Good neighbors. A hospital and town cooperate to build a better community

The healthcare market in many communities is changing dramatically, with declining and aging populations, severe economic problems, urban distress, and growing proverty. Community hospitals that are prepared to serve this new market will not only find new patients but also build better communities. To accomplish these tasks, St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center, Youngstown, OH, has created the Educational Research and Development Center (ERDC). The ERDC's internal purpose is to help St. Elizabeth improve the quality of patient care while enhancing the community's quality of life and economic vitality. In carrying out its mandate, the ERDC concentrates on three activities: researching the changing healthcare environment; educating hospital staff on healthcare policy issues community concerns, and research methodology and assisting the community on social and economic issues. The ERDC acts as a consultant to other group in the hospital, undertakes its own research, an pursues joint ventures with other institutions. The ERDC's Health Education Center extends the educational mission outside the hospital. In partnership with a local merchants' association, a neighborhood revitalization group, and Youngstown economic development department, the ERDC has prepared a land-use study of the neighborhood adjacent to St. Elizabeth's main facilities.