Report highlights Essentia Health's economic and community impact

As rural health care systems continue to face significant challenges, Essentia Health is highlighting findings from a new third-party economic impact report that outlines the positive economic and community benefits Essentia brings to the communities it serves, where it is often the largest employer.

The report details an overall economic impact of about $7.7 billion across Essentia's three-state service area. Essentia also supports more than 24,000 jobs, either directly or indirectly. Across four separate regions, Essentia has the following impact:

• Twin Ports (Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin) — more than $4.5 billion in economic output while supporting more than 14,800 jobs.
• Fargo-Moorhead — more than $1.4 billion in economic output while supporting about 4,000 jobs.
• Brainerd Lakes area — more than $733 million in economic output while supporting about 2,000 jobs.
• Iron Range — more than $583 million in economic output while supporting about 1,700 jobs.

"As a not-for-profit health care system, our exceptional teams at Essentia serve over 600,000 patients every year," said Essentia Health CEO Dr. David Herman. "Beyond delivering high-quality health care, our work and partnerships with community members is helping create more jobs and having a major impact on the economic strength of the region. This report shows more than just Essentia’s economic impact – it underscores the difference thousands of employees, patients and community partners investing in one another makes."

What community partners are saying

Rachel Johnson, APEX president and CEO: "Essentia Health has been a consistent and committed partner and economic driver. From our shared work to revitalize Downtown Duluth to investing in workforce development programming, the team at Essentia has stepped up to make our communities healthier and economy stronger. This report tells the story of how a homegrown health care provider is leading amid challenging times – and the importance of coming together to support their continued success."

Tony Sertich, Northland Foundation president and CEO: “We are grateful to partner with Essentia Health on initiatives that improve the lives and health of people in Northeast Minnesota, whether it’s expanding access to child care or supporting healthy youth development. This report is a testament to their impact and investment across the entire Northland.”

Jeff Corey, One Roof Community Housing executive director: “There are a ton of people talking about the importance of creating more affordable housing in the Duluth area, and we need more people acting to help advance that goal. Essentia has stepped up with real solutions and meaningful support. Through our partnership, we’ve already built 52 units of affordable housing in Duluth's Hillside Neighborhood at Brewery Creek, and we currently have another 72 affordable units planned through Brae View Senior Apartments. This report makes clear that Essentia’s leadership is critical and their impact goes well beyond health care in our community.”

Shannon Full, Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber president: "Essentia's  presence as a top employer in North Dakota and trusted community partner is crucial as we continue to make Fargo-Moorhead one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family."

Sandi Piatz, United Way of Cass-Clay president and CEO: “Through their ongoing partnership, Essentia Health helps us tackle the root causes of poverty — ensuring children are prepared to succeed, families are strengthened and basic needs like food, housing and child care are met. Their investment allows us to connect data, experts and community resources to build long-term solutions and give every family the chance to thrive. From sponsoring our school supply drive as our Hero Sponsor and providing supplies to over 6,000 families in need, to past investments in our work to end hunger for local families, Essentia is helping advance our work to empower children, strengthen families and lift entire households out of poverty. This new report shines a light on the important ways Essentia's work goes beyond delivering exceptional health care.”

Matt Kilian, Brainerd Lakes Chamber president: "When people think about the Brainerd Lakes Area, tourism usually comes to mind. What many people don’t realize is that health care is one of our biggest economic drivers and a major reason people choose to live in the area. Essentia employs a great team while supporting many local businesses and giving back to the community at the same time. We’re very fortunate to have them here."

Ida Rukavina, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation commissioner: "Access to high-quality health care is foundational to our communities and crucial to the future of the Iron Range. This report shows that Essentia does more than just care for Iron Rangers: They play an important economic role in our communities by supporting good-paying jobs in and outside of their hospitals and clinics. As rural health care continues navigating new challenges, we must stand together with the organizations that support the health and economic strength of communities across the region."

Read more

For more information on each of these four regions, click one of the links below:

• Brainerd Lakes area
• Fargo-Moorhead
• Iron Range
• Twin Ports

Northspan, an economic development firm in Duluth, analyzed employment, revenue, spending and charitable contribution data to determine Essentia's total economic impact. Northspan used economic impact modeling software in accordance with industry best practices.

Review the complete report here.