Last year, Lakes Regional Healthcare generated approximately 584 jobs that added $34.6 million to Dickinson County’s economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association.
“Many times, people think of healthcare organizations just in terms of their mission of caring for people in the community and not in terms of their impact on the overall economy. In many communities, healthcare makes up the largest sector of employment and adds significantly to the local economy and we often don’t recognize that,” said Lakes Regional Healthcare President and CEO Jason Harrington. “In addition, businesses considering new startups or expansion will evaluate the presence of a strong healthcare delivery system in their area as a decision-point.”
The study was compiled from hospital-submitted data to the American Hospital Association’s annual survey of hospitals. The study found that Iowa hospitals employed 145,252 people in 2022. As an income source, hospitals provided over $9.3 billion in wages. Hospital expenses accounted for over $21.5 billion of the state’s gross domestic product.
“Iowa’s hospitals and health systems implemented the programs and services accounted for in this study in response to their communities’ needs,” Iowa Hospital Association 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.”
