University Hospitals invests $605 million to improve health outcomes, address economic disparities

CLEVELAND – University Hospitals invested $605 million in community health initiatives in 2025, supporting charity care for uninsured patients, expanding access to maternal and child health services, launching wellness programs tailored to local needs and creating economic opportunities through job training and education.

The health system’s 2025 Community Health Investment Report details efforts to improve health outcomes and address economic disparities throughout Northeast Ohio.

“For 160 years, University Hospitals has been guided by the belief that caring for our communities is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, chief executive officer of UH, and the Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair. “Today, that legacy continues through thoughtful investment, collaboration and a shared commitment to better health for all. As we look ahead to the future, we remain committed to advancing that legacy by creating opportunity, strengthening communities and improving lives for generations to come.”

The health system utilizes Community Health Needs Assessments, which evaluate the overall health status of Northeast Ohio, identify critical health-related needs and help prioritize services that have the greatest impact. UH identified three priority areas to maximize impact: Maternal & Child Health, Well-being and Economic Opportunity.

“Community benefit is not just about addressing immediate needs, but about driving lasting impact,” explained UH Chief Government & Community Relations Officer Heidi L. Gartland, MHA, FACHE, CDM. “That shift is made possible by the strength of our people and partnerships. More than 32,000 caregivers bring this work to life every day, volunteering their time, sharing their expertise and building stronger connections across the communities we serve. At the same time, our collaboration with community organizations allows us to work together to address complex challenges in more effective ways.”

UH follows Internal Revenue Service guidelines to determine allowable community benefit contribution. UH’s investments include care provided to:

• Medicaid patients at a significant loss, since UH is reimbursed at well below the cost of that care ($78 million);
• Charity care to patients unable to pay their bills ($75 million);
• Clinical education and training for the next generation of healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurses ($127 million);
• Medical research investments ($71 million); and
• Community health improvement investments in surrounding neighborhoods ($50 million).

One component of UH's community health investment reflects the gap in government reimbursement received for care provided to patients covered by Medicaid, a healthcare safety-net program for low-income Ohioans. Medicaid reimbursement, which is set by the state of Ohio, pays well below the cost of care. UH underwrote this loss, reflecting its commitment to community health for all patients, regardless of their insurance coverage. Additionally, UH has intentionally invested in under-resourced neighborhoods where coverage is primarily Medicaid and charity care.

Community health improvement investments increased by $15 million, rising from $35 million in 2024 to $50 million in 2025, demonstrating UH's continued commitment to addressing community-identified health needs.

In 2025, UH also provided $11 million in medication cost assistance, helping 10,350 eligible patients access prescriptions.

Some of the key efforts highlighted in UH’s 2025 Community Health Investment Report, include:

• Maternal & Child Health: 
  • UH and LifeAct provided more than 55,000 students in schools across Ohio with suicide prevention and stress management education during the school year.
  • Nearly 8,000 meals were served to children through the UH Summer Lunch Program.
  • More than 3,600 children received vision check-ups through UH Rainbow Ahuja Center for Women & Children.
  • Nearly 2,000 people received mammograms via the UH Mobile Mammography Unit.
  • Rainbow Connects served more than 2,000 families via the walk-in resource center, providing diapers, emergency baby formula and food.
  • Approximately 900 children were helped by Medical Legal Partnership Services at UH Rainbow Ahuja Center for Women & Children.
  • More than 660 patients were screened for social needs at the UH Rainbow Ahuja Center for Women & Children.
  • More than 150 women participated in Centering Pregnancy, with many receiving one-on-one support from a mental health specialist.
  • Lead testing rates among children ages 12-24 months nearly doubled following implementation of in-office lead filter paper testing, eliminating the need for many families to go to the lab for a blood test.

• Well-being:
• More than 145,700 community residents participated in early detection screenings, health education, support groups, fitness programs and health-related events through UH hospitals.
• More than 6,200 people received fruits, vegetables and other items via UH Food for Life Markets®.
• UH Seidman Cancer Center patients had nearly 5,300 support and program interactions with The Gathering Place.
• More than 320 community members participated in the UH Diabetes Wellness Retreats.

• Economic Opportunity:
• More than 550 community members participated in the UH Youth Summit, along with 140 UH and community partner volunteers.
• More than 200 people were hired via community-focused workforce pipeline programs.
• More than 70 high school students participated in the UH Future Nurse Academy.
• More than 60 students participated in the UH Health Scholars program.

View or download the complete 2025 Community Health Investment Report here to read stories about these impactful programs: