About Our Members

Since the establishment of the first public hospital in the United States in the early 1700s, hospitals with a mission to serve the vulnerable have been an essential part of our nation’s health care delivery system.

In the 21st century, these hospitals continue their long tradition of quality and service to the community.  By delivering care to America’s growing number of working uninsured families, providing world-class trauma and emergency care, preparing for and responding to the threat of terrorism, epidemics, and natural disasters, and training the next generation of physicians, nurses, and dentists, our hospitals and health systems ensure our nation’s communities are healthy and strong.

With nearly a third of the U.S. population made up of Hispanic/Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders, and American Indian/Alaska Natives, our member hospitals and their employees reflect the diversity of their communities and place an emphasis on the delivery of culturally competent care.

America's essential hospitals and health systems stand for quality of care, access for all, and service to the community.

Resources for this section

  • What is an Essential Hospital?

    Essential hospitals and health systems ensure access to high-quality health care for low-income, uninsured, and vulnerable populations. They also provide vital community services upon which all depend, such as trauma and burn care, neonatal intensive care, emergency psychiatric services, public health functions, medical education, and research.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    What is an essential hospital, how is it financed, who are its patients? What role do our members play in their communities? Find answers to these and other common questions.

From: 
Email:  
To: 
Email:  
Subject: 
Message: