We recently partnered with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, commonly known as IFAS to conduct a study on the impact our enterprise has on the city of Jacksonville and extending to the state of Florida. As a result of this partnership, an economic impact report was developed and outlines how activity associated directly and indirectly with UF Health Jacksonville is a significant component of the regional economy and beyond.

The report shows that our total economic contributions to the city of Jacksonville in 2017 – 2018 are estimated at $2.72 billion in industry output or sales revenues, $1.63 billion in total added value and 18,875 full-time and part-time jobs supported. This represents a significant economic footprint and contribution to making the greater community a healthier place.

We directly supported more than 7,600 jobs (full-time and part-time employees), making us the third-largest private employer behind Florida Blue and Baptist Health. This includes UF Health Jacksonville, UF Health North, UFJP, UF Health Science Center Jacksonville, UF Health Proton Therapy Institute and contract employees.

The numbers are truly impressive and reflective of the quality of work you deliver every day. Overall, the report showcases how we continue to be a leader in education of health professionals, a hub for clinical research and a unique provider of high-quality patient care. The results will help us further inform public policy discussions around health care, higher education, medical research and economic development in the region and across the state.

It will also help us with philanthropic efforts, which is a key area that we will be focusing on in 2020. This is timely because we have recently welcomed a new member to our leadership team, Kimberly Jones. She is the chief development officer for UF Health Jacksonville and assistant vice president of development for COMJ. In this dual role, she will help build a comprehensive philanthropy program and manage a high-level portfolio of leadership and principal gift prospects.