Stewart Memorial Created $30 Million Impact on Local Economy in 2022

Last year, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) generated over 440 jobs that added $30,105,679 to Calhoun County’s economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association. This number reflects 22.11 percent of all wages distributed in Calhoun County in 2022.

“By having a Critical Access hospital associated with our Rural Health Clinics at Stewart Memorial and McCrary-Rost, Calhoun County residents benefit through community service programs reaching more than 5,300 citizens,” said Theresa Hildreth, Calhoun County Economic Development Executive Director. “When we look at economic development, the total number of jobs and the total wages this healthcare organization provides is vital to the stability and future of economic development throughout Calhoun County.”

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 145,252 people in 2022. As an income source, hospitals provided over $9.3 billion in wages. Hospital expenses accounted for over $21.5 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. These efforts, with IHA’s advocacy, 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 hospital and health system interests to business, government, and consumer audiences.