Moon Township, PA, (April 21, 2011) – A recent report by The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) estimates that Heritage Valley Health System accounted for approximately $802 million in spending in the local economy.  Heritage Valley spends $325 million directly for staffing, goods and services and aided in another $477 million of secondary spending within the local economy. 

“Heritage Valley is best known for the quality healthcare services we provide at our hospitals and numerous physician offices and satellite facilities in the region,” said Norm Mitry, president and CEO of Heritage Valley.  “However, as the HAP report indicates, Heritage Valley also has a significant impact on the local economy. As the largest employer in the airport corridor, we are a major economic force in our service area with the amount of goods and services we purchase locally and regionally.”

Heritage Valley Health System employs approximately 4,300 individuals locally and supports an additional 3,300 jobs in the region and the state.  The HAP report also explains how Pennsylvania’s hospitals annually contribute more than $89 billion (direct and secondary) to the state’s economy.

“At a time when statewide unemployment remains at high levels, and job growth remains sluggish, hospitals continue to be the biggest employers in their communities,” said Carolyn F. Scanlan, President and CEO of The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). “In 55 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, hospitals are among the top five employers.”

The statewide economic impact report is available online at
http://www.haponline.org/downloads/HAP_Report_PA_Hospitals_Critical_to_State_Economy_April2011.pdf