4A (Expenses $ 88305817 including grants of $ 53433) (Revenue $ 129700089)
"CHRISTUS HOPKINS HEALH ALLIANCE IS ORGANIZED AND SHALL BE OPERATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE CHARITABLE, SCIENTIFIC, EDUCATIONAL AND RELIGIOUS PURPOSES OF ADVANCING, PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING THE HEALTH CARE MINISTRIES OF THE SPONSORING CONGREGATIONS, THE CONGREGATION OF SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD, HOUSTON,TEXAS, THE CONGREGATION OF SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD (SAN ANTONIO) AND THE SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, WHICH OPERATE AND ARE CONTROLLED IN CONFORMITY WITH THE ETHICAL AND MORAL TEACHINGS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, AND PROMOTING EFFICIENT GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT, COOPERATIVE PLANNING AND THE SHARING OF RESOURCES AMONG SUCH HEALTH CARE MINISTRIES. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, THE CORPORATION'S MISSION SHALL BE TO EXTEND THE HEALING MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST, AND CONSISTENT THEREWITH, SHALL OPERATE ACCORDING TO THE DOCTRINES, RESOLUTIONS, DECREES AND ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF THE SPONSORING CONGREGATIONS AND THE ETHICAL AND RELIGIOUS DIRECTIVES FOR CATHOLIC HEALTH SERVICES AS PROMULGATED AND AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME BY THE UNITED STATES CATHOLIC CONFERENCE OF BISHOPS. IT IS ALSO A PURPOSE OF THE CORPORATION TO AID, LEND FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO, AND TO INVEST AND/OR DISPOSE OF FUNDS OF THE CORPORATION AND THE SYSTEM PARTICIPANTS FOR THE USE AND BENEFIT OF, AND IN FURTHERANCE OF THE PURPOSES OF CHRISTUS, THE SYSTEM, THE CORPORATION, THE SYSTEM PARTICIPANTS AND THE LOCAL ENTITIES. THE CORPORATION'S PURPOSES SHALL ALSO INCLUDE THE MAKING OF GIFTS, GRANTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO OTHER QUALIFYING TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS, PARTICULARLY THOSE DESIGNED TO SUPPORT AND BENEFIT THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE POOR AND UNDERSERVED. THE CORPORATION SHALL ALSO BE AUTHORIZED TO ENGAGE IN SUCH PURSUITS AS MAY BE NECESSARY OR INCIDENTAL, OR WHICH MAY AID OR ASSIST, IN CARRYING OUT THE CORPORATION'S MISSION AND PURPOSES. THE CORPORATION IS ORGANIZED AND SHALL BE OPERATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PURPOSES AS WELL AS THOSE SYSTEM ENTITIES THAT ARE DESCRIBED IN SECTION 501(C)(3), AND SECTION 509(A)(1) OR SECTION 509(A)(2) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED, OR CORRESPONDING PROVISIONS OF ANY SUBSEQUENT FEDERAL TAX LAW (HEREINAFTER THE ""CODE"")."

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 3E
CHRISTUS HOPKINS HEALTH ALLIANCE IDENTIFIED AND ADDRESSED THE FOLLOWING PRIORITIES THROUGH ITS MOST RECENT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN: 1) BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 2) HIGH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT USE 3) SPECIALTY CARE AND CHRONIC ILLNESS 4) PRIMARY CARE AND ELDERLY NEEDS 5) EDUCATION

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 5 Facility , 1
Facility , 1 - CMF HOSPITAL-SULPHUR SPRINGS. REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE COMMUNITY: CHRISTUS HOPKINS HEALTH ALLIANCE CONDUCTED INTERVIEWS WITH THE TWO GROUPS OUTLINED IN THE IRS FINAL REGULATIONS. DURING THESE INTERVIEWS THE HOSPITAL DISCUSSED THE HEALTH NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY, ACCESS ISSUES, BARRIERS AND ISSUE RELATED TO SPECIFIC POPULATIONS. THE INTERVIEWEES INCLUDED INVIDIVUDALS FROM VARIOUS COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 6a Facility , 1
Facility , 1 - CMF HOSPITAL-SULPHUR SPRINGS. OTHER HOSPITAL FACILITIES INCLUDE: CHRISTUS MOTHER FRANCES HOSPITAL, LOUIS PEACHES OWEN HEART HOSPITAL, CHRISTUS MOTHER FRANCES HOSPITAL - JACKSONVILLE, CHRISTUS MOTHER FRANCES HOSPITAL - WINNSBORO, CHRISTUS MOTHER FRANCES HOSPITAL - SULPHUR SPRINGS, CHRISTUS MOTHER FRANCES - SOUTH TYLER

