Michael Indriolo

The debate over tax breaks for nonprofit Cleveland-area hospitals is also about racism and redlining

For years, hospitals and public policy wonks have been engaged in an ongoing debate over whether nonprofit hospitals provide adequate benefits to the community to make the tax breaks they receive a good deal for taxpayers. That debate is further complicated by the history of racist policies like redlining that still affect Clevelanders today.

Cleveland nonprofit hospitals get millions in property tax breaks. Many are asking, ‘Is it worth it?’

An Ideastream analysis of Cuyahoga County fiscal records shows that the clinic owned at least $2.4 billion in tax-exempt property countywide as of 2018 assessments. If that property was taxable, it would contribute about $84 million to government coffers annually.

Closed-door meetings leave residents in the dark on Cleveland’s plan to address health equity

Cleveland City Council created a coalition of government leaders and advocacy groups to dismantle systemic racism in the city when it declared racism a public health crisis two years ago. Since then, the coalition leadership says the group has met monthly in secrecy.

Cuyahoga County is trying to address decades of disinvestment in communities of color. Is it working?

Cuyahoga County officials say they’re committed to reducing health disparities through through economic development, but some local racial equity experts and community stakeholders question whether the county’s initiatives are having a real impact.

Hill

Photos: Making healthcare more accessible for Cleveland’s Congolese community

Snow fell outside last Saturday, but the mood was warmer inside the Amour Du Christ Church on Clark Avenue where a few of Cleveland’s Congolese refugees braved the cold for a health clinic.

Cuyahoga County declared racism a public health crisis two years ago. What’s happened since then?

Since declaring racism a public health crisis nearly two years ago, county government has shuffled departments around internally and directed resources in attempts to reverse decades of disinvestment in communities of color. Is it working?

Community health advocates build trust amid pandemic polarization

The pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge wrought with suffering and heartbreak for many community health advocates, but it has also underscored the trust-building nature of their work.

Clevelanders struggle to get help with utility bills

Federal programs exist, but how easy are they to access?

Community partnerships bring affordable internet to Cleveland neighborhoods, but will residents sign up for it?

MetroHealth is forging community partnerships to bring internet access into some of the least connected neighborhoods in Cleveland, but the antennas they’ve installed so far outpace interest in the program.