MADERA, Calif. – A new independent report shows Valley Children’s Healthcare plays a major role in Central California’s economy, generating more than $1 billion in annual economic activity while supporting thousands of jobs across the region.
The analysis, conducted by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, examined Valley Children’s operations across 12 Central California counties and found the healthcare network functions as both a regional pediatric care leader and a significant economic engine.
According to the report, Valley Children’s annual operations generate an average of $1.02 billion in economic activity across the region and support 6,170 full-time equivalent jobs. More than $600 million is invested each year through wages, operating expenses and capital spending, while $41 million in state and local tax revenue is generated annually.
The report also found the organization has a strong ripple effect, with an economic multiplier of 1.69, meaning every dollar Valley Children’s spends results in $1.69 in total local economic activity.
“This report matters because a stronger community creates better conditions for children and their families,” said Todd Suntrapak, President and CEO of Valley Children’s Healthcare. “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 at the Center of Valley Children’s Economic Footprint
The impact is most pronounced in communities where Valley Children’s employees live and where families rely on pediatric care. Fresno County accounts for the largest share of the organization’s workforce and economic footprint.
Seventy-five percent of Valley Children’s workforce lives in cities throughout Fresno County. The healthcare network supports 2,477 full-time equivalent employees in the county, who earn a combined $308 million in wages each year. Those wages generate an additional $231.5 million in local economic activity and support 1,339 more jobs, according to the report.
Overall, Valley Children’s total economic impact in Fresno County is estimated at $663 million. The median wage for its employees is nearly 50% higher than the average annual wage within the Fresno Metropolitan Statistical Area.
“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.
That investment by the workforce of Valley Children’s flows to the City of Fresno through property and sales taxes, strengthening the tax base that funds essential services such as police and fire protection, road maintenance and local parks, Mayor Dyer said.
“If we don’t have people shopping and living in our city, we’re not able to provide those essential services,” said Mayor Dyer. “So it’s important that we have employers like Valley Children’s that provide good-paying jobs for people who live in our city and shop in our city. That’s a significant economic impact for the city of Fresno.”
Valley Children’s Hospital Brings Investment and Pride to Madera County
While the majority of Valley Children’s employees live in Fresno County, Valley Children’s Hospital itself is located in Madera County, where it is the county’s largest private employer.
The report found Valley Children’s supports 1,130 local jobs in Madera County and spends $143 million annually through wages, operating costs and capital investments. That spending generates approximately $230 million in local economic activity.
“Having 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.”
As the region’s population grows, Supervisor Poythress says the hospital serves as a key asset in attracting both residents and businesses.
“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,” he said.
Specialized Care Keeps Central California Families Close to Home
Valley Children’s serves more than 1.3 million children across Central California, providing specialized pediatric care that otherwise might require families to travel outside the region. That impact isn’t lost on Supervisor Poythress or Mayor Dyer, who have both had their grandchildren treated at Valley Children’s.
“It’s good to know as a parent – or a grandparent – 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,” Mayor Dyer said.
The report notes that keeping care local helps retain healthcare spending, medical expertise and jobs, while allowing children to remain close to home during treatment.
“Having an economic footprint that stretches from the Sierra to the Pacific reflects the size and reach of our healthcare network and the role Valley Children’s plays in the region’s economy,” Suntrapak said.
“While that strength matters, the most important factor continues to be our commitment to the care and health of children. Whether families come to us through the emergency room or for scheduled visits, ensuring kids receive the care they need is central to all we do and what we must never forget.”
To read the report in full, click here.
