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Health care vital to county’s economy, Higgins tells EDC
By Rose Hooper
Health care plays an important role in Jackson County’s economic development by attracting external dollars into the community, Western Carolina University professor Scott Higgins told members of the Economic Development Commission of Jackson County Aug. 16.
In his PowerPoint presentation Higgins said in this county with a population of 35,627, there are 1,833 health professionals with an average weekly wage of $659.
“Each health professional job support about two additional jobs and every dollar spent by a hospital supports $2 of additional business activity,” Higgins said, referring to it as the “ripple effect.
“The ripple effect continues when you have the health care workers spending their dollars here, directly impacting the community,” said Higgins.
In sales tax alone, Jackson County should receive $955,550 from this sector in 2004, according to Higgins’ figures.
The health care sector provides an economic mainstay for the community, growing 2.3 percent annually, Higgins pointed out in his presentation.
Additionally, rural hospitals provide an anchor for other health care jobs, he said, such as pharmacists and emerging health-related businesses.
“Rural hospitals also provide a source of high-tech job opportunities for young people who might otherwise leave the area,” he said.
From the 2002 figures used in his study, Higgins said Jackson County has 72 physicians. Of those, 35 are primary care 12 family practice, three general practice, 11 internal medicine, four obstetrics/gynecology, and five pediatrics.
Additionally, there are 300 registered nurses, 14 nurse practitioners, two certified midwives and 64 licensed practical nurses.
The county has 15 dentists and 15 dental hygienists, three chiropractors, three optometrists, 18 pharmacists, 25 physical therapists, 10 physical therapist assistants, seven physicians assistants, one podiatrist, 16 practicing phycologists and 13 psychological associates.
Higgins estimated the county will see 140 additional health care professionals by 2007.
“Health care is important to the economic vitality of this community,” Higgins said.
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