News Releases

Regional Hospital Economic Impact Study Underway

The Center for Health Affairs, in collaboration with its consulting partner, Gerald Doeksen, PhD, has begun work on a regional economic impact study of its member hospitals. The study, which is conducted every few years, measures the impact Northeast Ohio hospitals have on the economy and examines a variety of factors including jobs created and the income that is earned as a result of those jobs. Export factor, or the amount of revenue that is received from outside the region, as well as community benefit are also detailed. Used extensively in The Center’s advocacy efforts, the economic impact report will be shared with member hospitals and distributed to the wider community.

In addition to the regional report, each participating hospital will receive a mini-study detailing the economic impact of their hospital or system. "The mini-studies are great for hospitals when they’re meeting with community leaders, elected officials or other stakeholders because they allow hospitals to say, 'we’re responsible for "X" many jobs in this region and, as a result, "X" amount in total tax revenue,'" explained Tony Gutowski, public policy development manager. "This approach works better for individual hospitals because it allows them to speak specifically about their local impact, as opposed to generalizing about the entire hospital community in Northeast Ohio."

Surveys were distributed in late September to all member hospitals to gather information on hospital personnel, facilities and expenses. Completed surveys are due to The Center no later than the Nov. 6 deadline extension. A final report is expected by early next year. 

For more information on the economic impact study, please contact Tony Gutowski, at 216.255.3610 or via email.

Read the 2010, 2006 and 2004 reports on the economic impact of hospitals in Northeast Ohio.