AND SCHOOL SYSTEMS IN WHICH CHILDREN LIVE NORMS HAVE SHIFTED PARENTS ALLOW CHILDREN TO CONSUME EXCESSIVE ""JUNK FOOD, AND DON'T ENCOURAGE PHYSICIAL ACTIVITY."

GROUP A-FACILITY 2 -- ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH PART V, SECTION B, LINE 11:
SEE ATTACHED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

GROUP A-FACILITY 2 -- ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH PART V, SECTION B, LINE 21C:
FACILITY OFFERS A DISCOUNT EQUAL TO THE ORGANIZATION'S AMOUNT GENERALLY BILLED PERCENT TO ANY UNINSURED PATIENT. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO PROVIDES A PROMPT PAY DISCOUNT OF AN ADDITIONAL 10% IF THE BILL IS PAID IN FULL AT THE TIME OF BILLING THE FACILITY ALSO HAS A CHARITY POLICY THAT IS IN PLACE TO DETERMINE IF THE PATIENT QUALIFIES FOR A CHARITY DISCOUNT.

PART I, LINE 7:
THE COST TO CHARGE RATIO WAS USED TO DETERMINE THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND MEANS-TEST GOVERNMENT PROGRAM SECTIONS. THIS COST TO CHARGE RATIO WAS DERIVED FROM WORKSHEET 2 RATIO OF PATIENT CARE COST-TO-CHARGE AND USED TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNTS FOR PART I, LINE 7A.

PART I, LINE 7G:
THE SUBSIDIZED SERVICE COST REPORTED AS A COMMUNITY BENEFIT RELATES TO THE HOSPITAL'S SPORTS MEDICINE PROGRAM. THE MAIN FOCUS OF THE PROGRAM IS COVERING SPORTING EVENTS FOR SEVEN SCHOOLS IN LAUDERDALE COUNTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREA WITH EACH SCHOOL HAVING BETWEEN 250 TO 300 SPORTING EVENTS IN A GIVEN YEAR. AT THESE EVENTS, THE TRAINERS FOCUS ON INJURY PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE, INJURY EVALUATION, FIRST AID AND REHABILITATION OF INJURIES. THIS IS A FREE SERVICE TO ALL THE COVERED SCHOOLS. WE ALSO HELP THE SCHOOLS WITH VARIOUS HEALTH FAIRS, FIELD DAYS, AND OTHER SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENTS. ALTHLETIC TRAINERS ALSO HELP WITH SEVERAL AREAS OF TEACHING, ESPECIALLY DURING THOSE COMPETITION (HEALTH RELATED ORGANIZATION IN THE SCHOOL) THESE SAME SERVICES ARE ALSO PROVIDED AT COMMUNITY RACES SUCH AS ANDERSON CUP RUN, HEART OF DIXIE RUN, AND HOPE VILLAGE RUN.

PART I, LN 7 COL(F):
THE BAD DEBT EXPENSE OF $9,123,463 WAS INCLUDED ON FORM 990 PART IX, LINE 25, COLUMN (A) BUT WAS SUBTRACTED FOR PURPOSES OF CALCULATING THE PERCENTAGES IN THIS COLUMN.

PART III, LINE 4:
THE COST REPORTED ON LINE 2 IS CALCULATED AS THE BAD DEBT EXPENSE FROM THE GENERAL LEDGER TIMES THE RATIO OF COST TO CHARGES AS CALCULATED ON WORKSHEET 2. DISCOUNTS ON PATIENT ACCOUNTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN BAD DEBT EXPENSE PAYMENTS RECEIVED AFTER BAD DEBTS ARE POSTED TO A BAD DEBT RECOVERY ACCOUNT. THIS ACCOUNT IS NETTED AGAINST THE BAD DEBT EXPENSE ACCOUNT. THE HOSPITAL BELIEVES $3,421,143 SHOULD QUALITY AS CHARITY CARE. THE FACILITY HAS PROCEDURES IN PLACE TO DETERMINE IF A PATIENT QUALIFIES FOR CHARITY CARE. THE PER CAPITA INCOME FOR THE AREA IS APPROXIMATELY $20,688 AND THE PERCENTAGE OF PERSON BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL FOR THE AREA IS APPROXIMATELY 28.73%.

PART III, LINE 8:
THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 MEDICARE COST REPORT WAS USED TO DETERMINE THE MEDICARE ALLOWABLE COST AND THE MEDICARE REVENUE. THE MEDICARE REVENUE INCLUDES MEDICARE DISPROPORTIONATE SHARE PAYMENT, REVENUE, COINSURANCE, PATIENT DEDUCTIBLES, OUTLIERS, CAPITAL AND BAD DEBT. THE ELDERLY (AGE 65 AND OVER) MAKES UP 14.8% OF THE POPULATION FOR THIS AREA. THE ELDERLY LIVE ON FIXED INCOMES AND FALL INTO LOW INCOME LEVELS FOR THE AREA. ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER'S PATIENT POPULATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 WAS MADE UP OF 50% MEDICARE.

