LA GRANDE — Hospitals are crucial to providing health care in Eastern Oregon, but a recent study found they also play a vital role in the regional economy.

As the largest private employer in Union County, President and CEO Jeremy Davis said Grande Ronde Hospital employs more than 800 personnel between the critical access hospital and the 21 outpatient clinics.

“Our commitment extends beyond health care — we contribute approximately $80 million annually in wages and benefits, making up 4.7% of the local workforce,” Davis said. “With many of our GRH family living locally, their impact beyond the walls of GRH are immense. As a financially strong, independent hospital, we continue to grow, ensuring that high-quality health care and economic stability remain cornerstones of our community.”

The Hospital Associations of Oregon in a recent report found hospitals in Eastern Oregon generate $995 million in economic activity in Baker, Grant, Harney, Morrow, Malheur, Lake, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Gilliam and Wheeler counties, according to a press release from GRH.

In Eastern Oregon, community hospitals employ 3,680 workers with a payroll topping $367.1 million, according to the economic impact study. Hospitals also help create 5,840 jobs in the area, with a payroll of $465.7 million, through the purchase of goods and 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,” Hospital Association of Oregon President and CEO Becky Hultberg said in the press release. “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.”

The economic impact study highlights the important roles hospitals play in local communities. Across the state, community hospitals generate $32.4 billion in economic activity and create 160,000 jobs, according to the report.

However, the data from the report suggests hospitals are struggling — finding more than half of the community hospitals are not consistently able to cover the costs of providing care.

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