South Coast hospitals generate $555 million in economic activity

February 28, 2025

South Coast hospitals generate $555 million in economic activity

March 3, 2025, Bay Area Hospital announced findings from a new economic impact study which found that hospitals on Oregon’s South Coast generate $555 million in economic activity in Douglas, Curry, and Coos counties and help create more than 3,000 jobs in the region.

Commissioned by the Hospital Association of Oregon, 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.

“Bay Area Hospital contributes to the local economy by supporting a healthy workforce and through the direct economic contributions of employing a large local workforce and purchasing products and services from local businesses,” stated Brian Moore, President, and CEO of Bay Area Hospital. Moore added, “We believe that a strong local economy helps us achieve our mission to improve the health of the community every day. By generating $555 million in economic activity and creating over 3,000 jobs, our Southern Oregon hospitals are providing essential healthcare services and serving as vital pillars of our region’s economic stability and growth.”

The report notes that Oregon’s community hospitals employ 1,760 workers on the south coast, with a payroll topping $201.7 million. Additionally, through purchasing goods and services, hospitals help create a total of 3,110 jobs in the area with a payroll of $2.67 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.” Download the One-Pager from the Hospital Association of Oregon on the economic impact of Senate District no. 5, which includes Bay Area Hospital.