Washington County Hospital and Clinics employees spend nearly $3.4 million on retail sales, which contributes to over $200,000 in state sales tax revenue according to the latest study from the Iowa Hospital Association. According to the same study, WCHC generates 421 jobs which add $18.8 million to Washington County’s economy. The study examined jobs, income, retail sales and sales tax produced by hospitals across the state. WCHC CEO Dennis Hunger states, “This report documents the importance of health care in our county’s economy. WCHC provides a tremendous value to our local community in both quality healthcare and in the ripple effect of employment and business generated through our daily lifesaving work.” Overall, Iowa hospitals directly employ 71,348 people and create another 45,000 jobs outside the hospital sector.