A recent economic assessment has revealed that Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) of Lake City has provided more than $1.16 million in community benefits throughout the Calhoun County in 2017. This includes more than $90,000 in uncompensated care and nearly a quarter million dollars in discounted community benefits for residents. The statewide report from the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) showed a total of community benefits from hospitals at more than $880 million dollars that encompassed over $224 million in charity care. The healthcare organization has also completed community needs assessments and developed programs to provide educational opportunities on the challenges that are being faced. According to CEO, Cindy Carstens, this has resulted in the development of healthy cooking classes, a diabetes prevention program, classes on pulmonary and cardiac health, pain management and rehabilitation services. “Not only do we focus on the education of our communities, we focus on the educational opportunities for future healthcare providers,” Carstens says. […] “Our organization is a key clinical site for future nurse practitioners and physician assistants from our Iowa colleges as well as providing clinical rotations for physical therapists, nurses, radiology and laboratory technicians.”