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 11 Facility , 1
Facility , 1 - CMF HOSPITAL-SULPHUR SPRINGS. NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN CHNA ADDRESSED AND NOT ADDRESSED: CHRISTUS HOPKINS HEALTH ALLIANCE IDENTIFIED AND ADDRESSED THE FOLLOWING PRIORITIES THROUGH ITS MOST RECENT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN: THE NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN THE CHNA: CHRISTUS MOTHER FRANCES HOSPITAL - SULPHUR SPRINGS IDENTIFIED AND ADDRESSED THE FOLLOWING PRIORITIES THROUGH ITS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN: 1) BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 2) HIGH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT USE 3) SPECIALTY CARE AND CHRONIC ILLNESS 4) PRIMARY CARE AND ELDERLY NEEDS 5) EDUCATION CTMFHS'S CHIP FOR THE UPCOMING TRIENNIUM REFLECTS THE ORGANIZATION'S ONGOING PURSUIT OF REGIONAL HEALTH EQUITY AND COMMITMENT TO PROMOTE CONDITIONS THAT ALLOW EVERY PERSON TO ATTAIN THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE STANDARD TO HEALTH. 1) BEHAVIORAL HEALTH - EXPAND AND SUPPORT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES. - ADDRESS SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH. 2) HIGH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT USE - EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE APPROPRIATE USE OF THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNITY RESOURCES. - SUPPORT AND EXPAND ACCESS TO FQHC SERVICES AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR INAPPROPRIATE ED USE. - TRACK REFERRALS TO FQHC'S AND INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE ED. 3) SPECIALTY CARE AND CHRONIC ILLNESS -SUPPORT ONGOING AND NEW CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAMS. - PROVIDE FREE ORTHOPEDIC SERVICES TO LOW INCOME SCHOOLS, INCLUDING (1) ON-SITE SERVICES AND SCREENINGS, AND (2) FREE/SUBSIDIZED ORTHOPEDIC AND SPORTS MEDICINE PROFESSIONALS AS NEEDED. - PROVIDE MAMMOGRAM PROGRAMS TO LOW-INCOME WOMEN IN NEED OF SCREENING IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY UNIT OR CLINICS. 4) ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE AND ELDERLY NEEDS - SUPPORT AND EXPAND ACCESS TO FQHC - PROVIDE COMMUNITY-BASED SCREENING, ASSESSMENTS, AND EDUCATION TO LOW INCOME, UNINSURED, AND SPECIAL REQUEST POPULATIONS. - CONDUCT PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS AND PLANNING TO SECURE VACCINES FOR LOW INCOME PATIENTS AND PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES FOCUSING ON HEALTH DISPARITIES, HYPERTENSION, DIABETES, ETC., AND TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP AS REQUESTED. 5) EDUCATION - MAINTAIN AND INCREASE EDUCATION AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WHILE ENCOURAGING YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS TO ENTER CAREERS AS HEALTH PROFESSIONALS OR PARA-PROFESSIONALS. PROPOSED COMMUNITY PROGRAMS INCLUDE: 1) SUPPORT FOR EMERGENCY ROOM SERVICES 2) SUPPORTING THE SCHOOL WITH HEALTH EDUCATION AS REQUESTED 3) DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS AS NEEDED 4) CHILDREN'S SAFETY PROGRAMS FOR RURAL AREAS 5) SUPPORT LOCAL NON-PROFIT PROGRAMS 6) SUPPORT CARTER BLOOD CENTER 7) SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MEDICAID WAIVER PROJECT 8) SPORTS MEDICINE CLINIC AND TRAINER PROGRAM WITH SCHOOLS LOCATED IN HOPKINS COUNTY 9) SUPPORT LOCAL DINNER BELL PROGRAM PROVIDING FOOD TO THE UNDERSERVED. 10) PHYSICIAN VISITS PROVIDED TO THE LOCAL JAIL FOR INMATES ON A WEEKLY VISIT ALONG WITH PRESCRIPTIONS AS NEEDED. 11) BIBS SUPPORT GROUP FOR NEW MOMS, BREAST FEEDING AND CHILDBIRTH CLASSES.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 13 Facility , 1
Facility , 1 - CMF HOSPITAL-SULPHUR SPRINGS. DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR DISCOUNTED CARE UNDER THE HOSPITAL'S POLICY, PATIENTS WHO WERE UNINSURED AND MET CERTAIN FINANCIAL CRITERIA WERE ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. THE POLICY ALSO PROVIDED FOR ASSISTANCE FOR MEDICALLY INDIGENT PATIENTS. IN GENERAL, PATIENTS WHO WERE BELOW 300% OF FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES RECEIVED FREE CARE. PATIENTS WHO WERE UNINSURED AND ABOVE 300% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINE WERE BILLED RATES CONSISTENT WITH AMOUNTS GENERALLY BILLED TO COMMERCIAL PAYERS. PATIENTS WHO WERE UNINSURED AND BETWEEN 300% AND 400% OF FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES COULD APPLY FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE TO PAY AMOUNTS LESS THAN AGB.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 15 Facility , 1
Facility , 1 - CMF HOSPITAL-SULPHUR SPRINGS. IN ADDITION TO REGULAR APPLICATIONS, THE HOSPITAL ALSO ASSESSED PATIENTS FOR PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY TO FACILITATE GIVING ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY PATIENTS. THE HOSPITAL IMPLEMENTED ELECTRONIC ELIGIBILITY TOOLS THAT USED PATIENT DEMOGRAPHIC DATA, CREDIT REPORTS, AND OTHER PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION TO ESTIMATE A PATIENT'S INCOME, ASSETS, AND LIQUIDITY. PATIENTS WERE SCREENED AS PART OF THE COLLECTION ATTEMPT PROCESS. WHEN ELECTRONIC SCREENING WAS USED AS THE BASIS FOR PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY, THE HIGHEST DISCOUNT OF FULL FREE CARE WAS GRANTED FOR ELIGIBLE SERVICES FOR RETROSPECTIVE DATES OF SERVICE ONLY. IF A PATIENT DID NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE ELECTRONIC ENROLLMENT PROCESS, THE PATIENT COULD STILL BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE TRADITIONAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION PROCESS.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 16 Facility , 1
Facility , 1 - CMF HOSPITAL-SULPHUR SPRINGS. A SUMMARY OF THE POLICY AND DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE WAS WIDELY AVAILABLE AT WWW.CHRISTUSHEALTH.ORG/CHARITYCARE. (THIS WEBSITE WAS THE FIRST RESULT IN GOOGLE WHEN PATIENTS SEARCHED FOR THE HOSPITAL NAME AND CHARITY CARE OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.) EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2016, THE INDIVIDUAL HOSPITAL'S HOMEPAGE HAD A CONSPICUOUS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE LINK DIRECTING PATIENTS TO THE CHARITY CARE HOMEPAGE. FINANCIAL COUNSELORS ALSO PUBLICIZED THE AVAILABILITY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE DURING ONE-ON-ONE VISITS WITH PATIENTS. THE HOSPITAL ATTEMPTED TO PROVIDE ALL UNINSURED PATIENTS WITH FINANCIAL COUNSELING. SPENDING TIME FACE-TO-FACE WITH PATIENTS ALLOWED COUNSELORS TO FACILITATE THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR PATIENTS WHO OTHERWISE MIGHT NOT HAVE SOUGHT ASSISTANCE. COUNSELORS HELPED COMPLETE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS AND EVALUATE PAYMENT PLANS FOR OUTSTANDING BALANCES. UNINSURED PATIENTS WERE SCREENED FOR MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY, AND COUNSELORS ALSO ASSISTED ELIGIBLE PATIENTS IN COMPLETING THOSE APPLICATIONS.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 20 Facility , 1
"Facility , 1 - CMF HOSPITAL-SULPHUR SPRINGS. NOTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY WHEN COLLECTION CALLS RESULTED IN PATIENT CONTACT, BUSINESS AGENTS PERFORMED A VERBAL SCREENING TO SEE IF THE PATIENT MIGHT BE ELIGIBLE FOR CHARITY CARE. IN ADDITION, BILLING STATEMENTS CONTAINED THE FOLLOWING NOTICE: ""YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BASED UPON YOUR INCOME LEVEL. IF YOU DO NOT QUALIFY AND CANNOT MAKE PAYMENT IN FULL, WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO SET UP AN ACCEPTABLE PAYMENT PLAN."""

