Starr Regional Medical Center Publishes 2021 Community Benefit Report
July 12, 2022
Report outlines hospital’s continued impact on health and well-being of McMinn County
Starr Regional Medical Center published its community benefit report for the 2021 calendar year today. This yearly report outlines specific ways the hospital is positively contributing to McMinn County and the surrounding area and spotlights the various ways it is working to support the health and well-being of the community it calls home – an investment which has become increasingly essential in recent years.
“Our mission of Making Communities Healthier has always been a fundamental part of succeeding as a community leader in McMinn County,” says John McLain, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Starr Regional Medical Center. “Being part of LifePoint Health, a growing diversified healthcare delivery network, allows us to continue to uphold our legacy of care and community leadership, and cultivate an environment where people choose to come for care. We accomplished this thanks in no small part to the hard work and dedication of our remarkable team of providers, employees and volunteers, and the support of those we serve.”
Starr Regional Medical Center’s 2021 community benefit report highlights its continued efforts to meet the growing healthcare needs of its community through welcoming new providers, adding and expanding service lines and continually investing in its facilities and healthcare technology. For example, in 2021, Starr Regional Medical Center added 119 providers in orthopedics, hospital medicine, teleneurology, teleradiology, telepsychology, telenephrology and emergency medicine; and made more than $2.5 million in capital improvements, including the addition of 3D mammography technology, sleep lab and imaging equipment, cardiac ultrasound machine and facility improvements.
Additionally, Starr Regional Medical Center made a donation of more than $39.6 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.
Starr Regional Medical Center is also devoted to creating environments where providers want to practice, and employees want to work. In 2021, the hospital distributed more than $39.8 million in salaries, wages and benefits for its approximately 630 employees, and contributed nearly $60,000 in professional development and tuition assistance so all its employees can have the opportunity to learn, grow and improve the care they provide their patients.
This year’s annual report also showcases several examples of how Starr Regional Medical Center is continually seeking ways to make a positive impact in the communities it serves, extending far beyond the physical walls of its facilities. Last year, the organization paid $7,884,219 in local and state taxes, displaying its commitment to fiscal responsibility in an effort to boost McMinn County’s economic well-being. The hospital is also honored to continue its support of local activities and organizations that contributes to making the community healthier, including the American Cancer Society, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, Athens City Schools, Etowah Area Chamber of Commerce, Friendly Fellows Club, Good Faith Clinic, McMinn County Economic Development Authority, McMinn County Schools and the United Way of McMinn & Meigs Counties.
“We are proud to call McMinn County our home and feel truly privileged to contribute to its well-being,” said McLain. “We are also incredibly grateful for and inspired by the support our communities have shown us in recent years. As we consider the future of Starr Regional Medical Center, we are so excited to continue improving the way we serve our neighbors and communities.”