Forrest Health presents information from Southern Miss economic impact study

Hattiesburg, Miss. (June 29, 2017) – The Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship completed its study on the economic impact of Forrest General Hospital, Hattiesburg Clinic, and Southern Bone and Joint on the city of Hattiesburg and the surrounding areas. On Thursday, June 29, Forrest General hosted a news conference to present the data compiled in this study.

The research team found that these healthcare providers contributed $1.4 billion to the region’s economy in 2016, supported over ten thousand jobs, and invested a four-year average of $36.2 million in capital construction. Their investments in capital construction resulted in 262 jobs. Additionally, all three organizations are heavily involved in the community with more than $1.4 million in sponsorships, employee contributions, and fundraising events. They hosted and/or sponsored 97 community outreach events in 2016 which reached an estimated 57,000 people.

The economic contribution of Forrest Health, Hattiesburg Clinic, and Southern Bone and Joint was calculated using data provided by those entities as well as secondary data collection. Some of the factors considered in the study were pay and benefits, number of employees, revenue, and expenditures.

For more information about the Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship visit https://www.usm.edu/trent-lott-national-center.