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 17
DID THE HOSPITAL FACILITY HAVE IN PLACE DURING THE TAX YEAR A SEPARATE BILLING AND COLLECTIONS POLICY, OR A WRITTEN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THAT EXPLAINED ACTION THE HOSPITAL FACILITY MAY TAKE UPON NON-PAYMENT? THE HOSPITAL DID NOT ENGAGE IN ANY EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION ACTIONS DURING THE TAX YEAR. THE POLICY STRICTLY PROHIBITED TAKING LEGAL ACTION AGAINST PATIENTS AND ALSO FORBADE PLACING A LIEN ON THE PATIENT'S HOME. IN THE EVENT OF NONPAYMENT, THE HOSPITAL AND ITS COLLECTIONS GROUPS WOULD SEND STATEMENTS AND MAKE PHONE CALLS.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 22
DETERMINE THE MAXIMUM AMOUNTS THAT CAN BE CHARGED TO FAP-ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS FOR EMERGENCY OR OTHER MEDICALLY NECESSARY CARE THE HOSPITAL USED THE AVERAGE COMMERCIAL INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT RATE FROM FISCAL YEAR ENDING 6/30/09 TO DETERMINE AMOUNTS GENERALLY BILLED TO PATIENTS WITH INSURANCE. THIS AVERAGE RATE WAS THE AVERAGE REIMBURSEMENT RECEIVED FOR CATEGORIES OF SERVICES FROM ALL PRIVATE INSURERS THAT REIMBURSE HOSPITALS ACROSS THE CHRISTUS HEALTH SYSTEM, EXCEPT FOR ST. VINCENT AND LONG-TERM HOSPITALS, AND EXCLUDING IMPLANT AND DRUG CONTRIBUTION DOLLARS. ALL UNINSURED PATIENTS WERE CHARGED NO MORE THAN 40% OF CHARGES FOR THE RELEVANT SERVICE LINE. PATIENTS ELIGIBLE FOR ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WERE CHARGED NO MORE THAN THE AVERAGE RATE (FOR INCOME LEVELS FROM 301% TO 400% OF FPL) OR RECEIVED FREE CARE (FOR INCOMES AT OR BELOW 300% OF THE FPL). FOR LAB SERVICES, ELIGIBLE PATIENTS WERE CHARGED A PERCENTAGE OF THE MEDICARE RATE.

Schedule H, Part I, Line 3c FACTORS OTHER THAN FPG DETERMINING FREE OR DISCOUNTED CARE
THE HOSPITAL USES THE FOLLOWING OTHER CRITERIA TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE OR DISCOUNTED CARE: INCOME LEVEL; ASSET LEVEL; MEDICAL INDIGENCY; INSURANCE STATUS; UNDERINSURANCE STATUS; AND RESIDENCY.

Schedule H, Part I, Line 5a BUDGETED CHARITY CARE
THE ORGANIZATION BUDGETS CHARITY CARE FOR INTERNAL FINANCIAL REVIEW PURPOSES ONLY. THE PROVISION OF CHARITY CARE IS NOT LIMITED TO AMOUNTS ESTABLISHED FOR BUDGETARY PURPOSES.

