Compass Memorial Healthcare Strengthens Community Health and Economic Vitality with a $77.5 Million Impact
August, 2026New data released as part of the Iowa Hospital Association's (IHA) annual community benefit and economic impact report highlights the vital role hospitals play not only in providing care, but also in strengthening local economies and supporting healthier communities.
In 2025, Compass Memorial Healthcare (CMH) provided more than $851,700 in community benefits and served 180,733 patients in total in 2025, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
The study was compiled from hospital-submitted data to the American Hospital Association’s annual survey of hospitals. The statewide report released by IHA found that Iowa hospitals collectively provided more than $1.4 billion in community benefits, employed 146,616 individuals, and generated significant economic activity throughout the state. As an income source, hospitals provide over $10.4 billion in wages. Hospital expenses accounted for over $24.8 billion of the state’s gross domestic product.
In 2025, Compass Memorial Healthcare:
- Provided $851,700 in community benefits
- Supported 440.5 jobs across the state economy, 266 direct CMH employees and an estimated 174.5 additional positions in organizations and industries that help deliver and expand healthcare services throughout CMH’s service area.
- Paid $40,500,000 in salaries and wages
- Recorded 180,733 patient visits, admissions and encounters.
- Contributed to the local economy through investment in services, facilities, supplies and workforce development, and various support and donations to all of its communities.
“Our mission extends far beyond the walls of our hospital and clinics, and healthcare. Every day, we invest in programs and services that improve lives, strengthen our communities, and help ensure patients have access to the care they need close to home. We are proud to serve as both a trusted healthcare provider and a significant economic partner in our service area.”
Barry Goettsch, Chief Executive Officer
Community benefit programs support local health needs and help remove barriers that can affect access to care. These efforts may include:
- Charity care and uncompensated health services
- Community health screenings and immunization clinics
- Mental and behavioral health programs
- Nutrition and wellness education
- Transportation assistance for patients
- Health career education and workforce development initiatives
- Partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations
“Every day, Iowa hospitals invest in the health and vitality of their communities,” said Chris Mitchell, IHA President and CEO. “The community benefits highlighted in this report reflect a deep commitment to improving lives, expanding access to care and addressing local health needs. At the same time, hospitals are creating jobs, strengthening local economies and serving as anchors for communities across Iowa.”
“As healthcare needs continue to evolve, hospitals remain essential to the strength and vitality of Iowa communities. We are committed to improving health outcomes, supporting our workforce, and investing in the future of the communities we serve.”
Barry Goettsch, Chief Executive Officer
To learn more about Compass Memorial Healthcare and the economic impact of hospitals across the state of Iowa, visit the Iowa Hospital Association’s Economic Impact and Community Benefit wepage below.
Economic Impact and Community Benefits | Iowa Hospital Association
About Compass Memorial Healthcare
Compass Memorial Healthcare (CMH) has served Iowa County and surrounding communities since 1956. CMH continues to lead with excellence, as an employer and a trusted provider to its communities, delivering expert healthcare services close to home. With a network of seven clinics and one hospital, CMH is guided by its mission to provide remarkable healthcare that makes a difference in the well-being of the communities and patients it serves. Discover the difference at Compass Memorial Healthcare. Learn more at www.compassmemorial.org.
About the Iowa Hospital Association
Since its founding in 1929, the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) has served as the unified voice for Iowa’s hospitals and health systems. As a nonprofit association committed to advancing health care across the state through advocacy, education and data services, the organization supports 121 Iowa hospitals and health systems in achieving their goals and delivering high-quality care to the communities they serve. IHA advocates for sound health policy at both the state and federal levels, provides year-round professional development opportunities, and delivers actionable data insights to help hospitals improve care delivery. Together with its members, IHA is reimagining healthcare in Iowa for life-changing outcomes.
