Study Shows Local Hospitals Generate Billions in Economic Activity and Create 15,000 Jobs

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. ...Read more

Central Point Risk Manager Named "Rising Safety Star" at State GOSH Conference

Seven leaders in on-the-job safety and health were honored with awards at the 2025 Oregon Governor's Occupational Safety and Health (GOSH) Conference during a ceremony this week at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. A panel of industry professionals judges the awards, which honor extraordinary contributions to the field of workplace safety and health. The categories include rising safety star, business leader, safety committee or team, safety and health professional and workplace safety program. The Rising Safety Star Award recognizes a safety and health professional who, early in their career, is blazing a path in the profession. This year's winner was Heather Ashwill, the safety and risk manager for the City of Central Point. The GOSH conference is a joint effort of the American Society of Safety Professionals Columbia-Willamette Chapter, Oregon OSHA, and labor and businesses in Oregon and southwest Washington. Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. ...Read more

Support Josephine County Food Bank and Pick Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich in GP

Who makes the best grilled cheese sandwich in Grants Pass? You can help decide during the month of March while supporting your local food bank. Every time you buy a signature grilled cheese between now and the end of the month from a participating restaurant, they will donate $2 to the Josephine County Food Bank. At the end of March, the restaurant that sells the most sandwiches will have bragging rights as having the "Best Grilled Cheese in Grants Pass." You can also vote online for three additional categories" "Most Unique," "Most Gourmet" and "Cheesiest." Enter for your chance to win a $100 gift card. Pick up a punch card at any participating restaurant. Each time you buy a grilled cheese sandwich, get your card initialed. Once you purchase five sandwiches, turn your card in at a participating restaurant to be entered in a drawing for a $100 gift certificate from Safeway/Albertsons. For more information, please visit "jocofoodbank.org." Say Cheese! ...Read more