Penn Highlands Healthcare Stimulates the Northwestern Pennsylvania Economy

Penn Highlands Healthcare provides outstanding medical care to the residents of Pennsylvania while significantly fueling the economy of the commonwealth. According to the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), in Fiscal Year 2022, the eight Penn Highlands hospitals in Northwestern, Central and Southwestern Pennsylvania represented a total benefit of more than $1.8 billion to the Pennsylvania economy. This benefit includes $836.6 million in spending by the hospitals for goods and services needed to provide healthcare services and support hospital operations as well as employee salaries, wages and benefits. During Fiscal Year 2022, Penn Highlands Healthcare employed approximately 6,200 employees. In addition to the direct impact, the ripple effect contributed more than $991.2 million into the Pennsylvania economy through business interactions with other industries as well as the economic activity that results from the circulation of hospital dollars throughout the commonwealth.

Northwestern Pennsylvania Impact

As reported by HAP, in Fiscal Year 2022, the four Penn Highlands Healthcare hospitals in Northwestern Pennsylvania — Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Elk — represented a total economic benefit of more than $999.8 million to the regional economy.

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce, the economic spending for Penn Highlands Brookville totaled $33.3 million. Penn Highlands Brookville has 179 employees. In addition to the direct impact, the ripple effect contributed more than $20 million into the regional economy for a total benefit from Penn Highlands Brookville of $53.3 million.

During Fiscal Year 2022, the economic benefit from Penn Highlands Clearfield totaled more than $43.8 million. The hospital has 259 employees. The ripple effect from Penn Highlands Clearfield provided $26.4 million for a total benefit of more than $70.2 million for the regional economy.

For Penn Highlands DuBois, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce reported economic spending totaling $482.4 million. Penn Highlands DuBois has 2,161 employees. The ripple effect contributed more than $290.3 million into the regional economy for a total benefit from Penn Highlands DuBois of $772.7 million.

Penn Highlands Elk also contributed significantly to the Northwestern Pennsylvania economy. During Fiscal Year 2022, the economic benefit from Penn Highlands Elk totaled more than $64.7 million. The hospital has 414 employees. The ripple effect from Penn Highlands Elk provided $39 million for a total benefit of more than $103.7 million for the regional economy.

“It is gratifying to contribute so significantly to the economic strength of our region while providing excellent care to our communities,” said Steven M. Fontaine, CEO of Penn Highlands Healthcare. “The impact of our hospitals is reflected throughout the region as our expenditures and employees’ spending support many other industries and induce additional economic activity.”

Penn Highlands Healthcare continuously recruits new physicians and providers for Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Elk. Since 2022, the health system welcomed 104 physicians and advanced practice providers in the Northwest region enhancing specialties ranging from family medicine to thoracic surgery. In addition, the hospitals upgrade facilities while introducing advanced therapies and state-of-the-art technology to provide an even higher level of care and greater patient satisfaction.

As part of its $180 million Master Facilities Plan that began in 2018, major expansion and renovation projects were completed to modernize, improve and expand upon services. At Penn Highlands Brookville, a three-story medical office building was constructed to house primary and specialty care super clinics. The Emergency Department was relocated and expanded at Penn Highlands Clearfield. Penn Highlands DuBois opened a state-of-the art, two-story Emergency Department and was accredited as a Level II Trauma Center. Other recent Penn Highlands DuBois enhancements include three major construction projects including the West Wing Annex for specialty services; the Center of Excellence, a three-story hub for high-volume specialty services; and the Stern Center for Behavioral Health on the Penn Highlands DuBois East Campus. Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor received upgrades to its public and residential areas.

In addition, the Ridgway Community Medical Building is currently under construction which will conveniently provide primary and specialty services in one location.