Banner Health, University of Arizona deliver $59B economic impact, study shows – ABC15 Arizona

Report on the Sustainable Development Impact of the Banner Health-University of Arizona Partnership

Introduction: A Decade of Progress Aligned with Global Goals

A study conducted by the Rounds Consulting Group reveals that the 10-year partnership between Banner Health and the University of Arizona has generated a significant socio-economic impact, aligning with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the past decade, this collaboration has produced over $59 billion in economic impact while advancing goals related to health, education, and economic growth. This report details the partnership’s achievements through the lens of the SDGs.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The partnership has served as a powerful engine for economic development and job creation in Arizona, directly contributing to the objectives of SDG 8. Key economic achievements include:

• Economic Impact: A total of $59 billion in economic activity has been generated statewide.
• Job Creation: The collaboration has successfully created 35,500 annual operating jobs and 12,600 construction-related jobs.
• Fiscal Contribution: A cumulative $2.2 billion in tax revenue has been generated for state, county, and city governments, funding essential public services.
• Local Investment: Medical graduates who remain in Arizona contribute an additional $2.8 billion in local economic activity.

SDG 3 & SDG 4: Good Health, Well-being, and Quality Education

The core mission of the partnership advances the interconnected goals of health and education. By merging academic training with clinical practice, the initiative has delivered measurable outcomes:

1. Strengthening the Health Workforce: The partnership has successfully graduated 1,930 medical professionals, directly addressing the need for skilled healthcare providers (SDG 4).
2. Enhancing Patient Care: The collaboration has led to significant statewide growth in patient care capacity and access (SDG 3).
3. Fostering Research and Opportunity: The alliance has created a robust environment for medical research, contributing to innovation in healthcare.

SDG 9 & SDG 11: Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure, and Sustainable Communities

The partnership’s strategic investments have enhanced regional infrastructure and fostered more resilient and sustainable communities, reflecting the aims of SDGs 9 and 11.

• Infrastructure Investment: A total of $2.4 billion in capital investments has been directed towards jobs and the development of critical infrastructure, such as the Phoenix Biosciences Core campus.
• Building Sustainable Communities: By creating stable employment, generating substantial tax revenue, and improving local healthcare access, the partnership strengthens the social and economic fabric of communities across Arizona.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The 10-year alliance between Banner Health and the University of Arizona exemplifies the principles of SDG 17. It serves as a model for how strategic, long-term collaboration between academic and healthcare institutions can drive comprehensive progress across multiple sustainable development targets, creating a lasting legacy of health, opportunity, and economic vitality.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article highlights a partnership between a healthcare provider (Banner Health) and a university, focusing on “patient care” and producing “medical school graduates.” This directly contributes to strengthening health systems and ensuring healthy lives.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The involvement of the University of Arizona and the graduation of 1,930 medical students point directly to the provision of tertiary education and specialized training, which is a core component of this goal.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article extensively details the economic benefits of the partnership, including a “$59 billion in economic impact,” the creation of “35,500 annual operating jobs” and “12,600 construction jobs,” and “$2.2 billion in cumulative tax revenue.” This directly addresses economic growth and job creation.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The partnership’s focus on “research” and “$2.4 billion in capital investments,” particularly on a “Phoenix Biosciences Core campus,” relates to building resilient infrastructure, fostering innovation, and enhancing scientific research.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The entire article is about a “10-year partnership” between two major institutions (one from the health sector, one from academia). This collaboration is a prime example of the multi-stakeholder partnerships that SDG 17 aims to encourage.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 3:
   • Target 3.c: “Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce…” The article’s mention of “1,930 medical school graduates” who have “stayed to work in Arizona” directly relates to the training and retention of the health workforce.
2. Under SDG 4:
   • Target 4.3: “By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.” The partnership’s role in graduating medical students from the University of Arizona aligns with this target of providing quality tertiary education.
3. Under SDG 8:
   • Target 8.1: “Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances…” The “$59 billion in economic impact” and “$2.2 billion in cumulative tax revenue” are direct contributions to statewide economic growth.
   • Target 8.5: “By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all…” The creation of “35,500 annual operating jobs” and “12,600 construction jobs” directly addresses this target.
4. Under SDG 9:
   • Target 9.5: “Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors…” The article’s mention of “research” and “capital investments” on a “Biosciences Core campus” implies an effort to enhance scientific research and innovation.
5. Under SDG 17:
   • Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…” The 10-year partnership between Banner Health and the University of Arizona is a direct manifestation of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 3, Target 3.c:
   • The number of medical school graduates (1,930) serves as a quantitative indicator for health workforce training.
   • The retention of these graduates in Arizona is an implied indicator of strengthening the local health workforce.
2. For SDG 4, Target 4.3:
   • The number of graduates from the medical school (1,930) is a direct indicator of participation in and completion of tertiary education.
3. For SDG 8, Targets 8.1 and 8.5:
   • Total economic impact ($59 billion).
   • Number of annual operating jobs created (35,500).
   • Number of construction jobs created (12,600).
   • Cumulative tax revenue generated ($2.2 billion).
4. For SDG 9, Target 9.5:
   • Total capital investments ($2.4 billion) can be used as an indicator for upgrading infrastructure and fostering innovation.
   • The mention of “research” implies that research output or funding could be used as an indicator, although no specific figure is provided.
5. For SDG 17, Target 17.17:
   • The existence and duration of the partnership (10 years).
   • The total value of the partnership’s economic impact ($59 billion) can serve as an indicator of its scale and effectiveness.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: abc15.com