Across the state, Oregon’s hospitals are working to improve the health of the communities they serve. In 2021, they invested nearly $2 billion in community benefit programs. These investments are one of many reasons why Oregonians can count on their hospitals to deliver quality care, whenever they need it.
In Oregon, total hospital community benefit increased by 12.9% to $1.97 billion between FY 2020 and 2021. Community benefit investments also reflect hospitals’ commitment to supporting programs and services for Oregonians that extend well beyond caring for patients.
FY 2020 and 2021
From urban centers to rural communities, our hospitals are working on a variety of projects and services that are specifically tailored to improving the health of the communities that they serve.
Here are just a few examples:
Wallowa Memorial Hospital is helping to prevent life-threatening falls with a research-based, collaborative program that has received a Rural Health Quality Award fron the Oregon Office of Rural Health for outstanding performance in community engagement.
On a hot summer day in Hermiston, 22 swimmers with disabilities had a great time cooling off at the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center. The outing was about more than just beating the heat, it was fun with a purpose as the group learned basic swimming skills and life-saving water safety techniques thanks to 18 highly engaged volunteers.
The new legislation, SB 189, which was signed into law on Jan. 1, 2024, allows Oregonians to have a say in what happens to their amputated body parts in accordance with their cultural, religious and spiritual beliefs.
From increasing access to life-saving drugs to expanding diversity in the health care workforce, the Hospital Association of Oregon is committed to helping all people reach their full health potential and well-being.
In the 2023 session, for example, the hospital association supported legislation that:
Every month Hospital Association of Oregon President and CEO Becky Hultberg reflects on the state of Oregon’s health care.
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Community benefit includes many types of health-related services that Oregon’s community hospitals provide, without compensation, to address health needs in the community. Some examples of these services are free or discounted health care through financial assistance and “charity care,” financial or in-kind support for public health programs, health education, screening, prevention services, medical research, medical education, community health investments, and more.
Oregon’s nonprofit hospitals and health systems are driven by a mission to provide high-quality health care to all no matter their ability to pay. They are dedicated to promoting and improving the health of local communities and their residents by providing a range of vital services. Much of what influences our health happens outside of hospitals and doctor’s offices, which is why hospitals’ community benefit programs often extend to our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
Hospitals in Oregon perform regular community health needs assessments to guide their investments. This information helps hospitals focus on addressing social determinants of health such as safe housing, transportation and access to nutritious food. Hospitals have valuable partnerships with local service providers to maximize the impact of investments in ways that best serve their community’s needs.
Learn more about this contribution from Oregon’s community hospitals.
