Hospitals' Economic Impact Assessed in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's hospitals annuallycontribute nearly $56 billion to the state's economy, according to a newreport released today by The Hospital & Healthsystem Association ofPennsylvania (HAP). Beyond Health Care - Pennsylvania Hospitals: Key Assets tothe State's Economy shows the positive effects Pennsylvania's hospitals haveon entire communities.

The report updates a 2003 HAP study and presents newdata from HAP and other sources. "Hospitals are cornerstones of their communities, providing quality careto all who come through their doors," said HAP President and CEO Carolyn F.Scanlan. "Pennsylvania's hospitals are also economic catalysts, providing aconstant source of stable, well-paying jobs; stimulating multiple businessopportunities in other fields; serving as buyers of local goods and services;and contributing to the tax base at the state and local levels.

"Pennsylvania's hospitals are home to technological innovations andmedical breakthroughs, and they are safe havens for Pennsylvania's poorest andmost vulnerable citizens."

Among the report's findings, Pennsylvania's hospitals annually:

-- Provide a total contribution of nearly $56 billion to the state's economy.
-- $23.4 billion in direct total spending.
-- $32.3 billion in secondary spending.
-- Support the employment of almost 523,000 Pennsylvanians.
-- Nearly 262,000 in direct employment.
-- Nearly 261,000 in secondary employment.
-- Generate total labor income of nearly $20.4 billion.

More here.