A study by the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) found that in 2021 Dallas County Hospital provided more than $814,507 in total community benefits and served more than 300 people through charity care and bad debt.
The study also found that Dallas County Hospital employed more than 225 people and provided more than $12 million in wages in 2021.
IHA compiled data for the study from the American Hospital Association’s annual survey of hospitals, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Regional Input-Output Modeling System (RIMS-II) multipliers were used to calculate the data, which includes statewide, hospital-specific and county totals.
IHA also conducted a separate survey, compiling hospital-submitted data about community-benefit programs and services provided by Iowa hospitals.
Community benefits are activities to improve health status and increase access to health care. Besides uncompensated care and charity care, community benefits include health screenings, support groups, counseling, immunizations, nutrition services and transportation programs.
These efforts, with the IHA’s advocacy, help ensure the financial stability of hospitals, making it possible for them to continue providing the services and programs most needed by their communities.
Tom Harmsen is the PR and marketing manager for the Dallas County Hospital and Family Medicine Clinics.
