Northwest Oregon Hospitals Drive $605M Impact, 3,200 Jobs

Adventist Health Tillamook announced findings from a new economic impact study which found that hospitals in Northwest Oregon generate $605 million in economic activity in Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook counties and help create nearly 3,200 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.

“Adventist Health Tillamook is proud to serve as both a healthcare provider and an economic engine for our region,” said Eric Swanson, President of Adventist Health Tillamook. “In 2024 alone, our dedicated team supported over 84,000 clinic visits, 10,600 emergency department visits, 5,000 ambulance calls and 1,800 surgical procedures. With 546 associates, 41 physicians and providers, and nearly 50 volunteers, our hospital and clinics are not only delivering essential care across Tillamook County and beyond — they are also helping sustain local jobs, support families and contribute to the overall well-being of the communities we serve. As we continue to invest in people, technology, and access, we remain committed to being a trusted partner in health and a vital part of Northwest Oregon’s economic future.”

The report notes that Oregon’s community hospitals employ 1,610 workers in Northwest Oregon, with a payroll topping $185.9 million. Additionally, through purchasing goods and services, hospitals help create a total of 3,200 jobs in the area with a payroll of $260.2 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.”