PART III, LINE 9B:
IN EMERGENCY CARE SITUATIONS, CARE IS PROVIDED TO ALL PERSON REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY. NON-EMERGENT ELECTIVE PROCEDURES MAY BE DEFERRED DUE TO A PATIENTS INABILITY TO PAY. ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER'S COLLECTION POLICY OUTLINES THE TYPE OF COLLECTION NOTICES SUCH AS STATEMENTS, LETTERS, AND PHONE CALLS THAT WILL BE SENT TO A PATIENT, THE DETERMINATION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AND POSSIBLE FINANCIAL ALTERNATIVES THIS FACILITY MAILS STATEMENTS EVERY 30 DAYS. IF NOT PAYMENT IS RECEIVED ON AN ACCOUNT, THE COLLECTION LETTER PROCESS BEGINS AND A LETTER IS SENT EVERY 30 DAYS DURING THE PROCESS, COLLECTION PHONE CALLS ARE ALSO MADE TO THE PATIENTS WHEN FURTHER COLLECTION ACTION IS DEEMED NECESSARY, AN ACCOUNT IS ASSIGNED TO THE COLLECTION AGENCEY. AS PART OF THE COLLECTION POLICY, ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER OFFICER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ITS PATIENTS. PATIENTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO PAY ARE SCREENED FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER MEDICAID AND/OR OTHER GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAMS. PATIENTS WHO DO NOT QUALIFY UNDER THESE PROGRAMS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR CHARITY ADJUSTMENTS BASED UPON THE FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES. A CHARITY ADJUSTMENT IS BASED ON THE PATIENT'S INCOME LEVELWHEN THE PATIENT MEETS THE ESTABLISHED GUIDELINES, THE HOSPITAL WILL THEN ADJUST THE BALANCE BY THE APPLICABLE CHARITY PERCENTAGE. PATIENTS WHO DO NOT QUALIFY FOR CHARITY CARE ARE ALSO ASSISTED BY THE FACILITY. THE HOSPITAL WILL ASSIST THOSE PATIENTS UNABLE TO MEET THEIR OBLIGATION IN FULL BY ARRANGING PAYMENT ON A MONTHLY BASIS.

PART VI, LINE 2:
THE ORGANIZATION CONDUCTS A COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT AT LEAST EVERY THREE YEARS TO ASSESS THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. THIS ASSESSMENT TAKES INTO CONSIDERATION INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY, COMMUNITY LEADERS, AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION.

PART VI, LINE 3:
PATIENT EDUCATION OF ELEGIBILITY ASSISTANCE IS OFFERED AT THE FACILITY BY VARIOUS MEANS. THE HOSPITAL HAS ON SITE THE OUTSOURCE GROUP THAT WORKS WITH THE PATIENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE TO DETERMINEIF THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID OR ANY GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE. IF THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE, THIS GROUP REFERS THE PATIENT TO THE CREDIT DEPARTMENT TO DISCUSS THE CHARITY CARE APPLICATION AND POLICY. ALSO THE HOSPITAL HAS CASE MANAGERS ON SITE THAT SCREENS THE PATIENTS AND REFERS THE PATIENT TO THE CREDIT DEPARTMENT FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. THE FACILITY HAS FINANCIAL COUNSELORS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT THAT SCREENS PATIENTS AND DISTRIBUTES CHARITY CARE APPLICATIONS.

PART VI, LINE 4:
THE HOSPITAL'S MAIN SERVICE AREA IS LAUDERDALE, NEWTON, CLARKE, LEAKE, KEMPER, NESHOBA, WINSTON, AND JASPER COUNTIES IN MISSISSIPPI. THE HOSPITAL ALSO SERVIES THE AREAS OF CHOCTAW AND SUMER COUNTIES IN WESTERN ALABAMA. THESE COUNTIESARE LOCATED IN RURAL AREAS OF THE STATES. ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER OPERATES THE ONLY COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER IN EAST CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI AND WEST ALABAMA.

PART VI, LINE 6:
ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS NOT PART OF AN AFFILIATED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. THE HOSPITAL IS A PARTNER IN A JOINT VENTURE THAT OPERATES AN ENDOSCOPY CENTER AND THE HOSPITAL'S SHARE OF THOSE EXPENSES ARE INCLUDED IN PART I OF SCHEDULE H.

