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» A magazine for and about Oregon Community Hospitals.
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This could be the period of greatest uncertainty I’ve seen
hospital leaders face in my 25 years of health policy work.
From the federal winds of change around the Affordable Care Act to the unprecedented state Med-
icaid budget issues here in Oregon the challenges are myriad.
I take comfort in knowing that despite this uncertainty, hospitals will continue to deliver the highest-
quality care to the sickest and most vulnerable members of our communities 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, 365 days a year.
Whether it’s caring for infants and children, providing specialized services for women and seniors,
or addressing the health needs of families from all walks of life, Oregon’s hospitals change lives for
the better.
But that’s just one part of what we do. The commitment to health care goes well beyond the hos-
pital walls. Oregon’s hospitals work with local community partners, residents, businesses, schools,
government and other health and human service providers to identify and address key local needs
that affect the health of individuals daily.
In 2015, Oregon’s community hospitals provided $1.9 billion in community benefit activities. In that
same year, hospitals experienced 346,000 inpatient stays, 1.4 million emergency room visits, and 11
million outpatient visits, and welcomed more than 44,000 new babies into the world.
In this special issue of Hospital Voice, we spotlight some of the important and innovative ways Ore-
gon’s hospitals have committed to improving the health of Oregonians, from offering health care
training to low-income high school students, to investing in health-focused housing, to providing
free health screenings, and countless other programs.
It’s heartening to know that this commitment remains, despite unpredictability and constant change.
It serves as a reminder that in times of uncertainty, every Oregonian will continue to have access to
their community hospitals and the resources they need to live happy and healthy lives.
Andy Davidson
President & CEO
Oregon Association of Hospitals & Health Systems
To find out more about your community hospitals, please visit us online at
www.oahhs.org.