Grundy County Memorial Hospital Impacts Local Economy

Hospitals as health care providers for their communities are invaluable but they also serve as economic engines that are among the largest employers in their communities and for the state of Iowa.

Data from the Iowa Hospital Association’s Economic Impact Report shows that Grundy County Memorial Hospital-UnityPoint Health generated the equivalent of 280 jobs that added $18 million to the area economy in 2022.
 
“The hospital works to meet the health care needs of the communities we serve and its effect on the area economy is also significant. The economic data shows that when the hospital thrives, it positively impacts all of the communities who surround us,” remarks Adam Scherling, MHA, GCMH administrator. “The annual Economic Impact Report shows not only how the hospital’s payroll benefits our rural region, but that the care we provide for our community is valued, appreciated, and used – allowing us to grow our services and by extension, the number of people who work here, live here, and thrive here.”

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 statewide. Hospital expenses accounted for over $21.5 billion of the state’s gross domestic product. In addition, Iowa hospitals provided more than $1 billion in total community benefits, including charity care, and served more than 3.7 million people.

“Iowa’s hospitals and health systems implemented the programs and services accounted for in this study in response to their communities’ needs,” IHA President and CEO Chris Mitchell said. “Many of these programs and services wouldn’t exist without hospital support and leadership.”