PART II, COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES:
"ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS AN ACUTE CARE HOSPITAL LOCATED IN MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI. THE HOSPITAL'S PRIMARY SERVICE AREA IS LAUDERDALE, NEWTON, CLARKE, LEAKE, KEMPER, NESHOBA, WINSTON AND JASPER COUNTIES IN MISSISSIPPI. THE HOSPITAL ALSO SERVICES THE AREAS OF CHOCTAW AND SUMTER COUNTIES IN WESTERN ALABAMA. ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER OPERATES THE ONLY COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER, ANDERSON REGIONAL CANCER CENTER, IN EAST CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI AND WEST ALABAMA. THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES A WIDE ARRAY OF SERVICES INCLUDING MOST MAJOR INPATIENT CLINICAL SERVICES, AN ACUTE CARE SWING BED UNIT, AN INPATIENT REHABILITATION UNIT, AN INPATIENT GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRIC FACILITY, OUTPATIENT SERVICES INCLUDING WOUND CARE SERVICES AND PAIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES, THERAPEUTIC AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES, TRAUMA SERVICES AND EMERGENCY SERVICES. ANDERSON PRIDES ITSELF IN BEING THE LEADER IN CARDIOLOGY AND CANCER SERVICES. ANDERSON REGIONAL CANCER CENTER RECENTLY ACQUIRED THE STATE'S ONLY TOMOTHERAPY RADIATION SYSTEM. CARDIOLOGY PROGRAMS:THE CARDIAC SUPPORT GROUP IS A BI-MONTHLY EDUCATIONAL MEETING HELD FOR THE COMMUNITY. THE PROGRAMS CENTER ON CARDIAC CARE SUCH AS THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE AND HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES.ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS A MAJOR FINANCIAL SPONSOR OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AND THE LOCAL GO RED FOR WOMEN EVENT. ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS HEALTH FAIRS TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH ANDERSON PHYSICIAN ALLIANCE (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY) OF THE HOSPITAL. IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE GENERAL HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY, THE THESE PROGRAMS OFFER FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS, BLOOD SUGAR SCREENINGS, WEIGHT AND BODY MASS INDEX MEASUREMENTS, AND DISTRIBUTES GENERAL HEALTH EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS. THE HEALTH FAIRS ARE HELD AT VARIOUS COMPANIES THROUGHOUT THE SERVICE AREAS. THE HOSPITAL ALSO PARTICIPATES IN THE MAIN EVENT SPONSORED BY EAST MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (EMBDC). THIS IS A COMMUNITY WIDE EVENT WHERE WE OFFER FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS. THE HOSPITAL ALSO PARTICIPATES IN THE NESHOBA COUNTY FAIR EACH YEAR. THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS AND FLUIDS FOR THOSE PARTICIPATING IN THIS EVENT. DIABETES PROGRAMS:THE DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP IS A BI-MONTHLY EDUCATIONAL MEETING HELD FOR THE COMMUNITY. THE PROGRAMS CENTER ON DIABETES CARE SUCH AS THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES.THE HOSPITAL ALSO OFFERS A DIABETES MANAGEMENT CENTER THAT EDUCATES THE COMMUNITY ON THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF DIABETES. THE DIABETES CENTER ALSO PARTICIPATES IN THE ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI WALK FOR DIABETES AND SERVES AS VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS EVENT.CANCER PROGRAMS:ANDERSON REGIONAL CANCER CENTER SPONSORS AN ANNUAL FUNDRAISER CALLED THE CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE. ALL THE DONATIONS IN MEMORY OF OR IN HONOR OF VARIOUS PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY GOES TO THE HOSPITAL'S CANCER PATIENT BENEVOLENCE FUND WHICH ASSISTS AREA CANCER PATIENTS WHO ARE IN NEED OF TRANSPORTATION, MEDICINES, PAYMENT OF UTILITY BILLS, ETC. THE MONTHLY MEETINGS OF THE CAREOUSEL BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP ARE HELD IN THE EDUCATION CLASSROOM OF THE CANCER CENTER. THE PURPOSE OF THIS GROUP IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AND SUPPORT FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS.THE HOSPITAL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY SPONSORS THE ""LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER"" PROGRAM. THIS IS A COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM THAT SUPPORTS AREA CANCER PATIENTS AND FAMILIES TO HELP THEM COPE WITH CANCER, CANCER TREATMENTS, AND EFFECTS.OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOLOGY PROGRAMS:ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS THE LARGEST PROVIDER OF OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOLOGY SERVICES IN EAST MISSISSIPPI AND WEST ALABAMA. THE SERVICES INCLUDE THOSE OF A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AND NEONATAL PHYSICIAN SERVICES. THE FOLLOWING EDUCATIONAL CLASSES ARE OFFERED FREE TO AREA EXPECTANT MOTHERS AND THEIR FAMILIES:BIG BROTHER! BIG