Mohawk Valley Health System generates $1 billion in economic activity

UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Health System’s (MVHS) hospitals generated $1 billion in economic activity through jobs and the purchase of goods and services, according to an analysis conducted by the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS), MVHS announced.

Through October of this year, MVHS operated St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Faxton St. Luke’s Hospital, before moving into the new Wynn Hospital in downtown Utica in late October.

“The MVHS hospitals, and now the new Wynn Hospital not only provides medical care to the community; it also bolsters the economic health of the region,” MVHS President/CEO Darlene Stromstad said in a release. “In fact, MVHS is one of the top private-sector employers in the county, but our contributions extend far beyond our role as employer.”

The analysis showed that MVHS generated 5,400 jobs and paid $298 million in payroll. Additionally, the organization generated $119 million in tax dollars through that spending and payroll.

“There are numerous clinical professionals such as nurses, physicians, techs, and therapists at MVHS, and we also employ individuals in information technology, human resources, environmental services, and many other roles,” Stromstad said. “The purchasing power of our nearly 3,600 employees supports local restaurants and coffee shops, neighborhood supermarkets, retailers, and service providers throughout the community.”

The HANYS report shows that MVHS invested $99 million in community initiatives including subsidizing care and services to those in need as well as supporting community health-improvement activities with financial and human resources contributions.

“We’re proud to develop and partner in initiatives to keep our community healthy and improve the quality of life,” Stromstad said.

Over the course of a year, MVHS saw 496,000 outpatient visits, 74,000 patients treated in the emergency room, 20,000 admitted to the hospital, and 1,200 babies delivered.