UnityPoint Health has big economic impact – messengernews.net

Report on the Economic and Community Impact of UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge

Introduction

A 2024 study by the Iowa Hospital Association reveals that UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge has a significant impact that extends beyond patient care, contributing substantially to local economic stability and community well-being. This report analyzes these contributions through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Economic Contributions and Support for SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge serves as a major economic engine for Webster County, directly aligning with the objectives of SDG 8. The institution’s financial activities foster local economic growth and provide stable employment opportunities.

Key Economic Impact Data (2024)

• Total Economic Impact: $150.5 million contributed to the Webster County economy.
• Job Creation: Supported 1,199 local jobs, providing decent work and economic security for local families.

These figures underscore the hospital’s role as a cornerstone of the local economy. The statewide report from the Iowa Hospital Association further highlights this trend, showing that Iowa hospitals collectively contributed $22.9 billion to the state’s economy and supported 141,708 jobs in 2024.

Community Benefits and Alignment with SDG 3 and SDG 11

The hospital’s commitment to community well-being is demonstrated through extensive programs and services that directly support SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and contribute to the development of a resilient community under SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Community Outreach and Health Initiatives (2024)

• Community Benefit Investment: $13.3 million was invested in community benefits.
• Public Engagement: 13,816 individuals were reached through local programs and services designed to improve health and wellness.

These initiatives, which include preventive care, health education, and partnerships with local organizations, are fundamental to building a healthier and more sustainable community. By investing in public health beyond its own facilities, UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge strengthens the social fabric and overall quality of life in the region.

Summary of Contributions

The Iowa Hospital Association’s report confirms that UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge is a vital community asset whose impact is multifaceted. The institution is a key driver for achieving local and global sustainability targets.

UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge by the Numbers (2024)

1. Economic Impact: $150.5 million
2. Community Benefits: $13.3 million
3. Local Jobs Supported: 1,199

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

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

The article highlights issues that are directly connected to two primary Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The core mission of UnityPoint Health is providing healthcare services. The article emphasizes its role in “caring for patients,” offering “high-quality care close to home,” and running “programs and services designed to improve health and wellbeing,” which are central to SDG 3.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article heavily focuses on the economic contributions of the hospital. It details how UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge “supported 1,199 local jobs” and added “$150.5 million to Webster County’s economy.” This directly addresses the goals of promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth and productive employment.

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

Based on the information provided, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

• Under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. The article supports this by mentioning the provision of “high-quality care close to home” and the investment of “$13.3 million in community benefits,” which aims to improve access to health services for the community.
  • Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks. The hospital’s efforts in “preventive care, education, or partnerships with local organizations” contribute to building community resilience and managing health risks.
• Under SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries. The hospital’s “$150.5 million economic impact” is a direct contribution to the local economic growth of Webster County.
  • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. The creation and support of “1,199 local jobs” is a clear contribution to this target by fostering local employment opportunities.

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

Yes, the article provides several quantitative figures that can serve as direct indicators for measuring progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicators for SDG 3 Targets:
  • Value of community health investment: The “$13.3 million in community benefits” serves as an indicator for the hospital’s financial commitment to improving community health and access to care (relevant to Target 3.8).
  • Number of people reached by health programs: The fact that the hospital “reached 13,816 people through local programs and services” is a specific indicator of the outreach and impact of its health and well-being initiatives (relevant to Targets 3.8 and 3.d).
• Indicators for SDG 8 Targets:
  • Total economic contribution: The “$150.5 million economic impact” is a direct indicator of the hospital’s contribution to the local economy (relevant to Target 8.1).
  • Number of jobs supported: The “1,199 local jobs” supported by the hospital is a clear indicator for measuring progress towards creating and sustaining employment (relevant to Target 8.5).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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