The Evolving Role of Hospitals and Health Systems in Community Health and Emergency Preparedness

The COVID pandemic demonstrated the extraordinary dedication and resilience of the nation’s hospitals. But it also exacerbated longstanding financial pressures, workforce stability and shifts in the nature and expectations of care a trends that continue despite the lessening of the pandemic. A In addition to addressing medical needs, A today’s hospitals areA  expected to be a critical component of a broader system that deploys non-clinical approaches to improving health, preventing disease and reducing health disparities a something known as “community health” – while also preparing for emergencies. In this report, a panel of experts convened by the A  USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics A  and the A Aspen Institute’s Health Medicine & Society Program A offer recommendations for how hospitals can evolve to meet growing expectations while remaining financially viable.