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In 2005, Washington Citizen Action (WCA) began an organizing campaign targeting the billing and charity care policies of Providence St. Peter Hospital (PSPH) in Thurston County. Providence is the largest hospital chain in the Northwest. They are also among the wealthiest, with Providence St. Peter´s boasting annual profits exceeding $16 million. Yet many WCA members were denied access to charity care even though they were eligible, and the ensuing medical debt has created hardship for innumerable families.
WCA members from the Thurston County chapter began calling on PSPH to fulfill its mission to "serve the poor and vulnerable." In October of 2005, they met with the CEO and CFO of the hospital, where they presented their recommendations and delivered the postcards and letters of support. The hospital rejected the demands and refused to meet further.
To take their campaign to the next level, WCA released a report titled
"People or Profits? Providence St. Peter Hospital Fails in its Charitable Mission."
Washington Citizen Action is continuing the fight for fair billing practices at Providence St. Peter.
Coverage of the Providence St. Peter Campaign: