Nashoba Valley Medical Center (NVMC) provided an estimated $704,000 in community benefits last year. The hospital’s reported total community benefit expenditures of $704,442 in 2014 included health and wellness programs, as well as free or discounted care provided directly to patients. Official reports were published on June 2, 2015, by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey’s office.

NVMC also reported expenditures of $32,056 in community service programs. Throughout the year, these programs included a community health education series, a physician and health services referral line, stroke prevention, and a diabetes education outreach. The hospital’s overall community benefits health care priorities were providing access to health services and health education, mental health support, diabetes management and care, and chronic disease education.

“Through our community benefits services, we are committed to collaborating with community partners to improve the health status of the patients and residents we serve in Ayer and the surrounding communities,” said Salvatore Perla, president of Nashoba Valley Medical Center. “Our program aims to help those most vulnerable to make life-changing improvements in health and address social and economic factors that impact overall well-being.”

Each Massachusetts hospital that filed a report this year addressed one or more of the four statewide health priorities identified in the Attorney General’s Community Benefits Guidelines. The statewide priorities were: supporting health care reform; improving chronic disease management in disadvantaged populations; reducing health disparities; and promoting wellness of vulnerable populations.

“Massachusetts hospitals continue to display their commitment to serving the needs of their communities,” Healey said in a press release issued on June 2, 2015. “These programs are important resources to help identify and address the unmet needs of underserved and at-risk populations.”

All non-profit hospitals are required to provide community benefits; however, Nashoba Valley Medical Center, part of the Steward Health Care System, provides the same level of community benefits as non-profit hospitals as well as pays real estate taxes to the Town of Ayer. In 2014, the taxes topped $400,000, which makes Nashoba Valley Medical Center one of the largest taxpayers and employers in Ayer. The hospital’s tax contribution helps support the salaries of teachers, police officers and fire fighters.

To learn more about Nashoba Valley Medical Center’s community benefits program, visit https://www.nashobamed.org/about-us/community-health-outreach

About Nashoba Valley Medical Center

Nashoba Valley Medical Center (NVMC) offers community-based primary care and specialty services. NVMC was awarded an A, the highest grade possible, in hospital safety by Leapfrog, and recipient of the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval. Areas of clinical strength include emergency medicine, diagnostic imaging, cardiology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, oncology, orthopedics, physical therapy and general surgery. NVMC also offers a comprehensive Diabetes and Endocrine Center, Travel Clinic and Occupational Health Services. Nashoba Valley Medical Center is part of the Steward Health Care System LLC, the largest integrated community care organization in New England which combines over 3,000 physicians, 10 acute care hospitals, managed care, insurance programs, home care, an imaging operation, and a number of other post-acute services, to provide the most cost effective and highest quality of integrated patient care. Additional information is available at www.nashobamed.org.

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