Cleveland Health Care Sector is Backbone of its Economy

CLEVELAND, July 12, 2016 -- Northeast Ohio hospitals account for a total of 167,543 jobs and create $11.5 billion in labor income according to information in the Northeast Ohio hospital economic report released by The Center for Health Affairs on July 11. The information, which was published as part of a two-page infographic, describes the Cleveland health care sector, focusing on the role of its hospitals in particular. In addition to the number of jobs created and labor income impact, the piece examines the tax impact, utilization, average annual salary and community benefit of the region's hospitals.

"This information is not surprising to anyone familiar with the Cleveland health care sector," explained Bill Ryan, president and CEO of The Center for Health Affairs. "Hospitals are always our top employers, they always fill the top few slots on "largest employers" lists, and the region is nationally known for its hospitals. People travel from across the country − and even across the world − to receive care here."

The piece pulls from several sources including The Center for Health AffairsVolume Statistics Report, which compiles hospital utilization data from all of the region's hospitals; a tax study, which examines the local taxes and community benefit of hospitals located in Cleveland's Cuyahoga County; and an economic impact report commissioned by The Center. Highlights include the following:

• Direct employment in Northeast Ohio hospitals – 81,836
• Total labor income due to direct employment − $6.8 billion
• Total beds – 9,851
• Average number of daily inpatients – 4,627
• Number of patients treated annually in emergency departments – 1,233,870
• Average salary with benefits of a hospital worker − $82,825
• Percentage of patients who visit from outside the region – 16.9%
• Total community benefit − $1.8 billion

The data presented in the infographic make it clear that the Cleveland health care sector is thriving. The region's hospitals contribute significantly to the economy by providing tens of thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in labor income.

For more information on the Greater Cleveland health care sector or research available through The Center for Health Affairs, contact Deanna Moore, vice president, corporate communications at 216.255.3614 or via email. 

CONTACT: Deanna Moore
         [email protected]
         216.255.3614