Gorge area hospitals generate $443 million in economic activity, help create 8,300 jobs in the region

It notes that Oregon's community hospitals employ 7,330 workers in the Gorge region, with a payroll topping $137 million. Additionally, through purchasing goods and services, hospitals help create a total of 8,300 jobs in the area with a payroll of $190.3 million.  

"Oregon's community hospitals are more than just places we turn to when we are sick or injured--they are pillars of our community," said Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Hospital Association of Oregon. "In every area of our state, the local hospital is a foundational employer, offering jobs at every educational level and helping spur growth in the local economy." 

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.  

This report underscores the important role that hospitals play in Oregon 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.  

"We can't have a strong Oregon without strong community hospitals," said Hultberg. "It is important that we recognize the tremendous contributions they make in every corner or our state and take action to support community hospitals so they can continue to offer the services we all depend on."