While recently browsing news 

headlines, I read an article about 

two hospitals in Colorado. Both 
are non-profit hospitals, and 

both claimed to contribute a lot 

of benefit to their communities, 

which is necessary to retain 

non-profit status. However, the 
article indicated that not much 

real benefit could be defined 

or located. It made me think, 
“Yikes, I hope nobody can  

write that about Good Shepherd!”
Our friends at the Internal Revenue Service tell us that 
“Hospital organizations use Form 990, Schedule H 
to provide information on the activities and policies 
of, and community benefit provided by, its hospital 
facilities and other non-hospital health care facilities 
that it operated during the tax year.”
So, just what does Good Shepherd do that is 
considered community benefit? One of the largest, 
and most important, benefits is charity care. This is the 
value of care provided to a patient who doesn’t have 
the resources to pay. Patients needing this help work 
with our Patient Financial Services staff to determine 
if they qualify. In Fiscal Year 2023, Good Shepherd 
provided $9.2 million dollars in charity care.
A review of the hospital website and the quarterly 
Health Education brochure reveal a variety of activities 
offered by Good Shepherd. Family Health and Fitness 
Day took place on September 23. Over 600 people 
visited the event at Hermiston High School, and 
accessed free dental and vision exams, had their 
child’s car seat checked, or got a flu shot. In April, 

approximately 300 attendees participated in the “You 
Are Not Alone: Substance Use Awareness & Honor 
Walk,” which honored and supported all those affected 
by substance abuse.
Everyone has likely seen the colorful CareVans 
traveling around our communities. These four vans 
provide free transportation to Good Shepherd 
appointments for those without a reliable or safe way 
to travel. 
In the summer, you may have noticed the lush, 
green area between the Medical Plaza building 
and Hermiston Butte. This is the Lovin’ Spadefuls 
Community Garden. Good Shepherd provides the 
overall space at no cost, and for a small fee, anyone 
can have a plot for their own fresh vegetables.
This fall, Good Shepherd’s Education Department 
has offered a free class on “Healthy Cooking for 
Seniors on a Budget.” On the subject of good food, 
check out the hospital’s Facebook page. You’ll 
find recipes for healthy food on a regular basis. 
In July, there was an article titled “How to Enjoy 
Chocolate on a Healthy Diet.” Now that is definitely a 
community benefit!
 “Lunch and Learn” sessions are offered once a 
monthly at noon on a variety of health topics. This fall’s 
topics include breast cancer and COPD awareness. On 
December 4 (just in time for the holidays), there will be 
a session about National Safe Toys and Gifts Month.
These are just an example of the opportunities to 
improve our health, safety and fitness. Information on 
these activities can be found at www.gshealth.org.  
A quarterly brochure is also mailed to approximately 
9,000 households in Good Shepherd’s service area. 

A Message from the Board of Trustees

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Sue Daggett | Board of Trustees Chair | Good Shepherd Health Care System