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William W Backus Hospital

EIN 06-0250773 · Norwich, CT

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong96 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To improve the health and healing of the people and communities we serve.

Income
$630.7 million
Spending
$554.5 million
Spent on programs
93%
Reserves
15.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 98%
Employees
2,586
Volunteers
207
Highest pay
$1.1 million, director/president

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 96 out of 100. Higher than 93% of charities in its peer group (health care, over $100m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 15.6 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 19% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 12% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 8% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    93% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 33 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 53% of charities in its peer group (health care, over $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    9 of 11 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $55.3 million spent. Cancer:During FY25, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute expanded and refined community-focused cancer support services addressing priority community health needs identified through the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), including behavioral health, social determinants of health, nutrition, financial toxicity, caregiver support, and access to specialty supportive care.In FY25, services reached thousands of patients through psychosocial counseling, social work navigation, nutrition care, financial counseling, and peer support programs. Expanded staffing and virtual modalities improved access, while ongoing evaluation ensured alignment with identified community health needs.Psycho-oncology: Quality of Life Program (QOL):CHNA alignment: Behavioral health access, emotional support, continuity of care*1367 completed appointmentsHighlight: QOL services ensured continued access to evidence-based psychosocial oncology care, particularly for patients facing transportation, geographic, or work-related barriers.Expanded access integrating a post-doc fellow (.4FTE), offering non-billable services through training program to reduce barriers. Provided clinical supervision for psycho-oncology to support Ph.D work. Services continue to reach geographically dispersed patients and lower-barrier populations through telehealth.Oncology Social Work:CHNA alignment: Social determinants of health, financial distress, care coordinationSocial workers addressed housing insecurity, transportation barriers, employment loss, caregiver strain, and financial distress, supporting equitable cancer care access across regions.* 2,216 referralsTotal Referral Comparison (Selected Regions)Region FY24 FY25 % ChangeHartford 1,013 779 -23%Central & NW 355 415 +17%HOCC/CHH 251 489 +95%East 311 421 +35%SVMC 352 112 -68%Overall, FY25 showed better regional alignment of services to community need, particularly in underserved and growing regions.Highlights: Created referral order to streamline access to services across the system. Increased staffing by 1 FTE (CENTRAL).Oncology Registered Dietitian Services:CHNA alignment: Nutrition insecurity, treatment tolerance, chronic disease managementNutrition services supported treatment adherence, symptom management, and food security particularly for patients experiencing financial or functional vulnerability.* 4,336 patient encountersTotal Patient Volume (Assessments + Follow-ups)Site FY24 FY25 ChangeMidstate Medical Center 1,281 1,084 -197Hartford Hospital 1,405 1,434 +29The Hospital of Central CT 912 969 +57Backus Hospital 401 621 +220Charlotte Hospital 0 228 +228 Highlight: Increased staffing by 1.2FTEs (1 FF& .2 HTFD)Backus and Charlotte hospitals both showed substantial growth, addressing prior regional gaps. Hartford Hospital volume growth reflects FTE expansion from 0.6 0.8.Financial Counseling/Coordination:CHNA alignment: Financial hardship, insurance access, health equityFinancial counseling mitigated cancer-related financial distress and supported patient navigation through insurance, assistance programs, and care affordability.FY25 Status:* Financial counseling services expanded in Central/NW, Hartford, and Fairfield regions* No standardized Epic workflow or metrics, limiting quantifiable FY comparison at this time Integration achieved through collaboration with: * Financial Aid* Authorization departments* Oncology care teamsHighlight: Increased staffing by 1FTE (FF)Support Groups & Educational series:CHNA alignment: Mental health, caregiver support, patient educationSupport groups reduced isolation, enhanced coping skills, and delivered disease-specific education to patients and caregivers across HHC's service area.* 505 participantsHighlights: Added 2 new support groups- Head & Neck Support Group and Lymphedema Support Group (partnership with Rehab to facilitate)* 10 condition-specific and caregiver groups offered* Virtual and hybrid formats enhanced accessibilityTopics included: * Breast, prostate, GI, gynecologic, brain, head & neck cancers* Advanced cancer* Caregiver support* Nutrition educationCommunity-Based Cancer Outreach & Education (FY25):In FY25, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute conducted extensive community outreach focused on cancer education, prevention, screening, and early detection. Through 180 community events, mobile screening programs, and partnerships with hospitals, FQHCs, and community clinics, services reached thousands of individuals statewide, many of whom were uninsured or medically underserved. These efforts resulted in early cancer detection, improved access to preventive services, and reduced health disparities across Hartford HealthCare's communities. During FY25, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute conducted extensive community outreach activities focused on education, prevention, screening, and clinical trial awareness, reaching individuals statewide many of whom experience barriers related to insurance status, geography, income, or system navigation.FY25 Outcomes:Community outreach activities increased cancer awareness, reduced barriers to preventive care, and promoted equitable participation in clinical research particularly among populations traditionally underrepresented in oncology trials.