Swenson, David A.; Eathington, Liesl

December 2009

This report is an evaluation of the regional economic value of the state’s four Mental Health Institutions (MHI) at Cherokee, Clarinda, Independence, and Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The report estimates the linked regional economic value of each facility, and by implication, the consequences to the host county economy were a facility to close. Those consequences are measured as both economic and fiscal impact assessments. An economic impact assessment details job and income changes that would accrue. A fiscal impact assessment provides projections of the consequences of an economic change on the ability of a region to generate local government revenues and provide local services. Because a relocation of services will have implications for patients and patients’ families, estimates are also provided to assist policy makers to gauge the travel and time costs to families due to a closing decision. The report also contains highly detailed information about each region’s overall economy, its demographic characteristics, and pertinent trends and changes in the areas of study.

JEL Classification: A10

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