The Hospital Association of Oregon has announced findings from a new economic impact study which found that Southern Oregon hospitals generate $3.1 billion in economic activity in Jackson, Josephine and Klamath counties while helping to create nearly 15,000 jobs in the region.
The report highlights the vital role hospitals play in the regional economy and reinforces the need for their financial stability to protect patient care and access to health service.
It notes that Oregon's community hospitals employ 6,310 workers in Southern Oregon, with payroll topping $841.9 million. Through purchasing goods and services, regional hospitals help create a total of 14,940 jobs in the area with a payroll of $1.3 billion.
Statewide, Oregon's community hospitals generate $32.4 billion in economic activity and help create 160,000 jobs. Hospitals directly employ nearly 70,000 people in positions ranging from nurses and doctors to respiratory therapists, environmental services, medical assistants, support staff and more.
The report underscores the important role that Oregon hospitals play in local communities and it comes at a time when many hospitals are struggling. The latest data shows that more than half of Oregon's community hospitals are consistently not able to cover the costs of providing care.
Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Hospital Association of Oregon, said we can't have a strong Oregon without strong community hospitals. She said "it's important that we recognize the tremendous contributions they make in every corner of our state and take action to support community hospitals so they can continue to offer the services we all depend on."
