Akron Children's Hospital has reported that community benefits are totaling more than $85.5 million in the year 2011, an 18 percent increase over the previous year of 2010.

The increases comes largely due to the increased cost to provide care to Medicaid patients and patient families who are unable to pay for all or part of their care.

Bernett Williams, vice president for external affairs tells AkronNewsNow that it's what Akron Children's Hospital is all about.

"This is right in line with Akron Children's Hospital and really our mission from the very beginning is to, which includes turning no child away regardless the ability to pay" says Williams.

Of the $85.5 million in total community benefits, Akron Children’s reported $74.7 million in un-reimbursed Medicaid uncompensated care, including charity care; $5.2 million in community programs and services; $3.9 million on education and training physicians, residents and fellows, students interns and nurses; and $1.7 million on research, advocacy and community partnerships.

Williams says that the $85.5 million is more of an investment.

"The 85.5 million dollars is really more of an investment. It has less to do with what we raised it's really what we contributed to our community" concluded Williams.