Report shows healthcare's $31B impact on IN

Indiana hospitals and outpatient medical centers have a $31.3 billion economic impact, according to a report that examines the financial role of health care facilities in the state. Local hospital executives are not surprised by the finding, but some say the figure does not fully measure the role of a hospital in a community. Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region CEO Gene Diamond described the report as interesting and informative. "But, if anything, I think it underestimates the economic impact of hospitals," Diamond said. "Hospitals, by engaging in their mission work, particularly in working with their local communities on preventive care and wellness initiatives, have an impact that is significant, beyond what is recorded in reports of this kind."