Hospital Creates $7.8 Million Impact on Local Economy

One in Five Iowa Jobs Linked to Health Care, Study Shows

DES MOINES – Dallas County Hospital generates 111 jobs that add $7,843,250 to the Dallas County economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association.  In addition, Dallas County Hospital employees by themselves spend $2.9 million on retail sales and contribute $171,391 in state sales tax revenue.

“In light of the current economic situation, our obligation to our communities far outreaches our commitment to providing quality, compassionate healthcare.” said Laurie Conner, Dallas County Hospital CEO. “Now more than ever, we are dedicated to providing economic support to Dallas County and the communities we serve.”

The IHA study examined the jobs, income, retail sales and sales tax produced by hospitals and the rest of the state’s health care sector.  The study was compiled from hospital-submitted data on the American Hospital Association’s Annual Survey of Hospitals and with software that other industries have used to determine their economic impact.

The study found that Iowa hospitals directly employ 72,220 people and create another 76,876 jobs outside the hospital sector.  As an income source, hospitals provide $3.4 billion in salaries and benefits and generate almost another $2.4 billion through other jobs that depend on hospitals.

In all, Iowa’s health care sector, which includes employed clinicians, long-term care services and assisted living centers, pharmacies and other medical and health services, directly and indirectly provides 366,072 Iowa jobs, or more than one-fifth of the state’s total employment.

“Even in these difficult economic times, Iowa hospitals remain major employers and business partners throughout the state,” said Kirk Norris, IHA president/CEO.  “In addition to providing essential health care and community services, hospitals are at the foundation of Iowa’s economic infrastructure.  The state’s economic security is clearly linked to maintaining the high-quality health care system we now enjoy.”