UTICA, N.Y. – Last year, the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) generated $877 million in economic activity in the region, according to an analysis conducted by the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS).

“When we think of hospitals, it’s often about the medical care they provide to the community,” said Darlene Stromstad, FACHE, MVHS president/CEO. “What is often overlooked is the significant role hospitals and health systems play in the economic health of a region. In fact, MVHS is one of the top private sector employers in the county, but our contributions extend far beyond our role as employer.”

The HANYS analysis also shows that:

• Nearly 7,000 jobs are generated by MVHS, which reflects both the number of health system jobs as well as those jobs generated as a result of MVHS employees purchasing goods and services locally.
• $292 million in payroll is expended each year to compensate MVHS employees.
• $115 million in tax dollars are generated by MVHS spending and payroll.

“There are numerous clinical professionals – such as nurses, physicians, techs and therapists – at MVHS, and we also employ individuals in information technology, human resources, environmental services and many other roles,” said Stromstad. “The purchasing power of our nearly 6,000 employees (4,200 full time employees) supports local restaurants and coffee shops, neighborhood supermarkets, and retailers and service providers throughout the community.”

The HANYS’ Economic & Community Benefit report for MVHS also shows that the organization invested $80 million in community initiatives, which include subsidizing care and services to those in need and supporting, with both financial and human resources, community health improvement activities.

“We are proud of the role we play in this region,” Stromstad said. “MVHS provides high-quality, excellent clinical care to thousands of people each year, with 700,000 outpatient visits, 78,000 treated in the Emergency Room, and 26,000 admitted to the hospital. We develop and partner in initiatives to keep our community healthy and improve the quality of life. And, our organization is a major economic driver for our region.

“The new hospital and healthcare campus being built in downtown Utica will transform healthcare in our region, expand the role MVHS plays in our community’s health and well-being and strengthen the contributions we make to the local and state economy,” concluded Stromstad.

The HANYS’ analysis examined the economic activity and community benefits of New York State hospitals and reports are available at the statewide, regional, legislative district and hospital- and system-specific levels. These reports are available here.

For more information on the new MVHS Regional Medical Center, visit mvhealthsystem.org/downtown-hospital.