FLORA, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Clay County Hospital in Flora, IL is a key contributor to the local and state economies, providing steady job growth while improving the health of the residents and communities we serve.
According to a new report, Clay County Hospital employs 287 full-time equivalent (FTE) health care professionals, resulting in 377 additional jobs for the community, and generates a total annual impact of $74.5 million on the local and state economies.
The report was developed in conjunction with the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) and its statewide economic impact report, Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems $95.3 Billion State Economic Impact.
“We are pleased to be able to serve the county residents by providing essential health care services. The financial impact that we have on the region is something that most people don’t think of or realize,” said Chris Hunt, President and CEO of Clay County Hospital.
“The employment of highly skilled health care professionals and the generation of economic activity through our spending on goods, services and capital improvements has a critical role in the local and state economies. To continue to retain and create jobs, attract businesses to our community, and provide access to high-quality health care services, Clay County Hospital is vital to manufacturing facilities staying in Clay County. Like other Illinois hospitals, Clay County must have the funding support they need to remain fiscally sound,” said Hunt.
Besides the positive impact Clay County Hospital and it’s clinics have on the local economies, the hospital provides enormous benefits to the community through increased access to care for the underserved, enhanced health and wellness in the community, and advanced medical education and knowledge.
During the last fiscal year, Clay County Hospital provided $1.6 million in Community Support through benefits to those who are uninsured/underinsured and for community health services.
This included unreimbursed care provided under the Medicaid program and other public programs.
The remaining funds were invested in areas such as outreach and community awareness, education for health professionals, and other community health services.
“Illinois hospitals and health systems serve their communities in so many ways. They provide needed health care around the clock, they strengthen local economies and employ local residents, and they lead and fund initiatives to improve individual and population health,” said IHA President and CEO A.J. Wilhelmi.
“Their role is vital and truly irreplaceable in communities across the state. Illinois hospitals and health systems count on the support of elected officials at the state and federal levels. Illinois residents deserve to have quality healthcare and to live in economically thriving communities. For hospitals to continue to achieve these goals, they cannot sustain further cuts at the state and federal levels.”
IHA’s statewide report, “Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems $95.3 billion State Economic Impact” is available on IHA’s Web site, team-iha.org.
Clay County Hospital is owned by the County of Clay, Illinois, and is managed by SSM Health.
Key Findings From IHA Report
- Clay County Hospital and Clinics has a total annual economic impact of $74.5 Million.
- Clay County Hospital and Clinics employs 287 FTE health care professionals, expending $19,799,422 a year on payroll, creating an additional 468 jobs for the local economy and generating approximately $47, 397,836 in economic activity in the community.
- Clay County Hospital and Clinics spends $10,725,778 on goods and services, resulting in $25,676,440 in economic activity in the local and state economies.
- Clay County Hospital and Clinics invests $613,025 in capital improvements to enhance and update facilities and major medical equipment, generating $854,496 in economic activity for the local and state economies.
- Illinois hospitals and health systems have a total impact of $95.3 billion annually on the state’s economy.
- Health care employment has grown by 30 percent between 2000 and 2017 while overall Illinois employment has remained relatively flat.
- For every hospital job in Illinois, 1.3 jobs are created in other sectors.
- For every dollar hospitals spend, an additional $1.40 is generated in spending in state and local economies.