Schedule H, Part I, Line 6a ANNUAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT
"A REPORT OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT IS INCLUDED IN A WRITTEN ANNUAL REPORT FOR CHRISTUS HEALTH, THE ORGANIZATION'S PARENT COMPANY. CHRISTUS HEALTH IS AN INTERNATIONAL, CATHOLIC, FAITH BASED, NONPROFIT HEALTH SYSTEM FORMED IN 1999 WITH A MISSION ""TO EXTEND THE HEALING MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST."" THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT SUMMARIZES ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS CONDUCTED DURING THE PAST YEAR TO IMPROVE HEALTH INCLUDING PROACTIVE COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES. HOWEVER, THE ANNUAL REPORT IS ONLY A SNAPSHOT OF HOW THE ORGANIZATION DISTINGUISHES ITSELF IN ITS VISION TO BE A LEADER, A PARTNER, AND AN ADVOCATE IN CREATING INNOVATIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS SOLUTIONS THAT IMPROVE THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES."

Schedule H, Part III, Line 1 BAD DEBT REPORTING IN ACCORDANCE WITH HFMA STATEMENT 15
CHRISTUS HEALTH FOLLOWS IN PRINCIPLE HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION STATEMENT NO. 15. THE SYSTEM HAS ADOPTED AN UNCOMPENSATED CARE POLICY WHERE REVENUE FROM SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE UNINSURED IS RECOGNIZED AT THE TIME OF PAYMENT, RATHER THAN AT THE TIME OF SERVICE. THIS POLICY IS THE RESULT OF A LACK OF REASONABLE ASSURANCE OF COLLECTION FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE UNINSURED DUE TO THE SYSTEM'S HISTORICALLY LOW COLLECTION RATE. MANAGEMENT HAS ESTIMATED THAT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RECORDING REVENUE FROM THE UNINSURED ON A CASH BASIS, RATHER THAN THE ACCRUAL BASIS, IS IMMATERIAL. ACCORDINGLY, ALL ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE FROM THE UNINSURED HAVE BEEN FULLY RESERVED IN THE ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOMPENSATED CARE.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 7 OTHER WEBSITE
HTTPS://WWW.CHRISTUSHEALTH.ORG/-/MEDIA/ABOUT/2020--2022-TMFHS-TYLER-COMMUNITY-HEALTH-NEEDS-ASSESSMENT.ASHX

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 16b FAP APPLICATION FORM WEBSITE
HTTPS://WWW.CHRISTUSHEALTH.ORG/-/MEDIA/CHRISTUS-HEALTH/PLAN-CARE/FILES/BILL-PAY/FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE/FINANCIAL-LANGUAGE-DOCUMENTS/FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE-POLICY-ENGLISH.ASHX

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 16c PLAIN LANGUAGE FAP SUMMARY WEBSITE
HTTPS://WWW.CHRISTUSHEALTH.ORG/-/MEDIA/CHRISTUS-HEALTH/PLAN-CARE/FILES/BILL-PAY/FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE/FINANCIAL-LANGUAGE-DOCUMENTS/2021PLAINLANGUAGESUMMARYHOSPITALENGLISH.ASHX

Schedule H, Part I, Line 7 Costing Methodology used to calculate financial assistance
SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINE 7 TOTAL EXPENSE FROM FROM 990, PART IX, LINE 25, COLUMN (A) IS $111,269,305. THE BAD DEBT EXPENSE INCLUDED IN THIS AMOUNT IS $9,757,995. THIS LEAVES A TOTAL EXPENSE OF $101,511,310 FOR PURPOSES OF CALCULATING LINES 7, COLUMN (F). SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINE 7, COLUMN (F) THE ORGANIZATION'S TOTAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT EXPENSE AS REPORTED ON PART I, LINE 7K, COLUMN (C) AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL EXPENSE IS xx.xx%, WHICH EXCEEDS THE AMOUNT REPORTED ON PART I, LINE 7K, COLUMN (F) WHICH IS COMPUTED USING NET COMMUNITY BENEFIT EXPENSE.

Schedule H, Part III, Line 2 Bad debt expense - methodology used to estimate amount
THE ORGANIZATION'S TOTAL BAD DEBT EXPENSE (TOTAL OF ALL HOSPITAL FACILITIES) IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ORGANIZATION'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, WHICH IS COMPUTED AS BAD DEBT NET OF CONTRACTUAL ALLOWANCE, PAYMENTS RECEIVED AND RECOVERIES OF BAD DEBT PREVIOUSLY WRITTEN OFF.

Schedule H, Part III, Line 8 Community benefit & methodology for determining medicare costs
THE MEDICAL CENTER USES MEDICARE COST REPORT METHODOLOGY, WHICH APPORTIONS ROUTINE COSTS (ROOM AND BOARD) BASED ON MEDICARE OR MEDICAID DAYS TO TOTAL DAYS AND APPORTIONS ANCILLARY COSTS BASED ON PROGRAM CHARGES TO TOTAL CHARGES.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 16a FAP website
- CMF HOSPITAL-SULPHUR SPRINGS: Line 16a URL: HTTPS://WWW.CHRISTUSHEALTH.ORG/PLAN-CARE/BILL-PAY/FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE;

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 16b FAP Application website
- CMF HOSPITAL-SULPHUR SPRINGS: Line 16b URL: SEE SUPPLEMENTAL INFO;

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 16c FAP plain language summary website
- CMF HOSPITAL-SULPHUR SPRINGS: Line 16c URL: SEE SUPPLEMENTAL INFO;

Schedule H, Part VI, Line 4 Community information
CHRISTUS MOTHER FRANCES HOSPITAL - SULPHUR SPRINGS IS A 96-BED ACUTE CARE HOSPITAL. HOPKINS COUNTY, THE PRIMARY SERVICE AREA FOR CMFH - SULPHUR SPRINGS, HAS A POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 36,400 RESIDENTS. THE MEDIAN INCOME PER HOUSEHOLD OF HOPKINS COUNTY IS $43,284, WITH 15.9% HOUSEHOLDS LIVE AT OR BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL AND 39.5% BEING LOW INCOME. THE HOSPITAL'S SERVICE AREA HAS AN UNINSURED RATE OF 31% OF THE POPULATION AND 36% HAVING MENTAL ILLNESS.

