How Rural Hospitals Make a Difference, Economically and Otherwise
SOUTH RENOVO- Rural hospitals play important roles in shaping the communities that they serve. In addition to supporting the health of people living in the area, rural hospitals affect the local economy, help improve the quality of life, and are the heart of the community.
Healthcare spending has a significant and positive economic impact on the local community, especially in rural areas. Rural hospitals contribute to their community’s economy in several important ways — first, by providing jobs. The wages of hospital employees help drive the community’s economic engine, and these dollars are spent locally, supporting existing businesses. On average, the health sector constitutes 14% of total employment in rural communities, with rural hospitals typically being one of the largest employers in their area.
“By providing quality healthcare services, including emergency services, rural hospitals strengthen the fabric of the community,” said John Lugg, President of Bucktail Medical Center’s Board of Directors. “This in turn supports the local economy by helping to attract new businesses, industry, and retirees seeking to make their home in a community where essential services are readily available and accessible.”
Every dollar spent by a hospital supports $2.30 of additional business activity, according to the American Hospital Association’s January 2017 report on the economic contributions of hospitals. In rural communities, the link between hospitals and the local economy is even more pronounced, which is often due to the absence of other large employers. A 2016 assessment reports that for every job in a critical access hospital, another 0.34 jobs are created in other local businesses and industries. A critical access hospital generates an average of $1.8 million annually in taxable retail sales in the rural community.
Another way that rural hospitals boost the local economy is by supporting tourism through the availability of healthcare services. Tourism draws visitors, who spend money in local businesses and support local economic growth. Pennsylvania WILDS is an economic initiative to spur tourism in our area, attracting tourists to enjoy wild, unspoiled terrain. The initiative promotes outdoor adventures, including trails for hiking and recreation, wildlife exploration, night sky viewing without light pollution, and more. Pennsylvania WILDS promotes the Bucktail Scenic Byway, its attractive drives, and natural beauty.
Why Keeping Bucktail Medical Center Open Is Essential
The attributes and contributions of rural hospitals discussed here also apply to our local hospital. Bucktail Medical Center has proudly cared for our community in Western Clinton County since 1909. During the past 115 years, we’ve provided life-saving acute and emergency care to everyone who needs it. We’re an integral part of this community, committed to caring for one another.
Given Bucktail Medical Center’s central role in our local and regional economy and its positive impact on the quality of life locally, it’s easy to understand the importance of keeping it open and continuing to serve the community.
“The future of this town and your business depends on this hospital — so even if you believe that you aren’t affected by Bucktail Medical Center or you don’t use it, every business in Renovo and Western Clinton County should have a vested interest in keeping the hospital going,” said Michael Flanagan, President and CEO, Clinton County Economic Partnership.
When people must go outside the local area for healthcare services the economy will be negatively impacted. Companies don’t look favorably on communities that lack healthcare services, and when rural hospitals have to cut services or close, jobs are lost, and the ripple effects are felt throughout the community. Existing businesses may close or move away. A downward spiral often ensues, impacting both the economy and public health.
“To safeguard the economic sustainability of our community, the Bucktail Medical Center Board of Directors is requesting the continued support of local businesses and residents to ensure that the hospital remains in the community,” said Board President Lugg. “I strongly encourage our community members and local business owners to take action to keep Bucktail Medical Center’s doors open.”
What You Can Do to Help
“We urge our community to show their support,” said Laura Murnyack, BSN, RN, Bucktail’s Interim Administrator. “Each of us can make a difference today by taking one or more of these simple steps to help keep Bucktail Medical Center strong.”
•Make an appointment. Call 570-923-1019 to schedule your annual checkup in our community clinic. If you need a blood panel or other tests conducted prior to your checkup or as follow up, visit our lab to have the necessary work completed. Walk-ins are welcome and we will soon begin to offer occasional Saturday walk-in hours.
•Continue your recovery close to home. If you are returning home from a longer stay in another hospital, our short-term rehab program can support your recovery and help get you back on your feet.
•Drop by to check us out and learn how we can support your health needs. We welcome your visit and can answer any questions you may have about accessing our healthcare services or programs. Feel free to call registration or stop in for more information.
•Business owners/managers, consider partnering with Bucktail Medical Center. We can meet your employees’ physical and occupational therapy needs and provide the care they need. Call 570-531-6124 for more information.
•Business owners/managers, post on social media and in your newsletters about the hospital and clinic. Let your customers know that Bucktail Medical Center is still open and working to meet their healthcare needs and encourage them to take advantage of its services.
Show Your Support
“Now more than ever, we need the active support of the community in stepping up to demonstrate Bucktail’s vital role in the area’s quality of life and the health of every local resident, from infants to the elderly,” said Ms. Murnyack.
“Bucktail Medical Center is central to our community’s economy,” said Michael Flanagan, President and CEO, Clinton County Economic Partnership. “It’s time to take action and show how much we value its contributions.”
