Mississippi hospitals create over 60,000 jobs and add $11.9 billion to the state economy annually, according to a new study released this week by the Mississippi Hospital Association.
In the publication, “Critical Care: The Economic Impact of Hospitals on Mississippi’s Economy,” the MHA also reports that hospital payrolls and benefits totaled $3.2 billion per year and that the average hospital employee salary is $42,193, compared to the Mississippi average salary of $33,185.
These numbers tally only a fraction of the economic impact of the hospital on the state economy, says the MHA, because hospitals spend dollars for operating and capital expenditures and create jobs and payroll in other businesses in the economy. In total, 94,700 jobs are created by hospitals alone in Mississippi due to hospital employment, operational activities and construction activities.
“As Mississippi leaders continue to consider the state’s economic priorities and look for ways to create more jobs, they should keep in mind the importance of hospitals and healthcare to the state economy,” said Sam W. Cameron, MHA president and CEO in a statement. “This study shows that healthcare is much more to Mississippi than hospitals, clinics and doctors. The ripple effect of the healthcare sector throughout Mississippi’s economy is enormous. What’s good for Mississippi’s hospitals is good for Mississippi’s economy.”
Follow HFN Editor Rene Letourneau on Twitter @ReneLetourneau