Schedule H, Part VI, Line 7 State filing of community benefit report
TX

Schedule H, Part III, Line 3 Bad Debt Expense Methodology
ESTIMATE OF BAD DEBT EXPENSE ATTRIBUTABLE TO PATIENTS ELIGIBLE UNDER ORGANIZATION'S CHARITY CARE POLICY. THE FILING ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZES THAT SOME PATIENTS ARE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO SEEK FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE DUE TO BARRIERS SUCH AS EDUCATIONAL LEVEL, LITERACY, DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS, OR BEING INTIMIDATED BY THE APPLICATION PROCESS. IN ORDER TO ESTIMATE THE AMOUNT OF THE ORGANIZATION'S BAD DEBT EXPENSE ATTRIBUTABLE TO PATIENTS WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BUT HAVE NOT SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION, THE ORGANIZATION ENGAGED PARO DECISION SUPPORT, LLC. PARO CHARITY SCORE IS DESIGNED TO IDENTIFY PATIENTS THAT LIKELY QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BASED ON A PREDICTIVE MODEL AND OTHER FINANCIAL AND ASSET ESTIMATES FOR THE PATIENT DERIVED FROM PUBLIC RECORD SOURCES. FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2011, THE ORGANIZATION REPORTED THAT 30% OF BAD DEBT EXPENSES WERE ATTRIBUTABLE TO PATIENTS WHO MAY HAVE BEEN ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BUT WERE NOT RESPONSIVE TO THE APPLICATION PROCESS EXISTING AT THAT TIME. THIS FIGURE WAS BASED ON THE PARO ANALYSIS AND ESTIMATES OF PATIENTS' FINANCIAL NEEDS THAT EXAMINED WHETHER PATIENTS WERE CHARACTERISTIC OF OTHERS WHO HISTORICALLY QUALIFIED FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE TRADITIONAL APPLICATION PROCESS. THE PRESUMPTIVE CHARITY CARE ANALYSIS PERFORMED FOR THE PRIOR FISCAL YEAR DETERMINED A BENCHMARK OF BAD DEBT ACCOUNTS IN THE CHRISTUS HEALTH SYSTEM THAT LACKED THE INFORMATION TO QUALIFY FOR CHARITY CARE UNDER THE FILING ORGANIZATION'S CUSTOMARY PROCESS BUT WOULD HAVE LIKELY QUALIFIED FOR ASSISTANCE. DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021, THE ORGANIZATION UTILIZED THE PARO SCORE TO IDENTIFY THE ACCOUNTS OF INDIVIDUAL PATIENTS THAT WERE LIKELY ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE DESPITE HAVING NOT COMPLETED AN APPLICATION, AND SUCH ANALYSIS DETERMINED THAT 3.73% OF SUCH ACCOUNTS WERE LIKELY ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. THE ORGANIZATION GRANTED PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY FOR THESE ACCOUNTS AND THEY WERE RECLASSIFIED UNDER OUR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY. THE AMOUNTS WERE NOT REPORTED AS BAD DEBT. THE AMOUNT REPORTED ON SCHEDULE H, PART III, LINE 3 IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PRESUMPTIVE CHARITY CARE BENCHMARK ESTABLISHED IN THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2011 AND THE AGGREGATE OF INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WHICH THE ORGANIZATION GRANTED PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY IN THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021. THUS, THE ORGANIZATION ESTIMATES THAT ONLY 0.4708% OF THE BAD DEBT EXPENSES IN FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 ARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO PATIENTS WHO WOULD LIKELY HAVE QUALIFIED FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE FIGURE CALCULATED FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2011 WAS ESTIMATED AND NOT EXACT, AND THEREFORE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE AMOUNTS QUALIFIED AS PRESUMPTIVE CHARITY CARE IN ANY FISCAL YEAR MAY VARY FROM THE BENCHMARK ESTABLISHED IN FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2011.

