A Message from Cincinnati Children’s President and CEO Michael Fisher
Dear Friends,
When I speak to community groups, I often start by asking how many people in the room have brought their child or grandchild to Cincinnati Children’s. I’ve asked the question enough times to know what to expect: a sea of hands.
It’s always a vivid reminder of the impact Cincinnati Children’s has on the lives of families across our region ... and beyond.
Families have been counting on us for more than 128 years. In our first year, we admitted 38 children. Last year we reported more than 1 million patient encounters. But no matter how big we grow, our responsibility remains the same: to use our knowledge, skill and heartfelt dedication to improve the health and quality of life of children and their families.
We believe all children should have access to quality care and grow up in a community that nurtures their growth and development. Our efforts on behalf of children and families extend beyond the medical care we provide. Our community benefit activities are robust and wide ranging:
- Even in the face of declining reimbursement, we’re strengthening our commitment to being the safety net provider for children and teens with medical, dental and mental health needs.
- We’re working with partners across the community to reduce the rate of infant mortality, obesity and preventable injuries.
- We’re helping children with asthma and other chronic conditions be more successful at managing the disease at home, reducing their need for hospital care.
- We’re advancing knowledge, cures and treatments through our research, and we’re training the next generation of health professionals.
- We’re working with parents and schools, as well as civic, business and community leaders to make our community a safer, healthier environment.
- We’re advocating on behalf of children’s health with local, state and national policy makers.
- And we’re reaching out to assess the needs of the community to guide future initiatives.
Through these and many other activities, Cincinnati Children’s provided $503.5 million in community benefit services in fiscal 2011, a significant increase over our fiscal year 2010 total of $377 million.
As a leader in child healthcare, and one of the area’s largest employers, Cincinnati Children’s has the opportunity and obligation to enhance the quality of life in our community. We take that responsibility very seriously. We work very hard to make a difference.
But we don’t do this work alone. I want to thank the many partners who work with us every day. Together, we are building a better community.
Sincerely,
Michael Fisher,
President and CEO
