Essentia Health economic impact according to new study

DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - Essentia Health is one of the largest non-profit hospitals in the upper Midwest. A study from a third party reported that the company brings a positive economic impact to the region it serves.

The report was conducted by Northspan.

It found that Essentia Health helped create over 11,000 jobs and established partnerships within communities.

“We’re privileged to service $7.69 billion,” said Dr. David Herman, the CEO of Essentia Health. “That’s in direct impact, indirect impact and induced impact.”

He said healthcare has a huge impact on any community.

“When we employ them they spend their money inside the communities,” he said. “so in combination with out communities we help make out communities more vibrant, more sustainable, not just through health care but through the economic impact that we have upon these communities.”

APEX is a private sector-led business and economic development organization based in Duluth. They have over 100 investor-members, including Essentia Health. The organization thinks that the study can benefit the Northland.

“By learning about the economic impact that Essentia Health has in the region, we’re able to utilize that data to help tell the story of why this region is a great place to invest,” said Racheal Johnson, CEO and president of APEX.

She said the study highlighted Essentia’s strengths in community partnerships.

“If Essentia Health System is successful, you will have success more broadly as a region,” she said.

The report also states that Essentia Health creates nearly three times as many jobs and over two times the economic impact of the entire mining sector in north east Minnesota.

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