Schedule H, Part III, Line 4 Bad debt expense - financial statement footnote
"THE FOOTNOTE TO THE CHRISTUS HEALTH CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SAYS, ""THE PREPARATION OF THE ACCOMPANYING CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN CONFORMITY WITH UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (US GAAP) REQUIRES MANAGEMENT OF THE SYSTEM TO MAKE ASSUMPTIONS, ESTIMATES, AND JUDGMENTS THAT AFFECT THE AMOUNTS REPORTED IN THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, INCLUDING THE NOTES THERETO, AND RELATED DISCLOSURES OF COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES, IF ANY. THE SYSTEM CONSIDERS CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES TO BE THOSE THAT REQUIRE MORE SIGNIFICANT JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF ITS CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING: RECOGNITION OF NET PATIENT SERVICE REVENUES, WHICH INCLUDE CONTRACTUAL ALLOWANCES AND THE PROVISION FOR BAD DEBT; ESTIMATES FOR REIMBURSEMENT UNDER THE UPPER PAY LIMIT, DISPROPORTIONATE SHARE AND MEDICAID 1115 WAIVER PROGRAMS; RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND EXPENSES RELATED TO HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITIES; ACCRUALS FOR CLAIMS INCURRED BUT NOT YET REPORTED RELATED TO THE SYSTEM'S HEALTH PLAN; DETERMINATION OF FAIR VALUES OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS; DETERMINATION OF FAIR VALUE OF CERTAIN GOODWILL AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS, INCLUDING ASSETS ACQUIRED; AND RISKS AND ASSUMPTIONS FOR MEASUREMENT OF PENSION AND RETIREE MEDICAL LIABILITIES. MANAGEMENT RELIES ON HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE AND ON OTHER ASSUMPTIONS BELIEVED TO BE REASONABLE UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN MAKING ITS JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES. ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THESE ESTIMATES."

Schedule H, Part III, Line 9b Collection practices for patients eligible for financial assistance
COLLECTION POLICY IT IS THE POLICY OF THE ORGANIZATION TO PURSUE COLLECTIONS OF PATIENT BALANCES FROM PATIENTS WHO HAVE THE ABILITY TO PAY FOR THESE SERVICES. CHRISTUS HEALTH APPLIES ITS COLLECTION EFFORTS CONSISTENTLY AND FAIRLY TO ALL PATIENTS REGARDLESS OF INSURANCE. IF A PATIENT DOES NOT HAVE THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO PAY THEIR OUTSTANDING BALANCES, THE GOAL OF THE ORGANIZATION IS TO QUALIFY THESE PATIENTS THROUGH THE ORGANIZATION'S CHARITY POLICY OR SCREEN THE PATIENTS THROUGH ORGANIZATION'S PRESUMPTIVE CHARITY TESTS. IF THE PATIENT QUALIFIES UNDER EITHER POLICY THE ACCOUNT WILL BE WRITTEN OFF BASED UPON LEVEL OF QUALIFICATION. THESE POLICIES SUPPORT THE MISSION AND VISION OF THE ORGANIZATION AND ARE APPROVED BY SENIOR LEADERSHIP.

Schedule H, Part VI, Line 2 Needs assessment
THE HOSPITAL'S COMMUNITY HEALTH PROFILES PROVIDE A SNAPSHOT OF SUBURBAN, URBAN, AND RURAL SERVICE AREAS WITHIN NORTH TEXAS USING KEY HEALTH INDICATORS, WHICH FACILITATE COMPARISONS LOCALLY, REGIONALLY, AND OVER TIME. COMMUNITY HEALTH COUNCIL MEMBERS AND THE COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT DEPARTMENT IN DECIDING WHERE TO ALLOCATE RESOURCES AND ADDRESS HEALTH INEQUALITIES. ALL ENTITY ADVOCATES USE NATIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL SECONDARY AND PRIMARY DATA SOURCES TO PROVIDE A CURRENT OVERVIEW OF LOCAL HEALTH NEEDS, FACTORS IMPACTING DISEASE AND INJURY BURDEN, SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE, AGE DISTRIBUTION, INDICATORS AND LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS. THIS DATA IS USED TO GALVANIZE JOINT COMMUNITY HEALTH EFFORTS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND REDUCE INEQUALITIES AND EMPOWER THE GREAT COMMUNITY.

Schedule H, Part VI, Line 3 Patient education of eligibility for assistance
CHRISTUS HOPKINS HEALTH ALLIANCE MAKES EVERY EFFORT TO EDUCATE PATIENTS ON ITS CHARITY AND DISCOUNT POLICY AND ABOUT THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS DURING REGISTRATION, PRE REGISTRATION (FOR SCHEDULED TESTS AND SURGERIES), POST REGISTRATION (DURING THEIR HOSPITALIZATION) AND FOLLOWING DISCHARGE (TELEPHONE OR WRITTEN INQUIRY) IN LANGUAGES APPROPRIATE FOR THE POPULATION BEING SERVED. PATIENTS ARE GIVEN INFORMATION AND FORMS BY A FINANCIAL COUNSELOR WHO HELPS THEM COMPLETE THE FORMS DURING THEIR INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT VISITS. PATIENTS ARE ASKED TO BRING OR MAIL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION TO DETERMINE INCOME, ASSETS AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES. THE BUSINESS OFFICE REVIEWS THE APPLICATION BASED ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE PATIENT. IF THE PATIENT QUALIFIES FOR CHARITY CARE OR A DISCOUNT, A NEW BILL IS GENERATED. PATIENTS WHO DO NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION ARE CONSIDERED INELIGIBLE AND ARE BILLED ACCORDINGLY. IF THE DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED AT A LATER TIME, THE PATIENT MAY THEN BE DETERMINED TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CHARITY CARE OR A DISCOUNT. DOCUMENTATION IS RETAINED BY THE BILLING OFFICE FOR SEVEN YEARS. A PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING THE CHARITY CARE POLICY IS POSTED IN PROMINENT PLACES THROUGHOUT THE HOSPITAL, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM WAITING AREAS AND THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE WAITING AREAS, AS REQUIRED BY BOTH THE STATE OF TEXAS COMMUNITY BENEFIT STANDARD (WHICH ADDRESSES THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF NONPROFIT HOSPITALS) AND CHRISTUS HEALTH COMMUNITY BENEFIT GUIDELINES #050. IN ADDITION, A PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING THE CHARITY CARE POLICY AND INFORMATION ON FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ARE ALSO POSTED ON THE CHRISTUS HEALTH WEBSITE. THE INFORMATION ON FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INCLUDES EXPLANATIONS ON THE AVAILABILITY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, WHO QUALIFIES, AND HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

