$440K in expenses

Charitable Care - The charitable care program - Wy Jo Care and Metro Care - procures donated specialty medical care and coordinates that care for uninsured individuals in the KC area. This program relies on donated healthcare services to execute its mission. The program facilitates the donation of healthcare services to individuals and does not receive or distribute goods or services. In 2024, the Kansas City Medical Society (KCMS) Foundation deepened its commitment to improving access to specialty care for uninsured and underserved individuals across the Kansas City metropolitan region. Through strong partnerships with hospitals, physician practices, imaging centers, laboratories, and other healthcare providers, the Foundation coordinated approximately 2,460 medical services for people unable to access health insurance who also have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level. These medical services-ranging from diagnostic imaging and specialist consultations to surgeries and ongoing treatments-were provided entirely at no cost to the patient. Participating providers donate their time, expertise, equipment, and facilities, and report self-pay equivalent charges to document the value of care donated. Based on comparable trends from 2023, the estimated value of these donated services in 2024 is projected to exceed $9 million. For the people served, donated care directly translates into better health outcomes, restored ability to work, improved capacity to care for family members, and reduced risk of medical debt. Patients are spared the economic devastation that can result from untreated illness, emergency room reliance, or prolonged time away from work. For primary care clinics, connecting patients with timely specialty services and diagnostics allows providers to more effectively manage complex cases at the primary care level. This enhances the quality of care, reduces preventable complications, and helps clinics serve a larger patient population with confidence that follow-up care is available. For donating hospitals and providers, providing care in a planned, outpatient setting is a more cost-effective and clinically sound alternative to emergency or crisis-driven interventions. These contributions reduce uncompensated care costs, improve continuity of care, and allow hospitals and practices to invest in community health in a strategic and meaningful way. For the community, this model reduces the burden on emergency departments, increases the efficiency of the local health system, and fosters a healthier, more economically stable population. It also reinforces trust in the healthcare system, demonstrating that community partners can work together to meet critical health needs compassionately and effectively.

$68K in expenses

Advocacy - KCMS Foundation advances access to healthcare through advocacy supporting access to Medicaid. That advocacy includes direct and grassroots lobbying, regulatory advocacy, and education on healthcare access.

$13K in expenses

Health Education / Retired Physicians Organization - In 2024, the physicians serving on the KCMS Wellness and Prevention Committee contributed a total of 159 volunteer hours, representing an in-kind value of $16,931.42 (based on the Independent Sector's estimated hourly value of physician volunteer time: $169.38/hour). Throughout the year, the committee advanced initiatives that elevated physician well-being and addressed urgent community health needs in greater Kansas City. Their work to reform hospital credentialing language helped reduce stigma around mental health, aligning with the Dr. Lorna Breen Act and supporting the development of peer support and mentorship programs. These efforts culminated in the inaugural Physician Suicide Awareness Campaign, which included community events, educational materials, and peer-led discussions to promote wellness across the medical profession. In addition, the committee expanded opioid overdose prevention efforts through NarcanTM training in schools and community organizations and supported the launch of a student-led social media campaign focused on harm reduction. The group also contributed to the development of a Diabetes Self-Management curriculum centered on health equity and social determinants of health. This physician-led committee continues to serve as a vital force for wellness, prevention, and advocacy-impacting both the medical community and the broader population it serves. Also in 2024, the Retired Physicians Organization (RPO), a program of the Foundation, continued its mission of advancing community health education and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. RPO volunteer physicians provided 243 hours of community service, including preparation, travel, and delivery of health education presentations across the Kansas City area. These presentations reached 2,163 individuals through 46 unique venue requests, including community centers, faith-based organizations, and partner agency events. Using the Independent Sector's 2024 estimated value of physician volunteer time at $169.38 per hour, this contribution represents an in-kind service donation valued at $41,159.34. The impact of this service goes beyond economic value-RPO's efforts helped improve community health skills, addressed common medical concerns in accessible language, and provided trusted guidance from experienced physicians. By meeting the needs of community groups and agency partners with tailored, health-focused programming, RPO reinforced the Foundation's commitment to health equity and grassroots engagement. These presentations often serve as the only source of reliable, physician-led health information for many underserved populations in the area, strengthening public health outcomes and building trust between medical professionals and the communities they serve.