WCHC reports big local economic impact

WASHINGTON — At Washington County Hospital and Clinics, offering “More Than You Expect” is more than a phrase; It’s a promise to deliver excellent care to our community and to promote the stability and growth of our county’s economy. Each year, the Iowa Hospital Association publishes a report documenting the importance of health care to the local economy and this year’s study illustrates how WCHC offers more to the greater community.

“We are proud of the many positive ways Washington County Hospital and Clinics impacts our community,” said Todd Patterson, CEO at WCHC. “Whether its high-quality patient care, excellent employment opportunities or investment in the local economy, WCHC provides more than you expect.”

The Iowa Hospital Association’s study compiles information on how Iowa hospitals impact the state’s economy, using data from the American Hospital Association. The study projects how each hospital stimulates its local economy through jobs maintained, income paid to employees, total community benefits and the effect of hospital total expense on total output in state economy. Washington County Hospital and Clinics is credited for not only being a major contributor to the local economy but for making an impact of approximately $80 million in the past year.

WCHC’s impact was attributed to 302 total direct and indirect jobs tied to hospital operations and $42 million in direct worker compensation and income tied to hospital operations, for a total $80.32 million economic impact

Aside from WCHC’s direct impact, caring for the county includes proper stewarding of public funding, which WCHC has received through approved tax funds since 1910. With this in mind, at WCHC’s board of trustees meeting, it was approved to keep the tax rate at $1 per $1,000 valuation; a rate that has not been raised for 20 years.

With the continued support of our gracious community, WCHC will proudly uphold their promise and deliver “More Than You Expect” now and for years to come.