Study: Global-health efforts give state shot in the arm

Work aimed at improving global health is enriching Washington's economy, creating $4.1 billion in business activity and supporting 44,000 jobs, according to a University of Washington study to be released today.

The study attempts to quantify the growing impact of global-health activities in the state, from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to rural health clinics. The scope of the research included work by nonprofits, businesses, universities and government in areas such as medical biotechnology, infectious diseases, reproductive health and family planning.

Combined, those activities account for $1.8 billion in labor income and $141 million in state tax revenues, the researchers found.

Taking a broad definition of global health, the study combined international activities by organizations like the Gates Foundation with work in Washington state to improve the health of immigrants, refugees and Native Americans.

It attributed more than 3,500 jobs in Washington state to organizations and companies addressing global health in low-income countries abroad, and more than 10,000 state jobs to organizations and companies working domestically. At an average salary of $56,000, the jobs pay 37 percent above the state average.

Including spinoff or indirect jobs, such as clerical workers employed at research institutes, the study found a total of 44,000 jobs created.

"This research effort confirms what so many of us believe — Washington is leading the world in global health and building bridges around the world through scientific collaborations, philanthropic investments and direct services to communities," said Gov. Christine Gregoire, who requested the study.

The research was conducted by a UW team including William Beyers, professor of geography; Amy Hagopian, professor in the School of Public Health and Community Medicine; Jennifer Devine, co-director of the Global Washington Initiative; and Sally Weatherford, finance and administration director of the Department of Global Health.

Another report, called "The Global State of Washington," addresses how Washington state citizens are involved in health, poverty, social justice, economic development, the environment and global learning.

The study identified 350 nonprofit organizations and foundations supporting international projects for sustainable development, and 500 organizations working domestically on sustainable development concerning international populations and the environment.

The results of both studies will be presented at the Global State of Washington Forum today at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.

Kristi Heim: 206-464-2718 or kheim@seattletimes.com