WCHC reports $81.5 million local economic impact

WASHINGTON — Recently released data from the Iowa Hospital Association said Washington County Hospital and Clinics had an $81.5 million impact on the county’s economy.

The report highlighted 597 jobs directly or indirectly tied to WCHC, as well as $24.2 million of direct worker compensation and benefits expenses. In a statement, WCHC CEO Todd Patterson said he was pleased with the finding.

“We take great pride in the multifaceted contributions of Washington County Hospital and Clinics to our community,“ he said in a news release Friday. ”From providing top-tier patient care and creating valuable employment opportunities to bolstering the local economy, WCHC consistently exceeds expectations.“

In the same news release, Patterson thanked Washington County residents for their “steadfast community support,” and confirmed the hospital’s board of trustees had recently resolved to maintain its tax rate of $1 per $1,000 of valuation, a rate that’s remained unchanged for 21 years in a row.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com