As a not-for-profit health care system, St. Mary’s is committed not only to our patients but also to the communities we serve. St. Mary’s is proud to give back to Athens and Northeast Georgia, which have supported our institution for more than a century. Community Benefit is the process by which St. Mary’s measures and reports the impact on our community of health improvement services, health professions education, research, and financial and in-kind contributions. Because we are a Catholic health care system, Community Benefit is a vital part of our mission and values. Community Benefit is also one of the justifications for our not-for-profit tax status.