Intermountain Health reports $746M in community benefits for Southwest Utah in 2023

In a recent Iron County Commission meeting, community health and local initiatives took center stage, highlighting the vital role of Cedar City Hospital and the upcoming Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games.

The meeting opened with a presentation from Cedar City Hospital, emphasizing its nonprofit status and commitment to community care. The hospital's representatives detailed how their profits are reinvested into local services rather than distributed to shareholders, a stark contrast to for-profit healthcare institutions. In 2023 alone, Cedar City Hospital contributed $469 million in taxes and invested $746 million in community benefits, significantly exceeding state and federal requirements.

Local statistics showcased the hospital's impact, with over 200,000 patient encounters and substantial charity care exceeding $6 million in 2024. The hospital is also expanding its emergency department to include more behavioral health rooms, addressing a growing need in Iron County. This expansion reflects the hospital's ongoing commitment to mental health services, which are expected to be a key focus in the upcoming community health needs assessment.

Following the hospital's presentation, John Oglesby from the Utah Summer Games shared exciting updates about this year’s events. With record participation numbers and new partnerships, including one with the Las Vegas Raiders for youth football, the games are poised to enhance community engagement and tourism. Oglesby highlighted the importance of collaboration with local organizations to ensure the success of the games, which will feature a grand opening ceremony with the largest fireworks display in the event's history.

As the meeting concluded, commissioners expressed gratitude for the hospital's contributions and the positive impact of the summer games on the community. The discussions underscored a shared commitment to improving health services and fostering community spirit in Iron County, setting a hopeful tone for the future.