Fairview’s 2025 community impact: Making health happen for our patients and communities

The newly released 2025 Community Impact Report highlights Fairview's $1.6 billion investment in healthier communities through innovative partnerships and programs that address social needs, workforce development, research, education, and efforts to improve access to care. These investments reflect a longstanding commitment to advancing health equity and building stronger, more resilient communities.

"Improving health requires more than excellent medical care in our hospitals and clinics-it requires strong partnerships, trust, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve," said John Swanholm, vice president of Community Advancement. "We are proud to work alongside community members and local organizations to address the challenges that impact health and wellbeing, helping build a healthier future for Minnesotans and beyond."

Addressing the social factors that shape health
Health happens in many places-not just in healthcare settings. Access to nutritious food, stable housing, social connection, education, transportation, and economic opportunity all play an important role in determining health and wellbeing. Fairview focuses on these social determinants of health through its Community Advancement team and the Center for Community Health Equity.

Guided by findings from the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessments, Fairview continues to prioritize three areas:

• Accessing and navigating care and resources.
• Addressing structural racism and barriers to equity.
• Cultivating trust, belonging, and healing.

These priorities are helping shape investments, partnerships, and programs throughout the health system.

Accessing and navigating care and resources
Fairview works with nearly 250 community partners to bring care and resources directly into neighborhoods where people live, learn, and gather. In 2025, the Community Clinical Care team administered 7,874 free vaccines at 593 community events, while Fairview's six cultural brokers provided 6,293 client encounters, helping people navigate healthcare and community services.

Addressing structural racism and barriers to equity
Through the Center for Community Health Equity, Fairview partners with communities to address the root causes of poor health through initiatives such as Food is Medicine, Housing is Health, and Connection is Cure. In 2025, 6,759 people received nutritious food through Fair Table, Fairview's Food is Medicine programs, and 66% of medically tailored meal participants reported feeling better able to manage their health conditions.

Cultivating trust, belonging, and healing
Strong communities are built on connection, trust, and support. Through programs, partnerships, and welcoming community spaces, Fairview is helping people come together and access resources that promote wellbeing. In 2025, the Fairview Community Health and Wellness Hub hosted 325 gatherings, and 984 individuals completed Psychological First Aid training to better support themselves and others during challenging times.

Connecting clinical care with community wellness
Fairview's community impact extends beyond our hospitals and clinics by connecting clinical care with the resources people need to thrive. Through partnerships and community-based programs, Fairview helps address needs such as housing, food access, preventive screenings, and digital health literacy. In 2025, Fairview helped 39 individuals experiencing homelessness secure stable housing after a hospital stay, 9,055 patients received breast cancer screenings through mobile mammography services, and 93 uninsured or underinsured adults received free colonoscopies.

Supporting rural health and wellbeing
Fairview Range Grand Itasca hospitals work closely with local partners to improve health and wellbeing across rural Minnesota. In 2025, Range reached 556 students through youth mental health programming and Grand Itasca employees volunteered 110 hours at Project Care Free Clinic. Employees from both organizations served on 26 community boards and committees, helping address local health needs and strengthen community connections.

Investing in the future of healthcare
Education and research remain central to Fairview's mission. In 2025, Fairview supported 5,588 student learners, residents, and fellows and contributed to 1,404 active clinical trials, helping advance medical discoveries and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.

National recognition for community impact
Fairview's community impact earned national attention in 2025. The health system received the 2025 Foster G. McGaw Prize from the American Hospital Association, a prestigious award recognizing outstanding and sustained contributions to community health. Fairview is the first Minnesota health system in nearly 30 years to receive the honor. The award reflects more than a decade of work to address community health needs, reduce barriers to care, and partner with communities to improve health outcomes.

Whether providing food access, supporting housing stability, improving healthcare access, advancing health equity, or preparing the next generation of healthcare workers, Fairview remains committed to improving health and wellbeing for all. Together with community members, employees, and trusted partners, Fairview continues to make health happen-inside and outside its walls.