SISTER! SIBLING CLASSES INTRODUCES CHILDREN, AGE 12 AND UNDER, TO THE UPCOMING CHANGES IN THE FAMILY DYNAMICS.BREASTFEEDING CLASSES PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE WHY-TO AND HOW-TO OF BREASTFEEDING TO EXPECTANT PARENTS. BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS ARE HELD TWICE A MONTH.CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES IS AN EDUCATION PREPARATION CLASS THAT ADDRESSES WELLNESS, HEALTH, LABOR/DELIVERY STAGES, COPING STRATEGIES, SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS, AND RECOVERY CARE FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS.NEWBORN CARE CLASSES GIVE NEW PARENTS THE CONFIDENCE REQUIRED TO CARE FOR A BABY WITH DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING NORMAL NEWBORN BEHAVIOR AND CHARACTERISTICS AT DELIVERY TO PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR DAILY CARE.EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR AREA MEDICAL PERSONNEL, SCHOOLS, BUSINESS AND THE COMMUNITY.ADVANCED CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT COURSE (ACLS) IS OFFERED AS AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR MEDICAL PERSONNEL IN THE AREA. THIS PROGRAM IS OFFERED ONSITE AT THE HOSPITAL.THE HOSPITAL COORDINATES AND OFFERS CONTINUE MEDICAL EDUCATION (CME) PROGRAMS TO AREA PHYSICIANS. THE MAJORITY OF THESE PROGRAMS ARE OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.FOR AREA MEDICAL PERSONNEL, ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER COURSE THAT IS DESIGNED TO TEACH CPR SKILLS FOR VICTIMS OF ALL AGES. THIS COURSE IS DESIGNATED FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. OTHER AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION COURSES THAT ARE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST INCLUDE:HEARTSAVER CPR/AED AND/OR HEARTSAVER FIRST AID. THESE CLASSES ARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE A DUTY TO RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES BECAUSE OF JOB REQUIREMENTS OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. HOWEVER, ANY COMMUNITY PERSON MAY ATTEND THE HEARTSAVER COURSES.ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER CAN ALSO PROVIDE EDUCATION PROGRAMS THAT CENTER AROUND PEDIATRIC CARE SUCH AS HEARTSAVER PEDIATRIC FIRST AID AND CPR COURSE. THE PEDIATRIC ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT (PALS) COURSE IS ALSO PROVIDED TO THE AREA HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS.THE INFECTION CONTROL DEPARTMENT OF THE HOSPITAL CONDUCTS FREE INFECTION CONTROL SEMINARS TO INFORM THE COMMUNITY ON THE CAUSES AND PREVENTIONS OF INFECTIONS AND DISEASES. THESE ARE TAUGHT AT MERIDIAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND AREA SCHOOLS.THE HOSPITAL OFFERS SAFETY SEMINARS TO AREA BUSINESSES THROUGH ANDERSON PHYSICIAN ALLIANCE. THESE SEMINARS CENTER ON OSHA SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. A BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK IS ALSO PERFORMED ON THE EMPLOYEES OF THE BUSINESS DURING THIS SEMINARY.SPORTS MEDICINE:ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS A SPORTS MEDICINE PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES ATHLETIC TRAINERS TO LOCAL SCHOOLS. THE TRAINERS PERFORM PHYSICALS AND ASSESS INJURIES ON THE ATHLETES.OTHER PROGRAMS BENEFITTING THE COMMUNITY:ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS THE HOSPITAL OF CHOICE FOR THE CHOCTAW NATION. THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES HEALTHCARE TO APPROXIMATELY 8,000 NATIVE AMERICANS. A PATIENT LIAISON IS A FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE OF THE HOSPITAL IN ORDER TO REPRESENT THE NATIVE AMERICANS. THE LIAISON HELPS THE PATIENT AND FAMILIES WITH ANY HEALTHCARE CONCERNS. WE SUPPORT EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF THE CHOCTAW NATION.ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER ACTIVELY PARTICIPATES AND IS A SPONSOR OF NUMEROUS BLOOD DRIVES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WITH UNITED BLOOD SERVICES.ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER'S VOLUNTEER AUXILIARY DONATES MONEY TO MERIDIAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE EACH YEAR FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT TO USE IN THE LEARNING PROCESS FOR NURSING STUDENTS. ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS ACTIVE WITH MIDD (MISSISSIPPI INDUSTRIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED). WE HAVE HOSPITAL PERSONNEL WHO ARE VERY ACTIVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THIS ASSOCIATION AND ATTEND MONTHLY MEETINGS.ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN THE UNITED WAY OF EAST MISSISSIPPI PACESETTER DRIVE. THE STROKE AND ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP ARE PROGRAMS ORGANIZED BY ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER-SOUTH. THIS GROUP GIVES INFORMATION AND PROVIDES FELLOWSHIP FOR CAREGIVERS OF STROKE AND ALZHEIMER'S SURVIVORS."