March 3, 2025
The Hospital Association of Oregon released a new economic impact study showing that Oregon’s community hospitals generate $32.4 billion in economic activity and support 160,000 jobs statewide. These findings highlight the vital role hospitals play in the state’s economy and reinforce the need for their financial stability to protect patient care and access to health services.
“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.”
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.
“Columbia Memorial Hospital, located in Clatsop County, employs nearly 1,000 employees making it the county’s largest employer. The majority of these employees live in and support the local community and economy,” says Erik Thorsen, CMH CEO. “In addition, CMH provides significant financial support to numerous community organizations, youth athletic programs, and the local community college nursing program, as well as providing scholarships to local high school students and financial support for local childcare programs.”
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 unable to cover the costs of providing care, which is forcing some to reduce or eliminate services
“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.”
