Report: Conemaugh fueled local economy by $61.5 million last year

Randy Griffith, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·2 min read

Mar. 26—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Increases in tax payments and free care led to a $5,031,351 jump in Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center's financial impact on the Johnstown community during 2023, compared to 2022.

The 2023 Community Benefit Report was published online Monday, showing the hospital's continued impact on health and economic vitality of the Laurel Highlands. The annual report outlines the various ways the hospital is working to support the health and economic vitality of the Greater Johnstown community as part of its mission of making communities healthier.

"As a leading healthcare provider in the Greater Johnstown area, (Conemaugh Memorial) is committed to providing high-quality care close to home, investing in our region's overall well-being, and making a positive impact on those we serve," hospital CEO Rodney D. Reid said in a press release. "This year's report demonstrates our continued efforts to provide compassionate care — both inside and outside our hospital walls."

The report shows the hospital added $61,549,646 to the local economy, up from $56,518,295 In 2022, but includes a mixed bag of factors.

The press release, for example, says the $24,255,037 in uncompensated and charity care shows Conemaugh's "continuous commitment to ensuring everyone has access to care, regardless of their ability to pay."

That amount represents a whopping 60% increase over 2022 and it was offset by reduced financial contributions in other areas.

Contributions totaling $7,086,785 through its Community Benefits Program were down 37% from 2022. The program invests in recruiting and professional training that builds the area's employment.

The for-profit hospital paid $30,207,284 in local and state taxes, while also continuing its support of local activities and organizations committed to serving the region, including the American Heart Association, the 1889 Foundation, The United Way of Laurel Highlands, Highlands Health Clinic, Cambria County Drug Coalition, Tomahawks Hockey, Johnstown Mill Rats, and the Community Veterans Initiative.

In 2023, Conemaugh Memorial added 139 providers — including doctors, physician assistants and certified registered nurses — in anesthesiology, cardiology, critical care, family and emergency medicine, gastroenterology, internal and pain medicine, neurology, obstetrics/gynecology, occupational medicine, psychiatry, radiation oncology and more.

But total employment and payroll remained relatively steady at around 2,400 workers and nearly $230 million, respectively, last year.

"We are proud to call Johnstown our home, and we feel incredibly grateful for the continued support of all those who entrust us with their care. Our success would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our providers, employees, and volunteers," Reider said. "As we look ahead to the future, we are so excited to continue improving how we serve our neighbors and communities."