Oregon’s community hospitals are celebrating National Hospital Week May 10-16 by applauding the dedicated individuals – physicians, nurses, therapists, volunteers, food service workers, and so many more – who help keep their communities healthy everyday. A hospital is more than a place where people go to heal, it is a part of the community that fosters health and represents hope. From providing treatment and comfort to the sick, to welcoming new life into the world, hospitals are central to a healthy and optimistic community. “National Hospital Week, first and foremost, is a celebration of community,” said Andy Van Pelt, executive vice president of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems. “We’re extremely proud of Oregon’s hospitals and we recognize the important role they play in extending a sense of trust to patients in their communities.” In addition to being a major health care provider, Oregon hospitals support the community by contributing to the local economy through jobs, providing charity and uncompensated care to help individuals who cannot afford to pay for the care they receive, and supporting important community programs and wellness initiatives. In fact, this year Oregon hospitals pledged to keep their community benefit levels up during a time when charity care is dropping as more patients join the ranks of the insured because of Medicaid expansion. In Oregon, “community benefit” is defined as health care-related services that nonprofit hospitals provide without the expectation of compensation. These services include (but are not limited to): –Health services to vulnerable or underserved people; –Financial or in-kind support for public health programs; –Health education, health screenings, and prevention services; –Medical research and health professions education; –Community-building activities such as neighborhood revitalization projects, or workforce development programs. In 2013, Oregon hospitals provided more than $1.9 billion in contributions to their communities, while providing care for 336,153 inpatient visits, more than 9.9 million outpatient visits, and more than 1.2 million emergency room visits. These numbers reflect the most recent data available through the Oregon Health Authority. “Oregon hospitals are more than just health care providers,” continued Van Pelt. “They are neighbors, family members and friends. That is what our hospitals are all about: caring for people and communities by providing the high-quality health care they deserve and need.” The nation’s largest health care event, National Hospital Week dates back to 1921 when it was suggested by a magazine editor who hoped a community wide celebration would alleviate public fears about hospitals. The celebration, launched in Chicago, succeeded in promoting trust and goodwill among members of the public and eventually spread to facilities across the country. Follow your community hospital through the website www.myoregonhospital.org.