Schedule H, Part VI, Line 6 Affiliated health care system
CHRISTUS HOPKINS HEALTH ALLIANCE IS PART OF CHRISTUS HEALTH, AN INTERNATIONAL, CATHOLIC, FAITH BASED, NONPROFIT HEALTH SYSTEM COMPRISED OF ALMOST 350 SERVICES AND FACILITIES INCLUDING MORE THAN 60 HOSPITALS AND LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES, 175 CLINICS AND OUTPATIENT CENTERS, AND OTHER COMMUNITY HEALTH MINISTRIES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT VENTURES. CHRISTUS SERVICES CAN BE FOUND IN: ARKANSAS, GEORGIA, IOWA, LOUISIANA, NEW MEXICO, TEXAS, AND INTERNATIONALLY IN THE COUNTRIES OF MEXICO AND CHILE. A COMMON MISSION, CORE VALUES, AND VISION UNITE THE HEALTH SYSTEM. EACH REGION, INCLUDING CHRISTUS HOPKINS HEALTH ALLIANCE, DEVELOPS FIVE-YEAR AND TEN-YEAR STRATEGIC PLANS THAT HELP SET THE YEARLY OPERATIONAL PLANS AND BUDGETS. REGIONAL STRATEGIC GOALS ARE SET IN COLLABORATION WITH CHRISTUS HEALTH AND INCLUDE METRICS THAT WILL BE USED TO MEASURE COMMUNITY BENEFIT, CLINICAL OUTCOMES, PATIENT SATISFACTION, AND ASSOCIATE ENGAGEMENT. CHRISTUS HEALTH PROVIDES UPDATED MARKET, DEMOGRAPHICS, AND HEALTH INDICATOR DATA ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. THE DATA SUPPLIED FROM CHRISTUS HEALTH ALONG WITH THE SYSTEM WIDE STRATEGIC INITIATIVES ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF THE REGION. CHRISTUS HOPKINS HEALTH ALLIANCE, IN TURN, PARTNERS WITH OTHER NONPROFIT GROUPS (CHURCHES, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES) TO CREATE COLLABORATIONS WHERE HEALTH NEEDS CAN BE ADDRESSED AND THE GENERAL HEALTH OF INDIVIDUALS AND THE COMMUNITY IS IMPROVED.

