Five AHN Hospitals Receive Medical Block Grant from the Addison Gibson Foundation

Pittsburgh, PA — The Addison Gibson Foundation awarded a medical block grant in the amount of $275,000.00 to Allegheny Health Network (AHN) to support those patients most in need of medical and financial assistance.

With the grant, AHN hopes to assure that patients with financial difficulties receive quality care, effective treatment decisions and exceptional patient experience. Aggregated among Allegheny General, Allegheny Valley, Canonsburg, Grove City and West Penn hospitals, the funds will be used for resident patients whose incomes do not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level and who are in need of surgical or medical treatment that will improve their quality of life.

An estimated 5.4 million Americans have lost health insurance coverage between February and March of this year because of layoffs related to the coronavirus (COVID-19), according to consumer advocacy group Families U.S.A. According to the U.S. Department of Welfare, Pennsylvania ranks 22nd in poverty rate at 13.1 percent, with one out of every 7.6 residents living in poverty. Children under 6 in Pennsylvania are the highest number, living at a poverty rate of 20.9 percent.

Furthermore, the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that in the last decade, the percentage of non-elderly Pennsylvanians who received health coverage through work decreased from 76.4 percent to 65.5 percent. The number (1.36 million) and share (12.8 percent) of non-elderly Pennsylvanians who are uninsured remains unchanged since 2008-2009. Both the number and the share of non-elderly people without health insurance in Pennsylvania have increased since prior to the recession and in the last decade.

“We are honored to fulfill the legacy of Mr. Gibson as a recipient of this generous block of grants”, said Allie Quick, AHN Chief Philanthropy Officer. “Allegheny Health Network recognizes the medical necessity of those who cannot afford healthcare costs, and we are grateful to the Addison Gibson Foundation for partnering with us to offer underserviced patients in our communities the opportunity to receive quality medical treatment and a first rate patient experience."

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