Great River Health System impacts Southeast Iowa

MT. PLEASANT — The Great River Health System impacts local communities both economically and socially as they provide jobs and charitable giving along with support for other organizations and events through volunteerism.

A recent Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) study, compiled using data from the American Hospital Associations Annual survey, highlights the impact Great River Health System has on Southeast Iowa.

In 2022, Great River Health System generated 5,106 total jobs, representing 27.99% of all jobs in Des Moines, Henry, and Lee counties.

For these jobs, employees were paid $235,763,719 in wages which accounted for 28.41% of all wages in the three-county region. The 5,106 jobs generated an economic impact of $592,111,468 or 34.99% of the total gross domestic product of our area.

“Iowa’s hospital and health systems implemented the programs and services accounted for in this study, in response to their community’s needs,” IHA President and CEO Chris Mitchell said. “Many of these programs and services wouldn’t exist without hospital support and leadership. These efforts, with IHA’s advocacy, help ensure the financial stability of hospitals, making it possible for them to provide the services and programs most needed by the people they serve.”

About 10 months ago, to further the impact Great River Health has in the region, Great River Health President and CEO Michael McCoy encouraged leadership to become more involved with and engaged in these communities.

“A recent internal survey showed we have been involved in 142 volunteer activities involving 118 groups and organizations in 14 communities,” McCoy said. “We have spoken or presented at 28 activities involving 23 groups and organizations in seven communities.”

According to its most recently filed cost reports, in the last year, Great River Health System hospitals and clinics, as charitable organizations have contributed $19,907,219 in charity and uncompensated care to the patients served.

“I am proud of our providers, leaders, clinical and support staff for the work we all do, and I thank you for supporting us as we maneuver through these challenging times,” McCoy said.