Laundry and linen may not always receive the same attention as other healthcare expenses, but limited visibility and inconsistent practices can quietly create significant costs across a health system.

USA Health, a roughly 1,000-bed system located in the Mobile, AL MSA, recently worked with Valify to take a closer look at linen utilization, billing, workflows and loss across its three acute care locations and associated freestanding emergency departments and clinics. The review helped the organization identify opportunities to improve oversight, strengthen linen practices and reduce expenses.

As Andy Motz, vice president of advisory services for Valify, explained in a recent article in The Source, “If health systems aren’t taking a close look at the opportunity to reduce linen charges, they are potentially missing a strong driver of value.”
 

Turning analysis into action 

Valify, a strategic partner of HealthTrust Performance Group GPO, helps healthcare organizations gain greater visibility into purchased services spending through data categorization, quality control, benchmarking and advisory support. Its experts work with healthcare stakeholders to identify savings opportunities while improving service levels. Valify also gives healthcare providers access to Valify’s Preferred Supplier Network without requiring exclusive membership.

Following its review with Valify, USA Health transitioned to Crown’s linen rental and management services in November 2025. Crown is a HealthTrust supplier, contract #55237. During the first eight months of service, Crown processed more than 1.5 million pounds of healthcare linen for USA Health.

With better visibility into its linen program and a stronger foundation for managing utilization, inventory and replacement costs, USA Health was able to see: 

• $400,000 in verified savings 
• A 60% reduction in lost-linen replacement costs 
• Improved billing and utilization visibility 
• Stronger inventory controls and reporting 
• More consistent linen-handling practices across locations 

These results show what can happen when Valify’s analysis and advisory expertise, a strong HealthTrust contract, Crown’s linen management support and an engaged healthcare team work together. 
 

Education was a critical part of the solution

Data can reveal where linen is being lost or overused, but sustainable improvement depends on what happens inside a healthcare facility each day.

As part of our service, Crown provided a customized linen education video, tailored signage and supporting materials at no additional cost to help USA Health employees better understand how proper linen handling affects both operational efficiency and overall linen costs. The education addressed practical issues such as placing linen in the correct collection points, separating rejected items for return and 100% credit, and avoiding the use of reusable linen for unintended tasks.

Chase Labrato, system director of materials management at USA Health, and the USA Health team took the equally important step of supporting these educational efforts and reinforcing good linen practices throughout the organization. Their leadership helped move the initiative beyond analysis and into everyday operations.

As Labrato noted, “The cost of uncovering all of this lost linen was astounding to us.”

USA Health deserves recognition for engaging its teams and communicating the importance of responsible linen use. This step is often missed, but it is essential. Education is most effective when health care leaders support the message and employees understand that every sheet, towel, blanket and patient gown is a reusable health care asset, not a disposable supply.
 

A collaborative approach to linen management

Crown is proud to support USA Health as its healthcare linen provider and to work alongside a team committed to thoughtful stewardship, operational improvement and patient care. 

The experience also highlights the value Valify brings to healthcare organizations. By combining detailed spend analysis, operational reviews and purchased services expertise, Valify helps healthcare leaders identify areas where costs may be hidden and stronger processes can improve performance.

For other health systems, the takeaway is clear: Meaningful linen savings begin with visibility, but lasting results require data, accountability, education and collaboration.
 

Take a closer look at your linen program

Crown’s white paper, “Reducing Linen Loss Across Healthcare Settings,” examines common causes of linen loss and provides practical strategies for improving utilization, inventory control and staff awareness.

Consistent education, targeted audits, clear procedures and stronger operational controls can help healthcare organizations reduce unnecessary linen loss without affecting patient care. Read our Linen Loss White Paper.