Riverview partners with Red Bank community

During the Sept. 25 meeting of the Red Bank Borough Council, discussion focused on plans to offset the borough's perceived nonprofit tax burden. In his remarks specifically about Riverview Medical Center, Councilman John Curley claimed that the hospital "doesn't pay a dime" and "they make an awful lot of money."

What Councilman Curley neglected to mention is the immense value that Riverview Medical Center brings to the community.

By their very nature, hospitals exist as a community benefit as they provide access to health care and do so regardless of an individual's ability to pay and regardless of an insurer's willingness to pay.

Last year, Riverview provided nearly $6 million in charity care. Riverview's Family Health Center, which provides both medical and preventive care for Red Bank's low-income and uninsured residents, took care of nearly 9,000 patients in 2005. In addition, we provided free health education, programs and screenings for nearly 12,000 teens, adults, seniors and minorities, both in the medical center and throughout the community.

And, while care of the underserved remains a central mission of our hospital, promoting and protecting the health and well-being of the entire community - through responsive programs and facilities and the highest quality care - is just as important for all our patients.

While Riverview is a not-for-profit organization and does not pay property taxes, the medical center makes many substantial economic contributions to Red Bank.

Riverview is the single largest employer in Red Bank, with approximately 160 of its 1,450 employees residing in Red Bank. Riverview's employees and physicians not only work in Red Bank, but they support the economy as patrons of local businesses and services. Many are involved, as volunteers, in Red Bank-based charitable and service organizations, such as the Salvation Army, Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, YMCA, RiverCenter and the Parker Family Health Center.

Riverview is a contributor to many Red Bank-based nonprofit organizations such as the Parker Family Health Center, and has, for many years, been a significant sponsor of major tourist and revenue-generating events such as the Red Bank Jazz and Blues Festival, the George Sheehan Classic and RiverCenter events, just to name a few. Riverview's employees and physicians are committed to Red Bank, sharing a sense of community that goes far beyond the walls of the medical center.

Riverview Medical Center has a proud 75-year history of being part of the Red Bank community. We continuously strive to improve and enhance the hospital services and facilities so that Red Bank residents need to go no further than their own backyard to find the quality health care they need, expect and deserve. From a new emergency care center and the only accredited inpatient rehabilitation center in the county, to revolutionary cancer resources and a medical staff that has cared for generations of families, Riverview remains committed to Red Bank and its surrounding communities. And while Riverview operates at a break-even or low margin most years, any and all surplus funds go directly back into the facility to ensure that the staff, technology and facilities can meet the changing health-care needs of our patients.

As a Red Bank resident, my family and I share the council's commitment to Red Bank's future. This is a thriving town and an exceptional community within which to live, work and raise a family. As a resident, I feel extremely fortunate to have such incredible and diverse resources right in our own community.

As president of Riverview Medical Center, I recognize the importance of being a good neighbor and take great pride in the quality care that my staff delivers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We value our relationship with the town and remain committed to supporting Red Bank initiatives and helping those in need. Working together, Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank residents, local businesses and the Borough Council can certainly do great things to benefit the Red Bank community.

Tim Hogan

president

Riverview Medical Center