(Des Moines, IA) -– According to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA), Crawford County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) generated 559 jobs that added $63.7 million to the Crawford County economy in 2023. That’s 8.5% of all the jobs in Crawford County, and 8% of the gross domestic product (GDP).
Erin Muck, CCMH President and CEO, noted the dollars generated by the health care industry provide a firm foundation for further economic growth in the county.
“As the population in rural Iowa continues to age, the economic impact of healthcare continues to grow,” Muck said. “Our continuing efforts to bring medical specialties and up-to-date technology closer to our patients means better accessibility, convenience and quality of care. Our upcoming remodeling and construction project are evidence of a robust and growing healthcare system in Crawford County.”
Paul Plumb, Executive Director of the Chamber and Development Council (CDC) of Crawford County, also sees the effect of the investment CCMH makes into local healthcare services.
CCMH also added $2.6 million in community benefits and served almost 4500 people through their educational and volunteer service programs in 2023.
“The continuous improvement and expansion of services available at CCMH helps us in attracting new employers and new residents to our area”, Plumb noted.
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 137,841 people in 2023. As an income source, hospitals provided over $9 billion in wages. Hospital expenses accounted for over $21.3 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,” IHA President and CEO Chris Mitchell said. “Many of these programs and services wouldn’t exist without hospital support and leadership. With IHA’s advocacy, these efforts 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.”
The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary membership organization representing the interests of hospitals and health systems to business, government, and consumer audiences.