Schedule H, Part VI, Line 5 Promotion of community health
CHRISTUS MOTHER FRANCES HOSPITAL - SULPHUR SPRINGS (CMFH-SS) COMMUNITY HEALTH PROFILES PROVIDE A SNAPSHOT OF SUBURBAN, URBAN, AND RURAL SERVICE AREAS WITHIN NORTH TEXAS USING KEY HEALTH INDICATORS, WHICH FACILITATE COMPARISONS LOCALLY, REGIONALLY, AND OVER TIME. COMMUNITY HEALTH COUNCIL MEMBERS AND THE COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT DEPARTMENT IN DECIDING WHERE TO ALLOCATE RESOURCES AND ADDRESS HEALTH INEQUALITIES. ALL ENTITY ADVOCATES USE NATIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL SECONDARY AND PRIMARY DATA SOURCES TO PROVIDE A CURRENT OVERVIEW OF LOCAL HEALTH NEEDS, FACTORS IMPACTING DISEASE AND INJURY BURDEN, SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE, AGE DISTRIBUTION, INDICATORS AND LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS. THIS DATA IS USED TO GALVANIZE JOINT COMMUNITY HEALTH EFFORTS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND REDUCE INEQUALITIES AND EMPOWER THE GREAT COMMUNITY. CMFH-SS WORKED ON GROWING THEIR PRESENCE IN THE COMMUNITY THIS YEAR ABOVE AND BEYOND TARGETED PROGRAMS. AS THE ONLY HOSPITAL IN THE AREA, THE COMMUNITY LOOKS TO THE HOSPITAL TO SUPPORT THE GROWING COMMUNITY AS WELL AS, INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY NEEDS. THE STEERING COMMITTEE IS COMPOSED OF HOSPITAL REPRESENTATIVES, CHRISTUS TRINITY CLINIC MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS. THE LOCAL COMMUNITY BENEFITS STEERING COMMITTEE INCLUDED NOT ONLY QUARTERLY MEETINGS, BUT AN ANNUAL MEETING WITH GUESTS FROM THE AREA COMMUNITIES WHO COULD IMPACT THE NEXT YEAR'S GOALS AND THE ENTIRE GROUP EVALUATED THE PERFORMANCE OF THE HOSPITAL IN THE CURRENT YEAR. 1. BIBS AND CHILD BIRTH MEETINGS DESCRIPTION: MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS WERE TRANSITIONED TO ZOOM MEETINGS ONCE A MONTH (DUE TO COVID). THESE MEETINGS ALLOWED HOSPITAL AND CLINICAL AREAS TO SUPPORT BREAST FEEDING FOR MOTHERS (BREAST FEEDING IS BEST). DISCUSSIONS ARE FACILITATED BY A LICENSED COUNSELOR AND OTHER LEADERS. CHILD BIRTH CLASSES ARE HELD AS NEEDED AT NO COST. 2. FOOD INSECURITY DESCRIPTION: FOOD INSECURITY IS AN ISSUE IN HOPKINS COUNTY. THE CMFH-SS AND THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (THROUGH THE DINNER BELL PROGRAM) COLLABORATE TO COVER THE COST OF THE WEDNESDAY MEAL SIX TIMES A YEAR (OR EVERY OTHER MONTH) AND PROVIDE STAFF TO HELP COOK AND SERVE THE MEAL. THE DINNER BELL PROGRAM HAS BEEN IN PLACE IN HOPKINS COUNTY SINCE 2012. OVER 22,000 MEALS HAVE BEEN SERVED. DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS THE DINNER BELL IMPLEMENTED A DRIVE THROUGH PROCESS FOR FOOD PICK UP AND OUR TEAM ASSISTS WITH THIS EFFORT. 3. HEALTH FAIRS AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION DESCRIPTION: THE CMFH-SS AND CHRISTUS TRINITY CLINIC - SULPHUR SPRINGS PARTICIPATED IN A MINIMAL NUMBER OF HEALTH FAIRS THIS YEAR DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS. AT THESE LIMITED EVENTS WE OFFERED COVID VACCINES TO VARIOUS GROUPS/EMPLOYERS IN OUR COMMUNITY. WHEN EVENTS WERE HELD WE PROVIDED HEALTH INFORMATION AND HELP THOSE ATTENDING TO UNDERSTAND THE SERVICES AVAILABLE BY ALL THE PROVIDERS IN THE AREA. SCREENINGS ARE DONE AS REQUESTED. EDUCATION TO THE COMMUNITY INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO AREAS SUCH AS COUNTY EMPLOYEES, SENIOR EXPO, COVID EDUCATION, AND EFFORTS WITH SEVERAL LOCAL CHURCHES IN OUR COMMUNITY. 4. WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION: STUDENTS FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGES COME TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOB SHADOW POTENTIAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN HEALTH CARE. TRAINING IS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS IN A VARIETY OF SUPPORT, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND PROFESSIONAL AREAS. THE TYPE OF WORK THEY SEE IS OFTEN NOT LIMITED TO OPPORTUNITIES IN HEALTH CARE. SUPPORT IS ALSO GIVEN TO PROGRAMS SUCH AS THE LEAP YOUTH CAREER EXPO ADDITIONALLY, STUDENTS NEEDING ROTATIONS IN RURAL HOSPITALS COME TO SULPHUR SPRINGS FROM SEVERAL COLLEGES BECAUSE OF THE HIGH-QUALITY OUTCOMES IN BOTH INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT SERVICES. THESE STUDENTS COME FOR NURSING, EMS, TECH SUPPORT SERVICES, LABORATORY, RADIOLOGY, AND PHARMACY ROTATIONS AND ARE NOT PART OF ANY GME PROGRAMS. 5. HOPKINS COUNTY JAIL AND PHARMACY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: CMFH-SS PROVIDES AT NO COST TO THE COUNTY SUPPORT FOR MEDICAL EVALUATIONS OF INMATES AND IF NEEDED PHARMACY SUPPLIES AND PRESCRIPTIONS. PHYSICIAN VISITS ARE DONE ON A WEEKLY BASIS. 6. UNITED WAY DESCRIPTION: OUR EMPLOYEES PROVIDED FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ASSIST WITH THE DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, FUNDING, AND MISSION DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL AGENCIES RECEIVING SUPPORT THROUGH THE UNITED WAY. CMHF-SS SUPPORTED THE FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN WITH VOLUNTEER HOURS, CAMPAIGN PRINTING OF MATERIALS, AND FOOD FOR EVENTS. 7. YOUTH FITNESS AND REHAB SERVICES DESCRIPTION: SPORTS TRAINING PROGRAMS, INJURY PREVENTION AND HEALING ARE ALL PART OF THE PROGRAMS OFFERED TO SCHOOLS THROUGH SUPPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL TRAINERS AND CLINIC PROVIDERS. THE SCHOOLS IN THE AREA ARE FOR THE MOST PART ALL UNDERSERVED AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED SCHOOLS. FREE LUNCH PROGRAMS AND EARLY MORNING MEALS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS. CONSEQUENTLY, THE ABILITY TO HAVE ACCESS TO PREVENTIVE INJURY EDUCATION, AND REHAB SERVICES IS GENERALLY NOT EASY TO ACCESS. THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES SUPPORT TO THE LOCAL SCHOOLS FOR EVENTS AND EVERYDAY SCHOOL CLASS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS PROGRAMS. FREE SATURDAY MORNING ATHLETIC CLINICS ARE HELD AS REQUESTED BY THE SCHOOLS DURING HIGH IMPACT SEASONS. 8. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS DESCRIPTION: ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED BOTH FINANCIALLY AND WITH STAFFING FOR GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS TO PROVIDE COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMS, SERVICES, AND HEALTH INFORMATION. PROJECTS INCLUDED CASA, I CAN HEALTH BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT, CARTER BLOOD DRIVE AND HEALTHY HEART LUNCH AND LEARN. WE COLLABORATED WITH SULPHUR SPRINGS ISD AND THEIR CHILDREN'S NEEDY FUND TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO ASSIST WITH HOUSING ISSUES FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES. THESE DOLLARS ALLOWED THE SSISD STAFF TO HELP WITH SHORT TERM HOUSING NEEDS FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.