*180 community outreach events held statewide* ~3,200 individuals received cancer education* 9 cancer prevention education events, reaching 338 attendees* 11 cancer screening outreach events, resulting in 291 completed screenings* Screening focus areas included: - Prostate - Colorectal - Skin - Head & neck cancers * 143 new patients enrolled in clinical trials, supporting equitable access to innovative cancer treatmentsStrategic Outreach & Priority Populations:Strategic outreach ensured cancer prevention and early detection services reached communities with the greatest unmet health needs, advancing Hartford HealthCare's commitment to health equity.CHNA alignment: Health disparities, underserved populations, geographic access*Statewide outreach
  2. $59.5 million spent. Gastroenterology:The Hartford HealthCare Digestive Health Institute leads the way in prevention, treatment, surgery, and research, caring for more patients than any other digestive health program in Connecticut. Our comprehensive institute model allows specialists to collaborate with each other and you, tapping the most innovative technology available to ensure you receive the best, most advanced personalized care.At each Digestive Health Institute location across the state, you will experience the same sense of teamwork and compassion. We have earned national awards, accreditations, and recognition for the work we do in digestive disease and obesity management, but our greatest reward is helping you feel better.Gastroenterologists perform many specialized tests, such as endoscopy, to diagnose or treat diseases. When necessary, they may consult with surgeons. At the completion of the Fiscal Year FY25, the Division of Gastroenterology at Backus Hospital had 17,527 cases with an average length of stay of 4.7 days.
  3. $48.2 million spent. Bone and Joint:Our expert teams at Backus and throughout Hartford HealthCare provide comprehensive orthopedic care before, during and after surgery. Starting with our Total Care joint replacement education program, patients can learn about their surgery, what to expect, how to prepare and rehabilitation options.When it is time for surgery, it is performed by specially trained physicians in surgical suites with the latest technology, including Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery, a less invasive and more precise robotic technology for hip and knee procedures.When surgery is complete, Backus has an expertly trained, compassionate staff to help patients get back on their feet again. Once out of the hospital, Backus and Windham hospitals offer a wide range of physical therapy and rehabilitation options in Norwich, Waterford, Colchester, and Storrs. Backus is the only trauma center in all of Eastern Connecticut, with specially designed trauma rooms, highly trained staff and LIFESTAR helicopter stationed on the hospital grounds.Backus Hospital offers the latest robotic surgery techniques for hip and knee procedures. Our expert team can help patients decide what is right for them with the goal of helping patients to live pain free.The Knee and Hip Replacement program at Backus Hospital has earned the prestigious Advanced Gold Seal of Approval by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission's national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care. This certification award recognizes our dedication to continuous compliance with state-of-the-art standards of quality care for patients and families as well as safety measures, including infection prevention and control, leadership, and medication management.At the completion of the Fiscal Year FY25, the Division had 39,722 cases with an average length of stay of 4.62 days.
  4. $352.1 million spent. Backus Hospital has provided quality health care to the residents of Eastern Connecticut since 1893. Backus Hospital includes The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich; health centers in Montville, Colchester, Ledyard, Norwich and North Stonington; the Backus Outpatient Care Center in Norwich; the Plainfield Backus Emergency Care Center, which is a stand-alone emergency department and outpatient center. It is the only trauma center in Windham and New London Counties and houses one of Hartford HealthCare's LIFE STAR helicopters.Backus Hospital was named one of America's 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades, placing it in the top 5% of hospitals in the country and an overall leader in clinical excellence. The hospital was one of three at Hartford HealthCare named to the America's Best list for 2022 and was also recognized by Healthgrades with Excellence Awards in pulmonary care, stroke care, and critical care. The distinction places it in the top 10% of the nation's hospitals in each area.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending September 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since December 1951.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.