http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/
SITUATION
Faced with a shrinking foundation, Shriners Hospitals national board of directors proposed closing several Shriners Hospitals in 2009, including Spokane. In response to the news of a pending closure, the Spokane community rallied to its support. As a result, the Board agreed to keep the hospital open if it could bill insurance companies for patients that have coverage. The significant income from insurance payments would allow Spokane’s hospital to remain open. Unfortunately, the Washington State Department of Health insisted that Shriners complete a very lengthy, time consuming and expensive Certificate of Need (CON) process to proceed. Shriners felt that this was an unnecessary step and could force the closure of the hospital.
STRATEGY
The Shriners hired Gallatin Public Affairs to develop and implement a strategy allowing Shriners to proceed in billing insurance companies without having to engage the CON process. In coordination with the Shriners legal team, Gallatin crafted the supporting narrative and then utilized its local, state and federal political relationships to set up a series of conversations for Shriner executives to tell their compelling story.
OUTCOME
As a result of these actions, DOH dropped its CON requirement and the Shriners have started billing insurance companies. Income from insurance companies will largely cover the annual operating expenses of the ShrinersHospital. This will allow Shriners to continue providing specialized health care services for the children in the region regardless of their ability to pay.
“Quite frankly, without the expertise, advice and strategy of Gallatin Public Affairs, the outcome for our hospital may have turned out very differently. We have Gallatin to thank in part, for helping to ensure our bright future.”
Gene Raynaud – Administrator, Shriners Hospitals for Children - Spokane
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2009 Case Study - Helena Food Share
The Excellence in Nonprofit Communications (ENC) program was launched in 2008 after Toni Broadbent, owner of Allegra Print & Imaging in Helena, approached MNA Executive Director, Brian Magee, about ways to assist local nonprofits in strengthening their communication efforts. Toni and Brian approached other potential partners who could play a key role in providing consulting services, products, or financial assistance to the program.
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Shriners Hospitals for Children