Economic Impact Studies
Communities often overlook the economic influence of the health care sector on their economies. Hospitals, nursing homes, physicians, dentists, pharmacies, home health agencies and ambulance services are just a few of the providers that make up the health care sector. In a rural community, this particular sector generally represents a proportionally larger share of the local economy than it does in urban areas, with the rural hospital typically being one of the largest employers in the area.
Closure of a rural hospital can represent a serious threat not only to the health but also to the economic well being of the community as the availability of quality health care is critical to long-term economic development in rural communities. Employers looking to establish new businesses choose locations that have good education and health care systems. Attracting retirees to a community is also more successful when there are quality health care providers available locally to meet their demand for services.
The purpose of this information is to illustrate the economic importance of the health care sector on the rural economy in Mississippi counties and to provide local decision-makers with a tool to use in planning and supporting their local health care system.
Publications
Measuring the Impact of the Health Sector on a Local Economy in Mississippi (September 2001)
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Last Modified: Thursday, 18-Nov-04 11:20:48
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