March 3, 2025
The Hospital Association of Oregon announced findings from a new economic impact study which found that hospitals in Oregon’s Mid-Valley generate $2.9 billion in economic activity in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties and help create more than 14,300 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 services.
“Salem Health is a community-based non-profit and the region’s largest employer,” said Cheryl Wolfe, president and CEO of Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics. “We carry on a 125 year tradition centered on doing what’s best for our community’s long-term health and vitality. We’re proud to employ thousands of team members that are deeply committed to the health of our community, and to contribute to its economic health.”
The report notes that Oregon’s community hospitals employ 6,880 workers in the Mid-Valley region, with a payroll topping $995.5 million. Additionally, through purchasing goods and services, hospitals help create a total of 14,320 jobs in the area with a payroll of $1.4 billion.
“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.”
