Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) has released its 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance report, which details the health system’s ongoing efforts to strive for excellence in serving patients, associates and communities while safeguarding the environment and its resources.
“Working to protect the earth, helping people and communities thrive, and holding ourselves accountable are fundamental to all of us at Bon Secours Mercy Health,” said John Starcher, Bon Secours Mercy Health President and CEO. “Our ministry’s Values, along with our Mission and alignment with Catholic Social Teaching, guide us in our dedication to doing what’s right for the world and for others.”
BSMH’s focus is influenced by Pope Francis’ 2015 Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’, which examines the Church’s views on the importance of caring for our environment and all people.
The 2024 ESG report highlights a number of key organizational initiatives that reflect these imperatives, including:
· Support of environmental goals through a strong operations framework: Guided by BSMH governance and executive goals, ongoing oversight and operational support of the organization’s ESG commitments are provided by both system and local teams. Together, the teams are working to reduce waste, promote sustainability, and conserve resources. In markets, Green Teams oversee and facilitate ESG activities designed specifically to address their facility and community needs. This focus has led to eight Energy Star certifications across the footprint, and the ministry’s Reuse + Recycle program sent 193 tons of electronic equipment to certified processing facilities instead of landfills.
· Extension of environmental efforts through partnerships and pledges: BSMH is committed to building a sustainable culture through environmental stewardship and partnerships. Through relationships with organizations like the Healthcare Anchor Network, Practice Greenhealth and more, we are able to extend our impact.
· Commitment to enhancing community health outcomes and investing in communities: Across BSMH, we strive to ensure that all patients, especially those who are poor and underserved, have access to high-quality, safe health care by addressing key social determinants of health and focusing on a culture of safety across all levels of the organization. Our community health focus is determined by a Community Health Needs Assessment, conducted regularly to ensure we are meeting the needs of the communities we serve, and we are tracking 250 strategies tied to these assessments. In the last year, BSMH provided more than $600 million in community benefit, alleviating cost as a barrier to health care for our patients in need.
· Extending our healing ministry globally: Through Bon Secours Mercy Health Global Ministries, BSMH is continuing the work of its founding women religious – improving health, especially for women and children in Peru, Haiti and South Sudan. Last year, we provided $1.6 million in support.
· Creation of an inclusive, diverse workplace to enhance our care for patients and communities: BSMH is working to attract and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Seramount recently recognized these efforts nationally, naming BSMH to the 2023 Top Companies for Women Executives and 2023 Best Companies for Multicultural Women lists. In addition, BSMH was named one of Seramount’s 100 Best Companies, which spotlights the ministry’s commitment to inclusive benefits for families. The ministry also led the way in its commitment to hiring diverse associates at every level across the organization.
· Focus on cybersecurity: BSMH is focused on protecting our associate and patient data through internal assessments, working with qualified outside experts, best practice adoption, issue mitigation and preparation. We are committed to staying vigilant and proactive, understanding that achieving best-in-class security is an ongoing journey that requires constant attention.
· Intentionally approaching governance and leadership with high standards of integrity and transparency: Strong compliance program oversight coupled with ethical standards and a focus on risk allows BSMH to operate with integrity and transparency.