Read the most current news on how Sentara is making a difference in the community in the 
October 2009 Community Benefits Report.
At Sentara, our mission is to improve health every day throughout the communities we serve. That includes activities undertaken for the good of the community or for individuals who do not have the ability to pay.
As Hampton Roads’ not-for-profit health partner, we feel this level of commitment is our obligation. We also consider it our privilege.
In 2008, Sentara provided nearly $157.8 million to services and individuals in our community.
The majority of that -- $137.5 million went toward unpaid patient care services. That breaks down to serving 118,512 uninsured and underinsured patients or 324 patients per day receiving free services.
Sentara invested about $16.6 million in health care teaching programs to ensure a qualified pool of physicians and nurses. Community benefits programs and donations -- such as funding for cancer prevention, flu immunizations and senior health screenings -- amounted to about $3.7 million.
Assistance in 2008 was up from 2007 figures by more than $22 million.
Sentara is dedicated to making a difference, whether through collaboration with agencies, partnerships with schools or improved access to health care. Additional examples of Sentara’s investment in our community include:
Providing more than $376,000 per day in uncompensated patient care serices.
Facilitating more than 1,700 health events at churches, large employers and community health centers that served more than 36,600 people for health screenings. .
Providing more than 15,500 people with cancer screenings or information on cancer prevention.
Delivering more than 13,000 flu immunizations.
Partnering with Eastern Virginia Medical School to maintain a pool of highly skilled doctors in the area. EVMS interns and residents work in Sentara hospitals. EVMS staff also works as physicians for the medical group that staffs Sentara hospitals.
Supporting local colleges of higher learning to ensure a supply of skilled nurses and clinical professionals in the future.
Read past issues of Sentara's Community Benefits Reports.
In 2007, Sentara provided nearly $135.6 million to services and individuals in the community. The majority of that -- $116.6 million went toward unpaid patient care services.
Watch Sentara Healthcare - Giving Back to the Communities we Serve at the Sentara Video Center