HCHC creates $19.9 million impact on local economy

Henry County Health Center generates 415 jobs that add $19,953,796 to Henry County?s economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association. In addition, Henry County Health Center associates by themselves spend $4,463,881 on retail sales and contribute $267,833 in state sales tax revenue.

?Henry County Health Center makes a direct positive impact on our county?s economy. HCHC contributes to the strength of our economy by employing a significant number of area residents. Our associates and the health center purchase goods and services from local businesses which directly supports our economy. In addition, it also benefits the county?s economy when HCHC provides quality healthcare close to home, and the services provided attract individuals from other communities who purchase from local businesses while in town. Having a strong health center is also instrumental in attracting new business, industry and residents to our area. By providing high quality healthcare services to our area communities, we serve the health needs of our population and keep our economy moving forward,? explained HCHC CEO Robb Gardner.

The IHA study examined the jobs, income, retail sales and sales tax produced by hospitals and the rest of the state?s healthcare 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 provide over 71,000 direct jobs with 116,283 total jobs either directly or indirectly tied to hospitals. Iowa hospitals provide $4.3 billion in direct worker income with $6.2 billion in worker income directly or indirectly tied to hospitals, and $1.6 billion in retail sales, generating $98.2 million in state sales tax revenue.

Those making up the health sector include hospitals; offices of physicians, dentists and other health practitioners; nursing homes and assisted living; other medical and health services including home health care, county health departments, hospice, durable medical equipment suppliers, etc.; and pharmacies. Health jobs fuel Iowa?s economy through 312,821 total jobs, $15.5 billion in total economic impact, $4.1 billion in taxable retail sales, and $247.2 million in state sales tax paid to the State of Iowa.