Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital publish 2023 Community Benefit Report

BRYSON CITY, NC – Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital today published their community benefit report for the 2023 calendar year. This annual report outlines the various ways the hospitals are working to support the health and economic vitality of western North Carolina as part of its mission of making communities healthier®.

“As a leading healthcare provider in our region, our hospitals are committed to providing high-quality care close to home, investing in our region’s overall well-being, and making a positive impact on those we serve,” said Ashley Hindman, Chief Executive Officer of Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals. “This year’s report highlights our continued efforts to provide compassionate care – both inside and outside our hospital walls.”

The 2023 Community Benefit Report highlights the hospitals’ continued efforts to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community through welcoming new providers, adding and expanding service lines and continually investing in their facilities and healthcare technology. For example, in 2023, the hospitals added 98 providers across 16 different specialties, and more than $6.2 million in capital improvements, including new surgical video towers, surgical scopes, a surgical table, new maternal and fetal monitors, a breast pump, a new infant scale and dedicated funds for emergency medical services equipment.

Additionally, Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital made a donation of more than $36 million in health services to those in need, demonstrating its continuous commitment to ensuring everyone has access to care, regardless of their ability to pay.

The hospitals are also devoted to creating environments where providers want to practice and employees want to work. In 2023, the hospitals distributed more than $63 million in salaries, wages and benefits for its approximately 915 employees, while also investing nearly $100,000 in professional development and tuition assistance so all employees can have the opportunity to learn, grow and improve the care they provide their patients.

Last year, the organization paid $10,673,857 in local and state taxes, while also continuing its support of local activities and organizations committed to serving the region, including: Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County Department of Public Health, Jackson County Department of Social Services, Jackson County Public Schools, Region A Partnership for Children, Smoky Mountain High School Athletics, Southwestern Community College, and Western Carolina University Athletics.

“We are proud to call western North Carolina our home, and we feel incredibly grateful for the continued support of all those who entrust us with their care. Our success would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our providers, employees and volunteers, “said Hindman. “As we look ahead to the future, we are so excited to continue improving the ways we serve our neighbors and communities.”

The 2023 community benefit report for Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community can be found here.