(June 6, 2025) – Kansas Hospital Association members know a sound local health care system is part of the prescription for maintaining a healthy economy. However, we often forget to share this message with our local communities. KHA is pleased to release new county-level analysis of the economic contributions to the local health care sector on the economies of each of the state's 105 counties.
The Institute of Policy and Social Research at The University of Kansas completed these reports, in addition to our 2025 statewide report released in February. A brochure, PowerPoint and media release using the statewide data are available on the KHA website. Feel free to customize any of these templates with your county data. We also have a toolbox of customizable resources available in our Box folder.
The purpose of these reports is to provide hospitals with data and information to communicate with community leaders, policymakers and concerned citizens on the importance of health care to the local economy. The Kansas Hospital Association shares the findings of these reports with legislators and the media.
According to the reports' authors, the health care sector in each county makes substantial contributions to the local economy with employment and income. In addition to providing direct employment and income, the health care sector creates multiplier effects as businesses purchase local goods and services, such as utilities, and employees spend their income at local businesses such as stores and restaurants. In many counties, hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities and outpatient care centers comprise the largest health care employers in the county. In addition to jobs and income, the health care sector provides economic development effects that are less easily quantified. A quality health care sector improves the population's well-being, which, in turn, enhances business productivity. In addition, quality health care aids in the recruitment and retention of businesses and attracts and retains retirees.
Hospitals and health services are economic anchors in Kansas. These reports document the importance of the health care sector to the Kansas economy. While the financial impact estimates are substantial, they are only a partial accounting of the benefits health care in general, and community hospitals in particular, provide to the state. Kansas community hospitals help stabilize the population base, invigorate their communities and contribute significantly to quality of life.
If you would like assistance in presenting this information to a board or community group or would like a template media release with your county data, or any additional materials, please email Cindy Samuelson at csamuelson@kha-net.org.
--Cindy Samuelson