Penn Highlands Healthcare annually contributes $881 million to the region’s economy, according to a report recently released by The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). Penn Highlands also supports 3,605 jobs in the region.
Penn Highlands Healthcare is comprised of four regional hospitals – Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Elk.
The HAP report shows both the human and financial impact of Pennsylvania’s hospitals on communities across the state, as well as on the state as a whole. The economic impact figure reflects contributions to the economy through employment, purchased services and supplies from businesses and capital spending.
“Penn Highlands Healthcare plays a major role in the economic and social well-being of our community,” said Raymond A. Graeca, chief executive officer of Penn Highlands Healthcare.
“We are a safety net for our most vulnerable citizens, and are playing a critical role in population health efforts that improve quality of life.”
Penn Highlands Healthcare pays nearly $184 million in wages. The ripple effect of those wages through employment created indirectly by the hospital is an additional $164 million, for a total benefit of $348 million in salaries and wages.
Penn Highlands Healthcare’s also supports the community by providing medical care to those unable to pay; providing community services such as free health screenings; and providing in-kind, volunteer and/or financial support to charitable organizations and local community programs, including the March of Dimes, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Free Medical Clinic of DuBois and the Susquehanna Rural Free Medical Clinic, among many others.
“Penn Highlands Healthcare is not only a place for healing, but it is also vital to the region’s economic stability. Our hospitals and the people we employ support local businesses and serve as a crucial economic stimulus. As we move forward, our goal is to continue to invest in the communities we serve and strengthen healthcare and economic resources in the region,” Steven Fontaine, executive vice president and incoming chief executive officer of Penn Highlands Healthcare, said.
Statewide, hospitals contribute $115 billion to the economy. Hospitals sustained about 1 in 10 jobs across the state, employing nearly 286,000 people directly and creating another 339,000 spinoff jobs, according to the report.
“Hospitals continue to play a critical role as top employers and economic engines at a time when the state and nation face great fiscal pressures,” said HAP President and Chief Executive Officer Andy Carter.
“Pennsylvania hospitals are dramatically changing the way they meet patient needs, and in doing so, new economic opportunities are continually being created.”
HAP is a statewide membership services organization that advocates for nearly 240 Pennsylvania acute and specialty care, primary care, sub-acute care, long-term care, home health and hospice providers, as well as the patients and communities they serve.
