NTX Magazine Volume 9 | Page 14

GROWTH SPURT The report’s data suggests a changing and diversifying economy in North Texas over the past 30-plus years, with service-related sectors, including healthcare, becoming more dominant, and a population boom that exceeds the national average: 2000-2010: population increased by 22.1 percent in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, by 20.6 percent RICHARDSON: HIGH-TECH HUB OF HEALTHCARE INNOVATION From partnerships with schools and universities to cutting-edge research and outstanding treatment facilities, Richardson offers the latest healthcare know-how and skills to meet tomorrow’s challenges. for the state and 9.7 percent for the nation. 2010-2016 : population is estimated to have increased in the Dallas-Fort Worth area by 11.7 percent and in the state by 10.8 percent, as compared to national rate of only 4.7 percent. 1980-2010: manufacturing as a percent of the private employment dropped from 21.3 percent to 7.0 percent. At the 1990-2000: Dallas- Fort Worth-area population increased by 27.7 percent, while the overall population in Texas The University of Texas at Dallas health services sector Through partnerships with UT Southwestern and facilities like the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, researchers at UT Dallas are devising new techniques and materials to create innovative medical solutions to a variety of ailments and disorders. employment grew 40.1 increased 22.8 percent, as percent compared to the compared to the national rate of total area employment 13.2 percent. increasing 17.5 percent. Methodist Richardson Medical Center Richardson’s acute-care hospital recently broke ground on an $85 million expansion, which will include two additional floors with 150 beds, a seven-story parking garage and a ninth operating room. This state-of-the-art medical center has grown to more than 1,700 employees and 500 physicians in 40 specialties. 2010-2050: the North Texas area is projected to increase by 45.8 percent, and the state is projected to increase same time, services jobs (including by 47.7 percent, compared to healthcare) increased from 23.6 the national growth rate of percent of private employment 2005-2015: the 38.4 percent. Love cautions to not stop at dollar signs and headcount numbers when it comes to measuring healthcare’s impact on North Texas. services to 49.2 percent. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas when people are admitted to the hospitals, they get excellent care. But the hospitals truly are trying to look at the full continuum of care and do as much community health and action as possible to prevent people from needing to come to the hospital,” Love noted. From imploring citizens to lead healthy lifestyles, including getting 12 WWW.NTC-DFW.ORG SUMMER 2018 their blood pressure checked, improving their diet and getting exercise, providers also work on large-scale, national efforts with the American Heart Association, the March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society. “It’s important for people to know that the personnel Steve Love of the DFW Hospital Council addressing the March of Dimes March for Babies delivering service really care about the communities,” he said. The fact that North Texas is blessed with a tremendous amount of knowledge capital, in addition to healthcare dollars, is not lost on the members of the DFWHC, a group that was formed almost 50 years ago to address the challenges of healthcare. Today, the organization’s members meet regularly to discuss ways to positively influence clinical outcomes, share best practices in patient safety and find ways to support the health of the community. As the only hospital council in the state, the DFWHC is often called upon nationally to share their expertise with other councils across the country. “When you look at healthcare throughout the U.S., one size doesn’t fit all – it’s delivered locally,” Love said, “and the way it’s delivered is different everywhere. We are blessed here. The hospitals in North Texas are good stewards of the community.” The headquarters for the state’s largest health insurer is located in Richardson, employing nearly 3,000 people in a 1 million-square-foot, high-rise development. UnitedHealthcare A global leader in healthcare, UnitedHealthcare’s Texas headquarters is located in Richardson and is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives. Methodist Campus for Continuing Care A beacon of hope and healing, Methodist’s Campbell Road Campus for Continuing Care offers a full-service emergency department, as well as specialized behavioral health and addiction recovery services. Methodist Richardson Medical Center www.cor.net