In addition to quality health care, the north country's hospitals provide jobs and revenue for surrounding communities. Recent economic impact reports by the Healthcare Association of New York State show just how far that money goes.
Using economic modeling software developed by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis, HANYS estimates each hospital's economic impact using multipliers to show the ripple effect each dollar a medical center spends has on its community.
The organization found that New York state's hospitals generate $101.1 billion for the local and state economies, or about 10 percent of the state gross product, each year.
According to HANYS's Economic and Community Benefit Report, Samaritan Medical Center provided 2,090 jobs in 2006, with a payroll of $143,043,000. In addition, the hospital spent $77,639,000 on goods and services and invested $18,055,000 in capital spending.
All in all, Samaritan's total estimated economic impact was $238,728,000 in 2006.
"It's the biggest single employer in the city. That says it all. It has tremendous impact to the extent that Watertown is a regional medical hub," Mayor Jeffrey E. Graham said. "You've got to have a health care center with a population center, and we're probably home to the biggest one in the north country. That's a good thing."
At Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, employee dollars go a long way in the Ogdensburg economy — and the hospital helps the city attract businesses.
The medical center paid its 710 employees $37,982,000 in 2006, according the report. Dollars earned by hospital employees generated approximately $73,336,000 in economic activity for the Ogdensburg area. The hospital's total estimated economic impact in 2006 was $133,499,000.
"Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center is extremely important to the greater Ogdensburg community. It's a first-class facility, and it's extremely important in recruiting prospective businesses," Ogdensburg Mayor William D. Nelson said. "It's a very large economic engine in the community. As the community grows, the hospital does as well."
Mr. Nelson, who works as vice president of support services for the hospital, added that the physicians and medical staff recruited by the hospital contribute to the city's character.
"They bring new ideas, and many are involved with community boards. It brings a whole spectrum to the community," the mayor said.
Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Potsdam, also helps to entice professors and college students to the north country.
"Many people, when they're choosing a college or job, look to access to health care as a key part of where they go," said Richard D. Jacobs, the hospital's vice president for finance. "We clearly provide a service as well as creating a key part of the infrastructure of the community. As we grow and hire new employees, they spend dollars that go in local employers' pockets."
The hospital had a payroll of $29,978,000 for its 560 employees in 2006, which accounted for another 1,010 jobs in the community and generated approximately $57,882,000 for local businesses. Canton-Potsdam Hospital's overall economic impact was estimated to be $108,987,000 in 2006.
"For every dollar we spend, we generate $1.93 in the community," Mr. Jacobs estimated.
Lewis County General Hospital and Residential Health Care Facility, Lowville, with a payroll of $23,132,000, provided 500 jobs and helped to generate approximately $44,663,000 in the Lowville area in 2006, according to the report.
The hospital spent $10,567,000 on goods and services and $3,537,000 on buildings and equipment; its total estimated economic impact was $71,895,000.
Carthage Area Hospital's payroll was $31,090,000 in 2006, and it provided 540 jobs. The hospital spent $15,775,000 on supplies and $3,775,000 for its buildings and equipment. The hospital's estimated total economic impact was $50,640,000.
Figures were not available for Massena Memorial Hospital, River Hospital in Alexandria Bay or E.J. Noble Hospital, Gouverneur.
