“No margin, no mission” is a familiar refrain in healthcare — and for good reason. Leaders devoted to serving their communities know that strong finances are essential to realizing their mission. Yet today, many health systems are grappling with steep fiscal challenges. Rising expenses, shrinking reimbursements, and shifting policy landscapes are forcing executives to make difficult decisions about closing services, reducing staff, and scaling back community programs.

Labor costs remain persistently high, driving organizations to invest heavily in talent pipelines and retention strategies to reduce reliance on contract labor and ensure staffing stability. Amid these pressures, leaders are keeping a close watch on the broader economic climate and preparing for multiple scenarios. “We need

See Full Page