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For Immediate Release
September 19, 2006 |
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Economic Opportunities and
Challenges
Created by Regional Health Care Trends
to be Measured as Part of
One Coast, One Future Initiative
Washington, D.C. – A comprehensive look at the region’s
health care needs and the resultant employment and economic
development opportunities in the health care industry has
been launched by The Business Council of Fairfield County.
The Health Care Cluster Initiative is one of six components
of the One Coast, One Future consortium focusing on economic
growth and job creation in the Coastal Fairfield County region.
One Coast, One Future is funded by a nearly $1,000,000 federal
grant procured by Congressman Shays.
"One Coast, One Future is designed to identify ways
our region can develop economically,” stated Congressman
Christopher Shays. “With an aging population in Fairfield
County, healthcare needs, and therefore opportunities, are
increasing. The Health Care Cluster Initiative will lead the
way in assessing what needs we have and ways to maximize our
response to those needs."
There are several demographic shifts in the region’s
population that will create an increased demand for health
and fitness related services. The overall demand created by
one the region’s largest population segments, the aging
and affluent baby-boomers, and the health services required
by the rapidly growing immigrant population present multiple
entrepreneurial opportunities for both the profit and non-profit
sectors.
“This is the first time the region has examined the
economic impacts of the health care needs of our rapidly changing
population,” stated Christopher Bruhl, President &
CEO, The Business Council of Fairfield County. “For
the economic and physical well-being of the region we need
to be prepared to serve this market with high quality, affordable,
efficiently delivered services.”
An RFP for consulting services was issued earlier in the
year. A team of employers, educators, health care providers,
and insurers selected Holt, Wexler & Farnam to provide
the professional services required to conduct the study.
The Health Care Cluster Steering Committee, supported by
Holt, Wexler & Farnam, will analyze demographic data to
identify emerging and future services needs and determine
the region’s ability to meet those needs. This assessment
will measure the economic impact of these emerging trends
in the areas of health care employment, new business opportunities,
housing development and higher education program expansion.
Finally, a plan will be developed to assist the Economic Development
leaders of Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford municipal governments
to include health care services, facilities, providers and
related businesses in their respective growth plans.
For more information on the Health Care Cluster Initiative
please contact Lisa Mercurio at 203-705-0683.
Contact: Sarah Moore, 202/225-5541
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