Job One at Valley Children’s Healthcare is saving lives and keeping kids healthy. But a new independent report also illuminates the nonprofit hospital system’s economic clout in the San Joaquin Valley.

The report from the Bay Area Council Economic Institute analyzed Valley Children’s operations across 12 counties and revealed the power of its economic engine.

Here are the highlights of the council’s analysis:

• $1.02 billion in annual average economic impact related to operations in 12 counties;
• 6,170 full-time equivalent jobs supported within the region;
• $600+ million invested annually in wages, operating expenses and capital spending;
• $41 million generated each year in state and local tax revenue;
• Each $1 Valley Children’s spends results in $1.69 of total economic activity generated locally.

“This report matters because a stronger community creates better conditions for children and their families,” Todd Suntrapak, president and CEO of Valley Children’s Healthcare, said in a news release.

“By creating more than 6,100 jobs, Valley Children’s is helping families provide stability, and when communities are stronger, kids have better access to healthcare and a greater opportunity to grow and thrive. We are proud to contribute to that across Central California.”

Fresno County Impact

Fresno County provides the largest share of Valley Children’s workforce and its economic punch, according to the report:

• 75% of Valley Children’s employees live in Fresno County;
• 2,477 full-time equivalent employees earn $308 million in total wages annually;
• Wages earned by those employees generate an additional $231.5 million in economic activity and support an additional 1,339 local jobs;
• Total economic impact in Fresno County is $663 million;
• Valley Children’s median wage is nearly 50% higher than metro Fresno’s average annual wage.

“Having 75% of all Valley Children’s employees living in Fresno County is significant for us, because those are doctors, nurses, and professional staff who are making a good living at a good-paying job – and they are investing that into our community,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “Additionally, it’s good to know as a parent that you can take your children to Valley Children’s right across the river and get first-class medical care, and we should all be very thankful for that and never take Valley Children’s for granted.”

Madera County Impact

Dyer’s reference to “right across the river” references the fact that while Valley Children’s anchor hospital is part of greater Fresno, it is in Madera County.

The report broke down Valley Children’s economic contributions to that county as well. Here are the highlights:

• Largest private employer in Madera County;
• 1,130 local jobs supported;
• $143 million in annual expenditures, including wages, operating expenses and capital investment;
• $230 million in local economic activity.

“Valley Children’s in Madera County is a source of pride and a great honor,” said Madera County Supervisor Robert Poythress. “It’s a true game changer, not only for the care it provides to kids, but for the jobs and long-term careers it brings to our community. When we talk about attracting people to our county, we can also say that if you have kids, we have one of the top children’s hospitals in the entire nation in our backyard.”