BETHLEHEM, Pa. — St. Luke's University Health Network for the third year in a row is the top health system in Pennsylvania for charitable giving, according to a report by the Lown Institute.
St. Luke's said its "fair share" surplus was greater than any other hospital in the commonwealth.
Such a surplus means it spends more on charity and community investment than it receives in tax breaks, according to Lown.
“This report’s findings confirm St. Luke’s longstanding commitment to the communities we serve."St. Luke's University Hospital President Wendy Lazo
For the purposes of the report, the surplus applies to St. Luke's Fountain Hill and Allentown campuses and amounts to $8.8 million.
Three other St. Luke's hospitals — the Easton, Miners and Upper Bucks campuses — were among the 14 hospitals in Pennsylvania with a fair share surplus, St. Luke's said.
The other surplus amounts were:
- $4.6 million at the Easton campus in Northampton County;
- $2.7 million at the Miners campus in Schuylkill County;
- $2.5 million at the Upper Bucks campus.
“This report’s findings confirm St. Luke’s longstanding commitment to the communities we serve,” St. Luke’s University Hospital President Wendy Lazo said in a news release.
“At St. Luke’s, our culture and values have resulted in meaningful investments and sustained engagement in our communities, from downtown neighborhoods to rural enclaves – which is why St. Luke’s has been widely recognized nationally, regionally and locally for our service and dedication.”
Lown's report said only five states had a majority of their hospitals with a fair share surplus — Delaware, Montana, Maryland, Texas and Utah.
Five other states had 97% or more of their hospitals with a fair share deficit — Michigan, West Virginia, Louisiana, Washington and Rhode Island.
According to Lown, other Pennsylvania hospitals with a fair share spending surplus were:
- The Washington Hospital, Washington: $12.8 million
- UPMC Cole, Coudersport: $12.5 million
- Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Darby: $5.7 million
- Meadville Medical Center, Meadville: $5.6 million
- Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, Philadelphia: $2.9 million
- Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre: $2.3 million
- Saint Mary Medical Center, Langhorne: $2 million
- UPMC Lititz: $1.8 million
- Penn Highlands Elk, Saint Marys: $1.7 million
- Penn Highlands Connellsville: $271,000
