Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) played a pivotal role in bolstering Calhoun County’s economy last year, according to a recent study by the Iowa Hospital Association. The study revealed that SMCH generated over 440 jobs, contributing a remarkable $30,105,679 to the county’s economic output, accounting for 22.11 percent of all wages distributed in Calhoun County in 2022. The hospital’s impact extended beyond economic gains. Calhoun County Economic Development Executive Director Theresa Hildreth says, “By having a Critical Access hospital associated with our Rural Health Clinics at Stewart Memorial and McCrary-Rost, Calhoun County residents benefit through community service programs reaching more than 5,300 citizens. When we look at economic development, the total number of jobs and the total wages this healthcare organization provides is vital to the stability and future of economic development throughout Calhoun County.” The study was based on data submitted by hospitals to the American Hospital Association’s annual survey, revealing that Iowa hospitals collectively employed 145,252 individuals in 2022. Hospitals statewide contributed significantly to Iowa’s economy, providing over $9.3 billion in wages and accounting for more than $21.5 billion of the state’s gross domestic product.
