Greene County Medical Center is an economic leader in the community.

According to a study done by the Iowa Hospital Association, the medical center generates 591 jobs and adds $24,151,791 to Greene County’s economy. Medical center employees additionally spend $2,425,583 on retail sales and $147,155 in state sales tax revenue.

The IHA tracked the jobs, income, retail sales and sales tax produced by hospitals and the rest of Iowa’s health care sector. The study was compiled from hospital-submitted data on the American Hospital Association’s Annual Survey of Hospitals and with software that other industries have used to determine their economic impact. The study also found that the state’s hospitals directly employ 71,348 people and create another 44,935 jobs outside of the hospital sector. Hospitals in the study also provide $4.3 billion in salaries and benefits.

Greene County Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Carl Behne said, “The importance of hospitals in counties like ours is becoming more and more critical.  Of course, the patient care provided close to home is most important, but the positive economic impact is important as well.  Our employees are loyal to those we serve, as well as to the communities in which they serve.”

The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary organization that represents hospitals and health system interests to business, government and consumer audiences.  All of Iowa’s 118 community hospitals are IHA members.