Why is there so much interest these days in community benefit? Three reasons come to mind.

First, there are public policy and other challenges to health care organizations' tax exempt status and questions as to whether they are truly community benefit organizations. Learn about CHA's position on community benefit and tax-exempt status.

Second, our communities need us more than ever before. Nearly 46 million people lack access to health care because they are uninsured. Serious public health problems are escalating, including asthma, diabetes, and obesity. Visit the Health Reform section of CHA's website to learn about the issue and how you can help.

Third, community benefit programs work. Catholic health care organizations that track measurable program goals find that successful programs reduce preventable emergency department an other hospital admissions, improve the management of chronic illness, and have a positive impact on community health.