Hospitals play significant roles in their community, economy

Hospitals play a critical role in the health of Americans, but many people are unaware of the economic and community benefits hospitals provide. This week, let's take a closer look at this issue.

Nationwide hospitals employ more than 5 million people and represent the second largest source of private sector jobs in the United States. But the impact of hospitals doesn't stop there. Hospitals and hospital employees purchase goods and services from other businesses, which creates additional jobs and economic activity.

The American Hospital Association recently released a report which found that hospitals:

• Are the second largest source of private sector jobs, employing more than 5 million people;

• Directly or indirectly support one of every 10 jobs in the U.S.;

• Support nearly $1.9 trillion of economic activity.

On a local level, Bonner General Hospital makes a similar type of impact on our economic landscape. In 2007, a study assessing the hospital's economic contributions to the Bonner County economy found that the hospital:

• Is the fourth largest employer in Bonner County, employing 425 people;

• Supports approximately $41 million of economic activity.

Bonner General Hospital's economic contribution includes wages paid to hospital employees; goods and services that the hospital purchases from local businesses (e.g., medical supplies, insurance, utilities, etc.); and the ripple effect that occurs when hospital employees use their wages to purchase local goods and services such as groceries, cars or household goods.

In addition to these economic benefits, Bonner General Hospital provides various special programs to help meet the broader health needs of our community, such as diabetes education, adult exercise programs, and grief support programs. Through its "BGH Cares" program, the hospital also provides healthcare services for free or at a reduced cost for patients with limited financial means. 

Both nationally and here at home, hospitals play a significant role in helping to promote not just the physical health of their patients, but also the economic health of their communities. Now more than ever, meaningful changes are necessary to ensure that hospitals can continue to fulfill these vital functions.

• Lynda Metz is the director of community development at Bonner General Hospital.