HomeNewsHospital Creates $26.4 Million Impact on Local Economy

Hospital Creates $26.4 Million Impact on Local Economy

In Iowa, Hospitals Generate $6.1 Billion and 70,000 Jobs

Orange City Area Health System generates 742 jobs that add in excess of $26,430,000 to Sioux County’s economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA). In addition, Orange City Area Health System employees by themselves spend over $7,120,000 on retail sales and contribute over $427,000 in state sales tax revenue.

“Health systems and health related services remain a vital and critical element of our local economy,” reports Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System. “The data provided by the Iowa Hospital Association confirms once again the importance of these services to not only the physical health of those we serve, but also to the economic health of the region and state.”

“We are truly grateful and appreciative of the economic impact to our community and area from the health sector of Orange City,” added Mayor Les Douma. “We look forward to continued opportunities to partner with Orange City Area Health System as we strive to elevate the quality of life available in Orange City and surrounding areas.”

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 70,484 people and create another 67,247 jobs outside the hospital sector.  As an income source, hospitals provide $3.8 billion in salaries and benefits and generate another $2.3 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 329,793 Iowa jobs, or more than one-fifth of the state’s total employment.

“Just as no one provides the services and community benefits found at our hospitals, there is also no substitute for the jobs hospitals provide and create,” said Kirk Norris, IHA president/CEO.  “Iowa hospitals are at the foundation of Iowa’s economy and remain major employers and business partners in all parts of the state.  Iowa’s economic security is directly tied to having one of the finest health care systems in the nation.”

Orange City Area Health System consists of a hospital and birth center, four medical clinics, surgical and radiology services, physical and occupational therapy, two nursing homes, a senior living facility, and home health and hospice. More information is found at ocHealthSystem.org.